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 Author  Topic: "PT Boat Odyssey"
Bob G

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Bob G  Posted on: Nov 20, 2019 - 7:06am
McFarland Publishing Co. has recently published my book "PT Boat Odyssey: In the Pacific with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 16, 1942-1945." "PT Boat Odyssey" tells the story of my father, Francis Gelzheiser, and PT Boat Squadron 16A. Squadron 16A motored from New Orleans to Panama, then to Seattle and then north to Dutch Harbor and then Attu Island in the Aleutians. After their return voyage, the Squadron journeyed to New Guinea and then battled Japanese kamikazes and ships from the Japanese fleet for the Philippine Island of Mindoro. Although the book focuses on PT Boat Squadron 16A, there are also chapters on PT boat construction and tactics and the role that other PT boat squadrons played in the war in the Pacific. I believe that the chapter on the battle for Mindoro is the most thorough account of the battle ever recorded. In addition, numerous campaigns in the Pacific are examined in a broader context so that the role of PT boats in these campaigns can be better understood. For example, the famous Battle of Midway was part of a broader Japanese plan to dominate the Pacific that included controlling bases in the Aleutians. The fight to gain control of New Guinea and then to retake control of the Philippines are also examined and then the role that PT boats played in these campaigns is explored. In addition there is an extensive examination of the Japanese kamikaze force, and why, despite America's overwhelming production superiority, the Japanese believed they could still win the war. The Battle for Manila is examined, and the horror my father witnessed as he journeyed into the war torn city shortly after the battle ended is examined. Finally, while on Mindoro my father killed three Japanese warriors at close range. Killing these men haunted him for the remainder of his life, and in the Afterword I examine the impact that killing has on an individual.

I believe that PT boat enthusiasts will find "PT Boat Odyssey" interesting and informative. Midwest Book Review called the book "extraordinary," "impressively informative" and "expertly organized and presented." It recommended the book "unreservedly." It can be purchased from Amazon, McFarland Pub., and most other booksellers.

Thank You, and I hope you will consider purchasing "PT Boat Odyssey."

Bob Gelzheiser


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Frank J Andruss Sr

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Frank J Andruss Sr   Send Email To Frank J Andruss Sr Posted on: Nov 20, 2019 - 8:22pm
I will add this to my Mosquito Fleet Exhibit page on Facebook.


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David Waples

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of David Waples  Posted on: Nov 25, 2019 - 6:13am
Congratulations on your book being published. I'll look forward to seeing it.
Dave

David Waples

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Wayne Traxel

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Wayne Traxel   Send Email To Wayne Traxel Posted on: Dec 1, 2019 - 6:37pm
Hi Bob,

Just finished PT Boat Odyssey. Very well done.






Wayne Traxel

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Lynn G

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Lynn G  Posted on: Dec 13, 2019 - 6:45am
Wayne, Thanks for reading my book and for your positive comment. I did my best to get the story of PT Boat Squadron 16 correct. Thanks, Bob G.


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