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Otis Ted Holly
This is one of the few books ever written about what was like to serve on an old World War II type Navy destroyer. The author is well qualified to write on this subject, because he served over 3 y...view moreThis is one of the few books ever written about what was like to serve on an old World War II type Navy destroyer. The author is well qualified to write on this subject, because he served over 3 years on one in the Pacific back in the early 1950’s during the Korean War years and for a couple of years afterwards.
Three Years Aboard A Navy Destroyer is a marvelous account of the experience of the author as a young sailor during a period that few, since the days of World War II, have had the opportunity to share. While certainly many have sailed the seas, and some have encountered hostile action, this account fills the gap for those who have not had such an experience. Ted Holly communicates in the language of the sailor his experience that draws the reader into such that it is as if he (or she) is there. He captures the attention of the reader and presents an engaging account of the experiences of life aboard a 2200 ton vessel, which is missing all of the comforts of the cruise ship, from the periods of relative boredom to the periods of action with live ammunition.
Rev. Ralph H. Spiller, Jr., PhD, LMHC
CWO3, USN (Retired)
Florida/Maine
Ted Holly’s book is remarkable at several levels. First, he treats a subject from his own experience that is not often considered – life on an American destroyer during the Korean War. Further, he lends authenticity to his narrative through the painstaking process of obtaining and relying on the actual ship’s logs, day by day throughout his entire tenure aboard the USS Brush. Added to that, he, as a quartermaster, was well-placed to hear and see much of what was happening aboard the ship.
Ted includes exhaustive details on some of the high points of the ship’s experience, the shell hit in Wonsan Harbor and the attack on the submarine as examples.
Even for we who were aboard during much of the time covered in the book, some of the events were revelations. We either remembered them differently or not at all, or in less detail, but must defer to Ted’s account because of his reliance on the logs. Therefore, for any member of the crew during that period, Ted’s book is an enjoyable and enlightening read.
Don Gordon
RD 3/C, USN (Retired)
North Carolina
Great book! As a “Destroyer Sailor” aboard the USS DeHaven during the Korean War, I can testify Ted has written a fine book about his navy years aboard the USS Brush. If you are a navy destroyer sailor reading this book, then get ready to relive an exciting experience. I can recommend Ted’s book to anyone interested in ships, shipboard life, and even to one who has never been to sea. An outstanding experience.
Bill Williams
YN 2/C, USN (Retired)
Florida
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