About the Author

John J. Domagalski is the author of 'Into the Dark Water: The Story of Three Officers and PT-109.' Domagalski's fascination with history began at a young age by building model ships and reading books about World War II. This interest eventually grew into research and writing.

Reviews

...illuminates the difficult conditions of PT Boat combat. The Brave crews of these undersized vessels routinely fought at night, endured poor logistics and rough seas, and engaged much larger ships, while enduring attacks from land, sea, and air... Domagalski brings to life a host of other brave officers and sailors who consistently fought insurmountable odds to contribute capabilities uniquely fitted to the island waters they patrolled. Kennedy himself later remarked that The war made us. It was and is our greatest moment" In Into the Dark Water, Domagalksi illustrates exactly how and why"-- "The Journal of America's Military Past"

"...an insightful and well-written new work that pays homage not only to PT-109 but to the patrol torpedo community as a whole... .With this new offering, John Domagalski brings PT-109 and her crew back to life once again and, in doing so, honors all who served in the patrol torpedo service."-- "Military Review"

"...Domagalski performs a highly proficient job as he brings these skippers, their crews, and their boat to life, in the process emphasizing that while PT-109 remains most closely connected to Kennedy, the little warship had plenty of other adventures before the future president arrived in the South Pacific"-- "Stone & Stone Second World War Books"

"A useful and comprehensive niche contribution to naval history."-- "Rum Ration"

"I thoroughly enjoyed the book, inasmuch as I learned things that I never knew. . . . I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in PT boats and their history."--T. Garth Connelly "PT Boat World"

"The author is a Pacific War Historian specializing in Guadalcanal fighting. His account of one ship and its three commanding officers not only sheds light on PT-109, but also on the service of the torpedo boat crews in general. It took daring initiative to command a tiny warship aggressively and this book conveys their audacity in full measure.-- "WWII History"

"Well researched and written, Domagalski has done something admirable with the PT 109 saga."-- "Naval Historical Foundation"

"History has long recorded that John F. Kennedy's heroic efforts after the sinking of his PT-109 led to his successful political career as Representative, Senator, and ultimately President. But, as John Domagalski demonstrates in this thoroughly researched narrative, there was far more to the boat's achievements in the South Pacific than the terrifying night when a Japanese destroyer cut her in two. This account crackles with intensity."--Paul Stillwell, Naval historian and author