Wade McClusky and the Battle of Midway: : David Rigby: Osprey Publishing

Wade McClusky and the Battle of Midway

Description

During the Battle of Midway in June 1942, US Navy dive bomber pilot Wade McClusky proved himself to be one of the greatest pilots and combat leaders in American history, but his story has never been told – until now.

It was Wade McClusky who remained calm when the Japanese fleet was not where it was expected to be. It was he who made the counterintuitive choice to then search to the north instead of to the south. It was also McClusky who took the calculated risk of continuing to search even though his bombers were low on fuel and may not have enough to make it back to the Enterprise. His ability to remain calm under enormous pressure played a huge role in the US Navy winning this decisive victory that turned the tide of war in the Pacific.

This book is the story of exactly the right man being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. Wade McClusky was that man and this is his story.

Preface

1. June 4, 1942 – The Search Begins
2. Background of a Battle – and of a Leader
3. The McCluskys of Buffalo
4. Annapolis and a Navy in Transition
5. Naval Aviator
6. The 1930s – Origins of a Troubleshooter
7. Fighting Six
8. Commander, Air Group Six
9. Last Minute Preparations
10. June 4, 1942 – Take-off
11. June 4, 1942 – North or South?
12. June 4, 1942 – The Attack
13. June 4, 1942 – Escape, A Shot-up Airplane, and Two Gallons of Gasoline
14. June 4, 1942 – The Afternoon Attack
15. June 5, 1942 – McClusky Versus Browning
16. McClusky and Historians
17. The Midwar Period – Training Pilots and a Desk in Washington
18. CVE 58
19. The End of the War and the Transition to Peace
20. Postwar

Appendix A: Annapolis Class of 1926 Alumni at Midway
Appendix B: Wade McClusky Navy Cross Citation
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Index

Product details

Published	30 May 2019
Format	Ebook (PDF)
Edition	1st
Extent	384
ISBN	9781472834713
Imprint	Osprey Publishing
Series	General Military
Short code	GNM
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

David Rigby

David Rigby is a historian and the author of Allie…

A thoroughly good read.

Aeroplane Monthly
This is an essential read for anyone interested in Midway or naval aviation.

NYMAS Review
Rigby tells an exciting tale with action coming in right away in the first chapters.

New York Journal of Books
I found the narrative engaging, especially the exceptional detail in which the author sets up the various engagements and the unexpected difficulties with radio communication, drawing me deeper into every chapter. I became completely invested in this ambitious yet modest officer, pilot, and commander. This book is truly the story of the right man being in the right place at the right time, ultimately bringing about the victory of the Battle of Midway.

Flight Journal
[Rigby's] biography provides a fresh perspective on one of history's most famous battles.

Aviation History
This is a sweeping history, but the author is well-equipped to tell it, having written a number of aviation titles previously. This new work continues his tradition of engaging storytelling, in-depth research, and an ability to make a broad subject accessible and relatable to the reader. The book admirably compiles the history of the Far East Air Forces into one useful volume.

Military Heritage