At Close Quarters Pt Boats in the United States Navy

Small though they were, PT boats played a key role in World War II, carrying out an astonishing variety of missions. Called "weapons of opportunity," they met the enemy at closer quarters and with greater frequency than any other type of surface craft. Among the most famous PT commanders was John F. Kennedy, whose courageous actions in the Pacific are now well known to the American public. Capt. Robert J. Bulkley Jr., who also commanded PT boats in the Pacific, wrote this history of their operations in World War II shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily accessible. The book was first made available to the public in 1962 after Kennedy's inauguration as president of the United States and interest in PTs was at a peak. Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about the motor torpedo boats, whose vast range of operation covered two oceans as well as the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Although their primary mission was to attack surface ships and craft close to shore, they were used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. Book jacket.Bulkley, Robert J. is the author of 'At Close Quarters Pt Boats in the United States Navy', published 2003 under ISBN 9781591140955 and ISBN 1591140951.