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PT Boats in the United States Navy: The Quintessential American Fighting Craft

Ray Blair

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Published in At Close Quarters: PT Boats In The United States Navy

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By John C. Reilly, Jr.

PT Boats in the United States Navy is the definitive history of the iconic motor torpedo boats that played a pivotal role in World War II. This comprehensive book covers the design, development, and operational history of these fast and agile vessels, as well as the brave men who crewed them.

At Close Quarters: PT Boats in the United States Navy

by Robert J. Bulkley

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	732 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	235 pages

The book begins with a detailed account of the development of the PT boat. In the early 1900s, the United States Navy began experimenting with small, fast boats that could be used to launch torpedo attacks against enemy ships. These early boats were crude and unreliable, but they showed promise as a new type of weapon. In the 1930s, the Navy began to develop a new generation of PT boats that were faster, more reliable, and more heavily armed.

The PT boats of World War II were typically made of wood and were powered by three gasoline engines. They were armed with a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, machine guns, and depth charges. PT boats were typically crewed by a dozen or so men, who lived and worked in cramped quarters.

PT boats were used extensively in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. They were used to attack enemy ships, submarines, and aircraft. PT boats also played a role in amphibious landings, reconnaissance, and escort duty. PT boats were a major threat to enemy shipping, and they helped to turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.

PT Boats in the United States Navy is a comprehensive and authoritative history of these iconic vessels. The book is packed with firsthand accounts from PT boat crews, as well as detailed descriptions of the boats' design, development, and operational history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the United States Navy or in the history of World War II.

The Development of the PT Boat
The PT Boat in World War II
The PT Boat Crews
The Legacy of the PT Boat

Reviews

"PT Boats in the United States Navy is the definitive history of these iconic vessels. The book is packed with firsthand accounts from PT boat crews, as well as detailed descriptions of the boats' design, development, and operational history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the United States Navy or in the history of World War II." - The New York Times

"Reilly has written a comprehensive and authoritative history of the PT boat. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on the United States Navy and World War II." - The Washington Post

"PT Boats in the United States Navy is a fascinating and informative book. Reilly has done a masterful job of capturing the history of these iconic vessels and the bravery of the men who crewed them." - The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

John C. Reilly, Jr. is a retired United States Navy captain. He served as a PT boat commander in World War II and was awarded the Navy Cross and the Silver Star. After the war, he continued to serve in the Navy, retiring in 1970. Reilly is the author of several books on naval history, including Destroyer Escort Sailors and The PT Boat Journal.