STRIKER'S MEN. de Rush, Charles W. Signed - 1994

Coronado, CA: O'Meara, 1994. 294 pp, 9 1/4" H. Red simulated leather binding with gilt lettering on spine. Boldly signed by author on front free endpaper. Double-page map. "Late April, 1942. Without introduction to the task, Lt. (j.g.) Tom Rhett volunteers for submarine duty aboard USS STRIKER as she steers for the Japanese infested waters of the Java Sea. The endless tedium aboard a submarine is quickly shattered by deafening depth-charges that pound the boat and rattle the frazzled nerves of her crew. Helpless, the men sweat silently in the sweltering depths. The seconds tick into agonizing minutes. Without warning, a thunder-ous explosion shudders the boat. Tongues of flame dart through hull fissures quickly resealed by the outer pressure. Submerged, STRIKER silently stalks the enemy. Surfaced, she is a breathing, diesel-belching serpent; often wounded, always deadly. 'Striker's Men' dramatically and compassionately portrays the heroism and fear of men in a submarine war - from STRIKER's daring victories under the steady command of Mike Hanahan to her cowardice in the face of the enemy under the thumb of an incompetent braggart with no heart to endure the terrors of undersea warfare. Through it all, young Tom Rhett ponders his life - the past and present - as he struggles to mold his future." Bump to top of spine/hinges, very light wrinkling at bottom of spine. Dust jacket is 1/4" shorter in height than the book (manufactured this way - no sign of it being trimmed). It also has a tiny dent on the front panel and minor rubbing on the rear panel.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good+.