Dawn Like Thunder: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight by Robert Mrazek was a fascinating book on the U.S. Navy Torpedo Squadron that suffered grievous loses at Midway, and went on to serve at Guadalcanal. It was perhaps the most decorated air unit of the war.The book is a compelling story of the men who made up Torpedo Eight, and went on to fight, suffer, die, and finally emerge victorious in two of the turning points of World War II in the Pacific.
While I had read quite a bit about the Battle of Midway before, and knew that “Tex” Gay was one of the few survivors of the squadron there, this book opened a door that gave a clear picture of what it was like flying the Navy’s first torpedo plane – the outmoded, slow ‘Devastator’, pictured below. Only a few of the more advanced TBF Avenger’s were available at Midway – and the survival story of one of these planes, piloted by Bert Earnest, was fantastic.
While there is a lot of technical information in the book, it is woven into the story of the men, and is used to explain the conditions that they fought under. I truly enjoyed the approach the book used, and the in-depth information it shared.
I have to admit, when I first saw the title Dawn Like Thunder, my mind went back to a book I’d read years ago, Dawn Like Thunder: The Barbary Wars and the Birth of the US Navy. I really enjoyed that book – and used the information in class – just as I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, focused on the personalities and capabilities of the men and machines that fought in World War II.
It’s a good read. If the opportunity presents itself, pick up a copy over the summer. The public library might have a copy available by then! I'm planning on donating my copy!
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