Jim Sullivan, author of "Unsinkable: Five Men and the Indomitable Run of the U.S.S. Plunkett," shares gripping tales of a WWII destroyer that was pivotal in every Allied invasion in Europe. He discusses his personal connection to the ship and details the brave crew's harrowing experiences, especially during fierce battles like Anzio. The fluid blend of wartime heroism and the intimate stories of the men aboard highlights the emotional weight of their sacrifices and the legacy of valor that continues to resonate today.
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Family Trip to Anzio
Jim Sullivan's trip to Anzio, Italy, sparked an interest in the USS Plunkett, where his great-uncles served.
His great-uncle Frank's story about reuniting with his brother John on the Plunkett before the Anzio landing began his research.
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Destroyers in WWII
Destroyers, smaller than battleships, played a crucial role in WWII by escorting ships and protecting task forces.
They fought submarines, aircraft, and occasionally engaged in surface combat.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Connecting with Jim Feltz
Jim connected with a Plunkett veteran, Jim Feltz, who had been close friends with his great-uncle John.
This personal connection deepened Jim's commitment to uncovering the Plunkett's story.
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Unsinkable by James Sullivan is a captivating narrative that follows the USS Plunkett through its pivotal moments in World War II, from North Africa to the European theatre. The book focuses on the personal stories of five brave men on board, weaving a tale of courage and sacrifice. Based on extensive research including Navy logs and personal interviews, it offers a vivid portrayal of life on a warship during one of history's most tumultuous periods.
Seventy-six years years after the end of World War II, that singular event continues to capture our interest and fascination. There's a reason for that; the war combined two greatly compelling things — the epic, historic sweep of large-scale battles and the personal stories of the individual young men who fought in them with determined resolve and humble heroism.
My guest has written a book that deftly combines both of these elements into a thoroughly memorable tale. His name is James Sullivan and he's the author of Unsinkable: Five Men and the Indomitable Run of the U.S.S. Plunkett. Today on the show, Jim shares the story of the Plunkett — the only Navy ship to participate in every Allied invasion in the European theatre — as well as the stories of a group of men who served on this destroyer. We begin with the personal connection Jim has to the Plunkett, and how he got interested in learning more about the ship. Jim then explains the role the Navy's destroyers played during WWII, before getting into the backstories of some of the men who served aboard the Plunkett. From there we delve into the escorting and landing operations the Plunkett was involved in leading up to its arrival along the Italian coast at Anzio, where a dozen German bombers bore down on the ship in one of the most savage attacks of the war, and how the ship yet lived to fight another day. We end our conversation with what happened to the men Jim profiled, how the war affected their lives, and how their lives affected Jim.
The Art of Manliness 
