Fourteen Battle Stars: USS Hughes DD-410 - The WWII Destroyer That Survived The Pacific War, A Kamikaze Attack and Two Atomic Bombs Paperback – April 21, 2024

This is one of the finest books ever written on WWII. The author weaves together the stories of the USS Hughes, Oppenheimer, and Admiral Ohishi with great care and craft, capturing the heart of the conflict and madness in WWII. It is gripping from beginning to end and difficult to put down, and the last two heart-rending chapters are difficult to read without crying. This will become a book for a new generation who want to understand how the world came to fanatical nationalistic war during these times so long ago. It is also a cautionary tale that America and the world are heading down some of the same paths today. People need to know what our veterans sacrificed so much for in WWII, the Greatest Generation, and the price that was paid. It is a remarkable story about a united America and what we can do when we all pull together as a nation.

My son bought me this book knowing that my father served on this ship. It was so good that I bought him one knowing that he would never get the one he gave me back. It parallels the Hughes history with the process of the atomic bomb and I was able to trace where my father was and when, since he never talked about his time during WWII. Even if you don't have a personal connection to the Hughes the book is a very interesting read.

Got for my veteran father in law. There is a family member on their side who served on this ship. Really good read!

Well, written book about the historic background of the battles aboard the Hughes. It was further documented by the shipmates journals giving the book a Birds Eye view from the sailors that served aboard this mighty ship.

Great research and stories.

Very well written!

Informative book of my dad’s Navy ship. His name was mentioned in it

Great summary of the entire war against Japan seen through the eyes and stories of the men who so ably and bravely served on the USS Hughes. The up close and personal vantage point was telling and moving. Highly recommended.