Dangerous Seas

Relive the landing of the young marines on the hot sands of Iwo Jima as they face almost certain death. Above the thunder and smoke of the big guns in this immense struggle, witness with pride as the American flag is raised triumphantly over Mt. Suribachi. Then become part of the last big battle of the war at Okinawa as the full fury of Japanese suicide planes, the fearsome kamikaze, crash into the American warships and explode in flaming infernos. The combined U.S. Navy and the British Pacific Fleet are losing two ships a day to this fanatic onslaught. In 81 days of fierce combat, the United States Navy loses 4907 officers and men killed and 4824 wounded. Twenty-two ships are sunk and 254 are badly damaged. In the authors squadron of twelve destroyer mine layers, only three ships, including the Thomas E. Fraser, escape damage. Listen again to General MacArthur in September 1945 as he intones: A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain death -- the seas bear only commerce -- men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. The entire world is at peace. The holy mission has been completed. And in reporting this to you, the people, I speak for the thousands of silent lips forever stilled among the jungles and beaches and in the waters of the Pacific which marked their way. Stand by the side of the author, then a young sailor, as these momentous historical events unfold before your eyes.