SAILORS TO THE END The Deadly Fire on the USS FORRESTAL and the Heroes Who Fought It

The tragedy of the USS FORRESTAL almost 36 years ago is brought to life. It began off the coast of North Vietnam, where a number of loaded jets were preparing to launch an attack: An armed missile misfired, hitting the plane of a young John McCain. This started a fire that was intensified by the explosions of at least six defective 1,000-pound bombs. The efforts and sacrifice of the crew to save the ship were heroic. When all was done, approximately 135 sailors were dead and 185 injured. Still, the ship was saved and later went on to serve (and earn the nicknames of "Fireball," "Zippo," and "Forestfire"). This abridgment of Freeman's account is ably rendered by Kevin Conway. His deep, steady voice, with its slight rasp, makes him sound like a chief petty officer telling his own story. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]