From Warren Stirling, president of the Johnston/Hoel Association: "It is deeply saddening to report to you that our good friend, James Hornfischer, has passed away. James left us at the age of 55 on June 2, 2021, after struggling with a challenging medical situation. James attended several of our reunions while gathering information for his perhaps best known work, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors." In that book he not only describes the historic aspects of the Battle at Leyte Gulf on 25 October, 1944, but he also was able to capture and relate an account of the events from a more personal perspective based on his interviews with our shipmates. There were gripping first hand accounts of what crew members were doing, feeling, and experiencing during the battle and also during the hours of torment in the water while waiting for rescue. The Johnston/Hoel family is grateful for James' friendship and for his efforts in helping others understand the significance of the events at Leyte Gulf. We extend our most heartfelt and sincere sympathy to the Hornfischer family during this time of sadness as James moves on." Such a great loss for all of us interested in the story of the naval war in the Pacific. RIP James!
Sad news indeed. He writing style really put the reader right on the ships’ decks in the Pacific. His accounts of the Battle of Samar are truly riveting in Tin Can Sailors. I really enjoyed Neptune’s Inferno as well.
Terrible information. I have read and enjoyed Hornfischer's books with gusto. His writing encouraged the reader to be actively involved in what he was saying. Tin Can Sailors helped ignite my interest in the Battle off Samar. His other books filled in gaps in my information. Thanks for the sad notification. I may have to re-read his work.
Wow, a great loss. His books were great, well written with good information. Like Lou, I found The Last Stand of Tin Can Sailors engaging and interest broadening.
I hadn't heard this. He was one of the best at telling the US Navy's story in the Pacific. Own and love his books. RIP Mr. Hornfischer.
