"South
to Java" by Wm. P. Mack (Vice Admiral USN retired) & Wm. P.
Mack Jr. (M.D.) 
This is without a doubt one of the finest novels of World War II that I have read. It deals primarily with a little know aspect of the early part of the war in the Pacific. Elements of the Dutch, British, and American navies struggled against overwhelming odds with the Imperial Japanese Navy. The characters in the book are memorable and the events factual.
The U.S.S. O'Leary is a worn out WWI four-stacker destroyer that steams in and out of trouble and participates in some of the major naval actions of the area. Learn about life aboard one of these old ships, from the engine room to the woefully inadequate weapon systems. Learn what kind of men constituted the U.S. Navy at the outset of WWII. Relive many exciting and most often fatal battles with the Japanese.
This book is so interesting and well written, it will appeal to a broad audience. I highly recommend it. Adm. Mack has also written several other WWII novel about Destroyers. I have read them all and they will be reviewed on USVeterans.com when time allows.
Available from:
The Nautical & Aviation Publishing Company of America, Inc.
101 West read Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Reviewed by Ken Smith, 19 November 1998
