by Steve Kelly (Author)
U.S.S. Boston in World War II, Baked Beans Vol. 1, is a major revision to "Baked Beans Vol. 1", which was a follow-up to A Bird's Eye View, the story of the heavy cruiser USS Boston, and her exploits during WWll. Only primary-source historical materials (documents, photos, diaries, and first-hand accounts) are used in these books, with occasional overview statements from 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 point of view. The story of the Boston IS the story of Task Force 58 and vice-versa. Volume 1 - covers the first part of the Central Pacific War, including the capture of the Marshall Islands, Battle of the Philippine Sea ("Great Marianas Turkey Shoot"), and the securing of the Mariana Islands.
Author Biography
There are many authors named Stephen Kelly or Steve Kelly. I am NOT a minister. I have written four books about the USS Boston in WWII ( A Bird's Eye View, Baked Beans Vol.1 - 3), and am working on a fifth. Three websites are in place (with lots of help from family members) to help support the books: www.ca-69boston.org, www.ussbostonbook.com and www.taskforce58.org