Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 4/15/2018 + 2798 more book reviews

I've read a number of books on the "Pearl Harbor Conspiracy." One was so well cited it almost had me convinced. I'm also well-read on MacArthur's role in three wars---WWI, WWII and Korea. I remember how much respect I had for him when I was young. None of that is left. I also have a shelf or more on the "code wars" of World War II. So I consider myself well read in that area too.

As a result, I feel this book does an outstanding job of combining data from numerous books and reviewing what happened at Pearl Harbor and the Philippines. The author is correct in stating Admiral Kimmel and General Short were railroaded to cover up for the intelligence politics being 'waged' from Washington, and the disaster in the Philippines, which should have resulted in MacArthur's relief and court martial. When other commanders were doing the fighting, only MacArthur's self-serving press releases were sent out, while he was 'hiding' safely in the tunnels of Corregidor. This behavior lasted throughout the war in the Pacific and even into Korea. And I won't relate the tale of the large cash payments made to MacArthur and his staff by the president of the Philippines. I'll let the author do that.

This subject is such a sore-point with me I could write pages of indignation for this review. But I'll let you off easy and just suggest, if you are interested in the truth, then read this book.

Thousands of Americans and Filipinos died, over under horrible conditions, due to the egos and stupidity of men in higher commands, who then used Kimmel and Short as covers for their failures. Even after the war, the Army and Navy continued the cover-ups. Men who knew the truth, and could have made significant contributions to the war effort were transferred to dead-end jobs where they would, hopefully, be forgotten.

For whatever reason, the lies are still accepted today, although one Naval officer finally received the medal he deserved, but only years after his death. This was the officer, stationed in Hawaii, who correctly determined Midway was the main target for the Japanese fleet, allowing the U.S. to change the tide of war in the Pacific only six months after the war started.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details