Preview

Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.

At Close Quarters

By: Robert J. Bulkley, John F. Kennedy, Ernest McNeill Eller
Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $18.91

Buy for $18.91

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

Small though they were, PT boats played a key role in World War II, carrying out an astonishing variety of missions where fast, versatile, and strongly armed vessels were needed. 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. The author of the book, another distinguished PT boat commander in the Pacific, compiled this history of PT-boat operations in World War II for the US Navy shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily assessable.

Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about these 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 also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. The author gives special attention to the crews, paying well-deserved tribute to their heroism, skill, and sacrifice that helped to win the war.

Public Domain (P)2018 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

What listeners say about At Close Quarters

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    46
  • 4 Stars
    31
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    4
  • 1 Stars
    4
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    49
  • 4 Stars
    22
  • 3 Stars
    12
  • 2 Stars
    4
  • 1 Stars
    3
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    51
  • 4 Stars
    19
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    4
  • 1 Stars
    2

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

One Of The Best I've Read

Okay, one of the best I've ever listened to, not literally read.
Time flew by while listening to the 18+ hours of this book, my interest never flagged, it was over too soon. It's in my queue to listen again, and I'd consider buying the hardcover if I found it used.
Mike Chamberlain's narration is excellent.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

a history

if you are interested in PT boats as I am you will probably like this. the author tries to give us as complete a history of the boats as possible.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Excellent factual history of the PT Boats.

Probably a bit too factual almost to the point of being as boring as reading a history book. The narration lacks inflection and sounds almost frantic at times. This is not a typical novel, but instead, a long factual narration of the history of the PT boat including boat numbers, commander's names, rank and service (USN/USNR). And yes, the PT-109/John F. Kennedy saga is included.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Tedious but very informational

I liked the coverage of PT operations in both theaters of operations. For student of Naval History, a must read!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Great info. Terribly dry

Dry and monotone
But good info is included
Stuff i never knew about
If you can deal with dry delivery, this is for you.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding history

This factual book is an outstanding history of US Navy WWII PT boats. A must listen for maritime warrior enthusiast.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Hard to Follow

I found the information about the boats, crews, tactics, and strategies to be very interested.

Then when I got to the actual battles, it became extremely monotonous. Basically the same battle reports told over & over.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

If you want detailed information about PT activity

If you want detailed information about PT activity in the Pacific this is the book for you.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

WWII IN MY Family HISTORY

I ask My Dad that Boomer generational Q., "What did You do in the War, Daddy?" His answer was, "Oh, I was just on a Crash Boat." Of course, that was followed by, "What does a Crash Boat do, Daddy?", which was followed with, "Oh, it goes around saving people." Somehow, at 2 1/2, I knew ~ in the middle of people killing each other, My Dad was 'Saving People'! You couldn't have a higher calling than that in war! In later years I have walked up to and looked up at the bow of the USS Wisconsin, and I understood what he meant!

Now, I am researching everything I can on the Solomon Island and PT & Crash Boats, not only was my Dad in theater but I also had an Uncle, who was a US Marine and fought on Guadala Canal & Iwo Juma. So, History. And, I found this book fascinating.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

literally, a play by play of PT boat activity

if you're looking for a play by play of PT boat activity on WWII, this is a five star book. I thought there would be more analysis on PT boat tactics and training. however, if you want the play by play, this would be amazing! it was still interesting, just really long and specific.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!