“Though distrust of the Japanese was widespread in the Navy, Sprague was among the first to appreciate exactly what the Japanese might do. In June 1928 the Lexington participated in a mock surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.” — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“The previous day, December 6, Sprague had upbraided his crew for their sloppy performance during an intensive series of drills. He broke with his… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“I have to tell you, Major, if we don't get these bombs and stop this Jap fleet, they're gonna come in here and bomb… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“When they get in trouble, they send for the sons-of-bitches” — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“Though distrust of the Japanese was widespread in the Navy, Sprague was among the first to appreciate exactly what the Japanese might do. In… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“...the experience of battle forever divides those who talk of nothing else but its prospect from those who talk of everything else but its… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“Neither triumphalism, condemnation, nor apology does intellectual or emotional justice to the brute reality of this savage war, the outcome of which could not… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
“Inbound now at twenty thousand feet, moving swifly toward the island, came a wave of twin-engine Betty bombers and thirty Zeros, fuel burning fast… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share Image
