Steve Kelly

U.S.S. Boston in World War II Steve Kelly

"U. S. S. Boston in World War II, Baked Beans Vol. 2" is a major revision of "Baked Beans Vol. 2" - which is a follow-up to "A Bird's Eye View," the story of the heavy cruiser USS Boston CA-69 and her exploits during WW II. Only primary-source historic materials (documents, photos, diaries and first hand accounts) are used in this book, with occasional overview statements by the author lightly sprinkled throughout. Source materials include the ship's and Task Force Action Reports, War Diaries, Decklogs, and official Navy photos from the Boston folders at the National Archives. Additionally, sailor's notes, documents, diaries and anecdotes flesh out the story from their points of view. The author interviewed six surviving Original Crewmembers and one Officer; their stories putting on the finishing touches. The Baked Beans Series chronicles the heavy cruiser CA-69 Boston from her christening in the Fore River (Quincy, MA) Shipyard in August 1942 until she leaves Japanese waters for the last time in January 1946. The incredible story is told through the eyes of her mostly 19 year-old enlisted men's perspective. The story of the Boston IS the story of Task Force 58 and vice-versa. Volume 2 covers an intense six month period starting September 1, 1944 that includes diverse Philippines Operations, attacks on the Bonin Islands and Formosa, the torpedoing of two U. S. cruisers off Formosa and the ensuing 1200 mile retreat (the Streamlined Bait Ordeal), attacks in the South China Sea, the deadly TYPHOON COBRA that claimed more than 800 lives, and the landings at Iwo Jima. The ship is ordered back to the States for critical repairs and radar upgrades just as Okinawa begins. The book ends when the cruiser sails into the Navy Yard at San Pedro, CA, March 26, 1945.