The Japanese Navy in World War II; In the Words of Former Japanese Naval Officers

Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1986. Second Edition. Presumed First Printing Thus. Hardcover. Very good/Very good. xxi, [3], 568 pages. Introduction and Commentary by Dr. Raymond O'Connor. Maps. Illustrations. Notes. Sources. Contributors. Index. DAVID C. EVANS (1940-1999) served in the U.S. Navy as an ensign and a lieutenant (junior grade), USNR. He taught history at the University of Virginia and was the associate dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He edited The Japanese Navy in World War II and was the co-author of Kaigun: Strategy, Tactics, and Technology in the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1887-1941. Among the contributors are: Shigeru Fukudome, Mitsuo Fuchida, Koichi Shimada, Toshikazu Ohmae, Masatake Okumiya, Raizo Tanaka, Masatake Chihaya, Minoru Nomura, Tomiji Koyanagi, Atsushi Oi, Rikihei Inoguchi, Tadashi Nakajima, Toshiyuki Yokoi, Mitsuru Yoshida, Kennosuke Torisu, Masatake Chihaya. Lauded by historians and World War II buffs eager for the Japanese viewpoint, this collection of essays makes significant contributions to the field of World War II literature. In it, top-ranking Japanese officers offer their perspectives of the Pacific War. This new edition added five articles to the original twelve to present a full picture of the Japanese navy's role in the war. They provide valuable information on the Japanese strategy, tactics, and operations, as well as insights into its leaders. Vice Admiral Fukudome comes to grips with allegations that the assault on Pearl Harbor represented folly, blundering, and stupidity. Captain Fuchida describes how his bombing group unleashed "devils of doom" on Battleship Row, and Yoshida gives an eye-witness account of the sinking of the famous battleship Yamato. The new contributions discuss operations in the Indian Ocean, the battle of the Philippine Sea, the protection of merchant shipping, submarine warfare, and Japan's overall naval strategy.