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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: "PT Boat Odyssey"
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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



Posted By: Bob G | Posted on: Nov 20, 2019 - 7:06am
Total Posts: 3 | Joined: Nov 18, 2019 - 9:38am



I will add this to my Mosquito Fleet Exhibit page on Facebook.



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Nov 20, 2019 - 8:22pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Congratulations on your book being published. I'll look forward to seeing it.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Nov 25, 2019 - 6:13am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Hi Bob,

Just finished PT Boat Odyssey. Very well done.






Wayne Traxel

Posted By: Wayne Traxel | Posted on: Dec 1, 2019 - 6:37pm
Total Posts: 248 | Joined: Oct 11, 2006 - 5:40am



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.



Posted By: Lynn G | Posted on: Dec 13, 2019 - 6:45am
Total Posts: 2 | Joined: Dec 12, 2019 - 10:36am