United States PT-boats of World War II in Action

Frank D. Johnson's "United States PT-Boats of World War II in Action" is a focused study of one of the smallest yet most storied vessel classes to serve in the American Navy during the Second World War. PT-boats, short for Patrol Torpedo boats, were fast, lightly armed, and built largely of plywood, yet they carried an outsized reputation thanks to their daring tactics and their association with future president John F. Kennedy, who commanded PT-109 in the Pacific theater. Johnson's book examines the design, development, and combat service of these craft, offering readers a compact but informative account of their role in the war.

The book traces the origins of the PT-boat program, describing how the Navy sought a fast attack craft capable of striking larger enemy vessels with torpedoes while relying on speed and maneuverability rather than armor for protection. Johnson outlines the various manufacturers involved in PT-boat production, including Elco and Higgins Industries, and notes the design differences between their respective boats. This attention to manufacturing detail gives the book a practical, almost technical grounding that will appeal to readers interested in naval engineering as much as combat history.

A significant portion of the text is devoted to the operational history of PT-boats across multiple theaters, with particular emphasis on the Pacific campaign. Johnson describes how these boats operated in the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and other contested waters, often engaging in nighttime raids against Japanese shipping and barges. The narrative captures the inherent danger of PT-boat service, as crews faced not only enemy fire but also the constant risk of mechanical failure and rough seas in boats that offered minimal protection compared to larger warships.

Johnson does not limit his account to the Pacific alone. The book also touches on PT-boat operations in the Mediterranean and English Channel, where these craft performed reconnaissance, escort, and interdiction missions against Axis forces. This broader geographic scope helps readers understand that PT-boats were not confined to a single theater but were adapted for various missions depending on the needs of each campaign.

One of the strengths of this volume lies in its visual content. As is typical of the "in Action" series published by Squadron/Signal, the book is heavily illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and technical drawings. These visuals complement Johnson's text by showing the physical characteristics of the boats, their armament configurations, and the conditions under which crews served. For readers who appreciate visual documentation alongside written history, this format proves especially useful in understanding the practical realities of PT-boat operations.

The writing style throughout is straightforward and accessible, avoiding excessive technical jargon while still providing enough detail to satisfy readers with a genuine interest in naval history. Johnson's approach favors clarity over exhaustive analysis, making the book suitable for those new to the subject as well as enthusiasts seeking a concise reference. The pacing moves steadily through historical context, technical specifications, and combat narratives without becoming bogged down in excessive minutiae.

That said, the book's brevity, a hallmark of the "in Action" series, means that some readers seeking deeper analysis of strategic decisions or broader wartime context may find the coverage somewhat limited. The focus remains primarily on the boats themselves and their tactical employment rather than extensive discussion of the political or strategic considerations that shaped their use. Readers looking for a more exhaustive academic treatment may need to supplement this book with additional sources.

Overall, "United States PT-Boats of World War II in Action" serves as a solid introductory resource for those interested in this specialized aspect of naval warfare. Johnson succeeds in presenting a clear, well-organized account of PT-boat development and combat service, supported by valuable visual material that enhances understanding of these unique vessels. For modelers, history enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, the book offers a useful entry point into the story of these small but consequential boats that played a notable role in the Pacific and other theaters during World War II.