Admiral Halsey's Story by William F. Halsey and J. Bryan, Signed and Inscribed First Edition, 1947

Halsey, Fleet Admiral William F., U.S.N. and Lt. Comdr. J. Bryan, III, U.S.N.R. Admiral Halsey’s Story. New York: Wittlesley House, 1947. Inscribed and signed first edition. Presented in original dust jacket with custom clamshell.

This first edition autobiography is signed and inscribed by Admiral Halsey reading, “To René Deletraz with my personal regards - W. F. Halsey Fleet Admiral - U.S. Navy (ret.).” The book features original boards and repaired dust jacket. The book is housed in a custom made quarter leather archival clamshell.

Born William Frederick Halsey, Jr., “Bull” Halsey was an American navy admiral during WWII. Co-authoring this autobiography with Lt. Comdr. J. Brian, III, Admiral Halsey takes the reader through his own intimate account of the Pacific War. Eventually becoming Admiral, Halsey graduated from the Naval Academy in 1904 and promptly moved through the ranks. At the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Halsey’s task force was virtually the only operational battle group in the Pacific to launch attacks while the US rebuilt their fleet. Halsey and his fleet were responsible for leading surprise forays on Japanese islands and facilitated the famous first bombings of Tokyo with Lt. Doolittle by maneuvering close enough to the city to allow for the army planes to launch. He was appointed Commander over all Allied naval forces in the South Pacific and “placed in action the greatest mass of sea power ever assembled and initiated attacks on the enemy's naval and air forces, shipping, shipyards and coastal objectives…”

Throughout the war Halsey led carrier task forces on successful airstrikes, covered and supported land operations, virtually destroyed the Japanese naval fleet, and from May to September 1945 led forces in final naval operations in Okinawa. During his career, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and three Gold Stars for “brilliant and audacious attack[s]” as well as the Ribbon for Presidential Unit Citation for the USS Enterprise "For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievements during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces…” By the end of the war, naval and air forces under Admiral Halsey's command had destroyed or damaged nearly 3,000 of the enemy's planes and had sunk or disabled 1,650 of his combatant and merchant vessels. Admiral Halsey is a WWII American naval hero and this book provides an insight into the inner-workings of the unforgettable historical figure.

CONDITION:

Overall good condition. The original blue cloth boards with gilt embossed signature are in good condition. Some wear, to include light soiling to the top edges of paper and light foxing. Single transfer page. Signature and inscription on half title page in clear, blue ink. The original dust jacket is in good condition and has been repaired and has a protective mylar cover. Loss along the top and bottom edges, but has been in-filled and all text is legible.

Housed in a custom archival quarter leather clamshell in gray, black, and blue with a decorated ribbed spine featuring gilt embossing. The clamshell features a portrait of Halsey on front.

Dimensions: 10.5” H x 7.5” W x 2” D (with clamshell)




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