Hell from the Heavens

Praise for Hell from the Heavens

"John Wukovits is a master storyteller of battle at sea. With a fine eye for revealing detail, he re-creates, with sure and dramatic strokes, the almost unbelievable story of a destroyer, its dauntless captain, and its brave men under assault by a score of kamikazes in the climactic days of the Pacific War. A great read about one of the Navy's most stirring single-ship actions."—Evan Thomas, bestselling author of Sea of Thunder and John Paul Jones

"Inspiring true story of a legendary World War II warship that famously refused to die and her intrepid crew of tin can soldiers who fought their way across the seas from Normandy to Okinawa. John Wukovits's Hell from the Heavens is naval history at its compelling best."—Bruce Henderson, coauthor of the New York Times bestseller And the Sea Will Tell

"John Wukovits is one of those rare authors with the ability to capture the stink, the heat, and the fear of battle. In Hell from the Heavens, he almost without mercy thrusts the reader into the terrifying experience of being on the receiving end of Japanese suicide attacks. If your palms aren't sweating while reading this book, you need to have your vital signs checked!"—Flint Whitlock, editor of WWII Quarterly

"Well researched and finely written, Hell from the Heavens brings vividly to life the story of USS Laffey's life-or-death struggle against kamikazes determined to send her to the bottom. The story of 'The Ship That Wouldn't Die' is a nail-biter, and John Wukovits tells it with panache."—Stephen Harding, author of the New York Times bestseller The Last Battle

"A stirring account"—Roanoke Times

"Vivid detail"—San Francisco Book Review

"Well-researched and pulls the reader into the story"—World War II

"Thoroughly recommended"—Naval History

"An admirable job"—Proceedings, US Naval Institute

Kirkus Reviews, 2/15/15
“The incredible story of the ‘destroyer with a heart that couldn't be broken'.... For WWII buffs, surely, but also for general readers looking to understand the damage inflicted and the terror inspired by the Japanese suicide squadrons.”

"This detailed account...gives a clear and interesting picture of what actually took place...The author offers a well-constructed and clearly written narrative...An absorbing, fast-paced recounting of a significant incident in WWII PTO history. Any naval enthusiast with an interest in destroyers in general or operations off Okinawa in particular would do well to consider this book...The lively writing style would also make it a good first reading experience for anyone who is showing an interest in naval history."

"A compelling tale of bravery and tenacity...Wukovits offers a very well written account of the USS Laffey, making extensive use of personal interviews that the author conducted with former members of the ship's crew. Indeed, his moment-by-moment account of the April 16 kamikaze attack almost places the reader at the scene...The book provides an enjoyable narrative that will appeal to those with a general interest in World War II, naval history, or the Pacific war in particular...Its strength is its storytelling, which Wukovits does very well. Thus, it offers a strong narrative for a popular history audience."

"[A] tale of great courage...This is an excellent tome that provides a lucid account of 'what a group of individuals can do when united by sound leadership and a deep sense of duty.'"