The Battle for Leyte Gulf: The Incredible Story of World War II's Largest Naval Battle

While the book has publication dates of 2007 and 2013 these are not original dates as the original author, C. Vann Woodward lived November 13, 1908 – December 17, 1999. It appears that the book was in fact written in 1947 when Mr. Woodward was assisting Admiral Morison in his epic Naval History of World War II. There are more up-to-date books on this subject. Shame on Amazon for not pointing this out.

This is one outstanding legacy to the Naval crews who fought in this great battle. Once the attack began, it was almost relentless till the end. Courageous fighting from the PT Boats, Destroyers, Submarines, Battleships, Cruisers, Large and Jeep Carriers. The Japanese were being beaten so badly that they finally resorted to kamakaze attacks. Each side took a horrible beating, but our Navy prevailed. They even encountered the Japanese Battleship Yamato, which was firing with horrifying accuracy from fifteen miles away! Once the battle begins, the book is terribly difficult to put down.

Really liked the book,I think this event will be remembered for thousands of years and has been so overlooked. Exciting fantastic experience and I never knew a damn thing about it till now. My brother was a gunner on one of the LST's and he never understood what really happened till now. We owe these men a great deal for what they went thru and for the ones that lost it all I give a prayer for them and their families. I can not help but wonder if in the storms off of Leyte the ghost of Evan's is not seen on the fantail of his destroyer .

"The Battle for Leyte Gulf" was my first selection from the new Kindle Lending Library. Even though this book was first published shortly after the end of World War II, it remains one of the best sources on this epic battle. Woodward effectively used after action reports and interrogations of Japanese leaders that were involved in the fight. I thought he presented a pretty balanced view of Halsey's chasing after the Japanese decoy fleet which almost resulted in the destruction of U.S. landing forces. What a great idea the "lending library" is for Amazon Prime members.

Awesome book on US Naval strategy and sacrifice. The outcome of the battle will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I enjoyed this book. Rich in details, something that may be unmanageable for some, this book puts you "in the fight"...and gives the reader a real sense of how difficult is is to make good tactical decisions with constantly changing intelligence, imperfect information, garbled messages and wrong conclusions...all when tired and facing a peer opponent who is absolutely capabably of destroying you. The battle descriptions are very good.
There is sufficient background information on the major players...Halsey, Mitscher, Kinkaid, Nishimura, Kurita, et al...to understand why some of the play transpired as it did; how and why decisions were made and how personality is always a critical combat modifier. The flawed, and conversely near genius, actions and reactions during the battle give a hint of how superior military minds grasp complex, convoluted and grand events; analyze, evaluate and decide on a course of action...and yet occassionally miss a simple concern. Incredibly, Lady luck seems to be lurking always in the shadows as does mayhem. Tired leaders make tired decisions and fatigue, on both sides, was evident throughout the battle. I am continually amazed at how heavily good fortune weighs in during some of the most critical situations. Perhaps, as the saying goes, "luck favors the well prepared."
I appreciated the accurate reporting of events...many times down to the minute.
If you have ever been in combat...a lengthy, sustained battle...then you understand how an hour can be critical, a day decisive, a week can be a heavenly blessing. You understand how "If I had only had a few more minutes..." can be such a haunting plea.
This is not a book you can read quickly or in one pass. It is complex, rich in tactical details, subtle and there is an element involving "naval jargon" that may require some translation (I'm a retired Army Officer and so I needed some help with Navy speak). The story is a testament to the bravery, tenacity, achievement and magnificent fighting ability of sailors of both the US and the Japanese Navies (to ignore the efforts of our enemy surely devalues the efforts of our sailors).
If you need maps, there are many available on-line. The maps contained within the book are poor and this will frustrate those easily triggered by minor, easily resolved, inconveniences. There are a few typographical errors...nothing insurmountable. Nothing is perfect.
I salute my brothers (and sisters) in blue. BRAVO ZULU.

As an excellent source of accurate, detailed, factual information, this book could be useful for professional or amateur historians. Those anticipating a more personal or individual stories and experiences might be disappointed, and details overshadow the arc of the battle. No maps. Note: originally published in 1947; print book republished after author’s death in 2007. This is the ebook version and has either preserved or introduced a number of typos.

Excellent addition to my library!! Very pleased!

Very well written a lot of facts about the battle that I never knew. Understand that only about 1/4 of the book is about the actual battle. A lot of stories leading up to this battle. Very worthwhile book that I really enjoyed reading.

Absolutely excellent book. If you like WWII history, you need to read this book.