“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 the hell out of this place and maybe recapture it. Then their planes will be dropping these bombs on you. I've gotta have these bombs, sir, or we'll have a disaster on our hands.' Lupo asked… — James D. Hornfischer Copy Share
“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
