Clash of the Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II - Softcover

"In this superb work, the greatest naval air battle of all time finally receives the meticulous and comprehensive treatment it deserves. Whether you seek the view from the canopy or the sharp-eyed critique, Barrett Tillman, with unmatched command of the subject, delivers both in spades--and for both sides. His heroes are the aviators whatever the uniform they wore, and he illuminates more warts on the U.S. side and the rare gems for the Japanese previously ignored or obscured."--Richard Frank, author of Guadalcanal and Downfall

"I saw the war from the deck of a battleship so I cannot render an aviator's view. But I can certainly recommend Barrett Tillman's definitive work on the subject. It does not replace the efforts of Admiral Morison, but amplifies them in a manner both instructive and entertaining."--Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, USMCR, USS Pennsylvania, 1944

"With the analytical ability of a successful cold-case detective, and the flair of a gifted story teller, Tillman reconstructs the famous battle as seen through the eyes of combatants, both American and Japanese. This gives balance and fairness, something missing in past histories which tended to be one-sided."--Henry Sakaida, author of Winged Samurai and Genda's Blade

"Barrett Tillman is the best contemporary writer on U.S. naval aviation. The Marianas Battle was the ultimate carrier-versus-carrier battle. Putting them together is the formula for an outstanding volume."--Norman Polmar, author of Aircraft Carriers

"Tillman, a longtime master of Pacific War naval history, has skillfully combined a wealth of research into an unprecedented look into both sides of this pivotal sea battle...Tillman's narrative gives near-definitive coverage of its subject, from the usual view from the cockpit to less common perspectives from the command plotting station, the deck of an oiler engaged in underway replenishment, the bowels of the engine room, or a submarine periscope."--Jon Guttman, American Fighters Ace Bulletin

Provides an in-depth account of the June 1944 clash near the Marianas Islands between the American and Japanese carrier fleets, a confrontation that became the most spectacular aircraft carrier battle in history, drawing on numerous interviews with participants from both sides, as well as official sources to describe the conflict. Reprint. 17,500 first printing.