US Patrol Torpedo Boats

World War II

US Patrol Torpedo Boats cover

Description

Motor torpedo boat development began in the early 1900s and the vessels were first put into active service during World War I. However, it was not until the late 1930s that the US Navy commenced the development of their Patrol Torpedo or PT boat program. The PT boat, or the "mosquito boat" as they were sometimes known, was originally envisioned for attacking larger warships with torpedoes using its "stealth" ability, high-speed, and small size to launch and survive these attacks. However, they were actually employed more frequently in a wide variety of other missions, many which were unforeseen by developers and planners, including rescuing General MacArthur and his entourage from the Philippines.

Often taking on larger and better armed enemies these craft became famous for punching above their weight and were firmly thrust into the limelight by John F. Kennedy who while serving as a lieutenant on a PT-109 in the Pacific Theater heroically saved his fellow crew members winning him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. This book examines the design and development of these unique craft, very few of which survive today and goes on to examine their role and combat deployment in both World Wars.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Development · Design · Operational History · Memorialised PT Boats and Organizations · Glossary · Bibliography · Index

Product details

Published Sep 23 2008
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781846032271
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 30 b/w; 17 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 148
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gordon L. Rottman

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, vol…

Illustrator

Peter Bull

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