Through Lee’s perseverance, the Japanese battleship Kirishima was sunk and a few hours later the Japanese forces withdrew. The battleship USS South Dakota sustained significant damage and was also out of the fight. Navy forces opened the battle and had the advantage of radar, but in short order the destroyers at the head of Lee’s column were out of action. The November 14-15, 1942, night battle was the first time his units had operated together, and Lee had no opportunity to publish a formal Operations Order, nor was there any common doctrine. At Guadalcanal, Rear Admiral Lee was commander of a task force consisting of two battleships and four destroyers. The author details Lee’s preparations and conduct in battle in the Pacific during his three years as “Battleship Commander” and highlights three decisive battle opportunities. Two additional tours in Washington, D.C., with the Fleet Training Division (OPNAV 22) solidified his position as a gunnery expert, and his pioneering efforts in development of a Combat Information Center (CIC) set the stage for the major portion of the book and his career: World War Two. Interestingly, Lee never had command of a battleship but was commanding officer of two destroyers. The author cites numerous examples of Lee’s ship-handling and tactics abilities that further his career as a surface warfare officer.
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