They Were Expendable

They Were Expendable follows the World War II experiences of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three in the Philippines during 1941-1942. The book is based on extensive interviews with officers John Bulkeley and Robert Kelly, who commanded PT boats during the defense and evacuation of the Philippines. The narrative chronicles the squadron's combat operations against Japanese forces in Philippine waters, including patrols, raids, and rescue missions. White's straightforward account details the crews' daily routines, the capabilities of their small wooden boats, and the increasing pressures as supplies dwindled after the Japanese invasion. The book captures the stark realities faced by American forces who fought in the early months of World War II in the Pacific theater. Through firsthand accounts and military records, it documents both the tactical engagements and the broader strategic situation that developed in the Philippines. As a work of wartime journalism, the book stands as a testament to the determination and resourcefulness of servicemen who fought against overwhelming odds with limited resources. The narrative raises questions about sacrifice, duty, and the true cost of buying time in the face of defeat.

Readers appreciate the firsthand accounts of PT boat crews in the Philippines during WWII, with many noting the book captures the chaos and desperation of the early war period. Multiple reviews highlight the matter-of-fact writing style and lack of embellishment in describing combat operations. Readers point to the detailed descriptions of daily life aboard PT boats and the personal stories of crew members as strengths. Several mention how the book documents the frustrations of leadership decisions and supply shortages. Common criticisms include the sometimes dry reporting style and dated 1940s language. Some readers note difficulty keeping track of the large number of names and boats mentioned. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.13/5 (486 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (194 ratings) From reviews: "Tells the story straight without hyping the action" - Amazon reviewer "Shows the reality of defeat without sugar-coating" - Goodreads reviewer "Important historical record but can be a slow read" - Goodreads reviewer

Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose The story follows a company of WWII paratroopers through training and combat, capturing the bonds formed between soldiers facing impossible odds.

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer This account chronicles the Battle off Samar, where American destroyer crews fought against overwhelming Japanese naval forces in the Pacific Theater.

Neptune's Inferno by James D. Hornfischer The naval battles for Guadalcanal unfold through firsthand accounts of sailors who fought in the brutal campaign of 1942.

With the Old Breed by E.B. Sledge A Marine's memoir details his experiences in the Pacific battles of Peleliu and Okinawa, presenting combat from the perspective of a front-line infantryman.

Ship of Ghosts by James D. Hornfischer The book follows the crew of the USS Houston from their last battle to their struggle for survival as POWs under the Japanese.

📚 The book is based on extensive interviews with four PT boat officers who survived the fall of the Philippines in WWII, including future President John F. Kennedy's commanding officer Lieutenant John Bulkeley. 🎬 The story was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1945 film directed by John Ford and starring Robert Montgomery and John Wayne, with many actual PT boat veterans serving as technical advisors. ✍️ Author William L. White was a renowned journalist who pioneered the "as-told-to" style of non-fiction writing, where he would immerse himself in his subjects' experiences to tell their stories authentically. 🏆 Lieutenant John Bulkeley, one of the main subjects of the book, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Philippines and went on to become a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy. 🚤 The PT boats featured in the book, despite being initially dismissed by many naval officers as too small to be effective, proved crucial in evacuating General MacArthur from Corregidor and conducting vital guerrilla operations against Japanese forces.