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by Rudy Tomedi.
Hardback (6.3×9.3 inches). 234 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: The Story of America’s Most Daring Naval Rescue and of the Men It Left Behind
The book follows the exploits of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, consisting of six PT boats under the command of Lt. John Bulkeley that arrived in the Philippines on Sep 28, 1941.
As the war progressed and Gen. Douglas MacArthur retreated the Army to Bataan, ‘Ron 3’ fought as best they could without spare parts or relief. PT boats suffered degraded capabilities as jury-rigged field repairs never quite met shipyard specs. Two boats were lost and four made the trip to Corregidor to pull off MacArthur, his wife, and about 20 staff. Sailors of the squadron had to be left behind to make room. That MacArthur brought out staff at the expense of sailors was news to me — hence the reference in the subtitle.
Well written and explained, the four PT boats together and then individually defied the odds and made their way to Mindanao. MacArthur and company then flew out to Australia. The crew left behind was captured. The crew that made it part way joined guerrillas.
The book contains 16 black and white photos.
The escape makes for compelling reading, especially because I knew little other than MacArthur was rescued. Ron 3 was extremely lucky at times avoiding all Japanese air and naval forces in the escape. It was also more active prior to the escape than I knew.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
