Blunting the Spear

Robert C. Stern has written more than twenty books on military and naval subjects. His previous books include Scratch One Flattop, which tells the story of the Battle of the Coral Sea, directly following the actions covered in this book, and Knife’s Edge, which continues that story, covering the later South Pacific carrier battles at the Eastern Solomons and Santa Cruz. He resides with his wife in Alameda, California.

“Naval historian Stern delivers a gripping, meticulously researched account of the chaotic first four months of the Pacific War…The narrative balances sweeping strategic analysis with technical precision and vivid personal perspectives, from commanders like William “Bull” Halsey to the exploits of aviators like Edward “Butch” O’Hare. By tracing the planning of the Doolittle Raid and connecting these early, misunderstood encounters to upcoming clashes at Coral Sea and Midway, Stern demonstrates how the blueprint for the turning points of the war was forged in initial adversity.”—Booklist“Anyone interested in the first few months of U.S. and Japanese carrier operations in the Pacific War would be well served by reading Blunting the Spear. Robert Stern has an uncanny ability to interweave highly technical and intricate detail with a knowledgeable and profound analysis of the “bigger picture.” The well-selected maps and photos nicely complement the highly readable text, and the notes, references, and index will satisfy even the most demanding academic.”—William Jurens, associate editor of Warship International and co-author of Battleship Bismarck: A Design and Operational History“Robert C. Stern delivers a gripping account that brings to life the often-overlooked U.S. Navy’s struggle to slow the rapid Japanese advance in the crucial early months of the Pacific War. Based on meticulous archival research yet sweeping in scope, Blunting the Spear is a compelling narrative that captures not only critical strategy and innovative tactics but also the personal clashes, rivalries, and dilemmas that set the stage for the decisive naval battles of the Coral Sea and Midway.”—Michał A. Piegzik, author of Gamble in the Coral Sea: Japan's Offensive, The Carrier Battle, and the Road to Midway“Robert Stern’s book on the carrier operations in the Pacific in the months immediately after Pearl Harbor is an informative and enjoyable read that offers a fresh perspective on an often-overlooked period of naval history. The major personalities are identified and their roles in the events that followed detailed in text, images, and maps showing how the Allies reacted to the Japanese onslaught that threatened to overrun the Pacific.”—Anthony Tully, author of The Battle of Surigao Strait, co-author of Shattered Sword, and managing editor of CombinedFleet.com