Title Blood On The Rising Sun Author Gene Lapé Synopsis Gene Lapé has crafted an important, fact-based novel which captures the excitement, the fun and the terror of early 1940s Navy combat flying. The story is a historically accurate account of the war in the Pacific leading to the end of World War II. Drawn from his experience flying off the aircraft carrier Bennington, Lapé has written a haunting, unforgettable novel. The story traces the path of Greg Mironas, a Navy dive-bomber pilot, in his obsessive quest to destroy the Japanese super battleship Yamato – the largest battleship ever built. As the aircraft carrier emerged, the battleship became obsolescent, yet this monstrous ship is considered sacred because of the strong emotion evoked by the name Yamato. It is the ancient name for Japan and immortalized in poetry. It embodies the very soul of the nation. In a near mirror image from the enemy's side, the story also focuses on the exploits of Greg's Japanese friend from prewar prep school days, Taro Hosada. A few months prior to Pearl Harbor, Taro is summoned home from the U.S. by his father, one of the most powerful men in Japanese industry. Both youths become Navy pilots, but Taro has an accident which prevents him from flying. He is assigned instead to the Yamato. Eventually, Greg attacks the ship and the vessel is sunk. The reader will not soon forget the stunning, surprise ending. Biography After receiving an MBA from New York University, Lapé joined the Bell System where he spent most of his 32 years at AT&T as a corporate writer and director of various public relations activities. He was a Nay carrier pilot in World War II and served several years with Naval Air Training Command as a flight instructor. Lapé was recalled for duty during the Korean War where he developed air operations strategy for several large NATO amphibious exercises. During his 23 years of service, seven of which were active duty, received many citations. He received the Navy's highest award, the Navy Cross, for his action against the Japanese battleship Yamato and its destroyer-cruiser screen.

Book Details Price: $10.95 ISBN: 9780533132614 Dimensions: 5.5 x 8 Pages: 160 Quantity: