Death Was Our Escort PT Boat Edward Hamilton USNR Ernest Vetter HC Book Signed

Description

Auction for signed hardcover book, Death Was Our Escort by LTCDR Ernest G. Vetter.
1. Death Was Our Escort: The Story of LT. (j.g.) Edward T. Hamilton, USNR, Ernest G. Vetter, LTCDR, USNR, Prentice_Hall Inc., New York, 1944. Hardcover book is 3rd Printing (June 1945). Story of a PT Boat Squadron at a secret base in New Guinea during WW2. Illustrated with map and b/w photographs including PT-107. This edition was signed by the author as notated in 1949. This book only covers Lt Hamilton's exploits in the Pacific and not his later service in the Mediterranean.
Richard T. Hamilton was born in 1915. He was a Horticulturist who became a decorated PT-Boat Captain known as "Dickey Dare" during WW2.  He graduated from North Dakota State University in 1937, then earned a MA from the University of Ohio in 1940. He moved to Washington D.C. for work but within ten months of the bombing of Pearl Harbor sought a commission in the US Navy. He briefly served in destroyers and then transferred to PT Boats. In July 44 he joined MTB 33 where he was known for his aggressiveness. In Oct 44 Hamilton was without a boat and volunteered as third officer of PT-493 where he participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait. For his actions during the battle he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. After recovering from his wounds he was in the Mediterranean Theater by April 1945 where he commanded PT-305. For actions in the the Mediterranean against Italian MAS boats he was awarded the French Croix De Guerre. He was discharged from the Navy in September 1945. He resumed his schooling and graduated with a PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1950. He moved to Hawaii where he became an instructor of Horticulture for the University of Hawaii where he taught for 40 years. His last command, PT Boat 305 is currently on display in the National WWII Museum.
Ernest G. Vetter, LTCDR was the author of several aviation, naval and cuisine books.
Hardcover book shows normal wear/tear associated with age. This may include minor age related defects such as chips, small tears on dust cover (in plastic protector), Signature of Author, pencil & ink notation, normal toning of pages.
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lease use photos as a guide in making a purchase decision. Sold as is.  Normal wear and tear associated with age.  Free shipping.  Thanks for looking.