The Patten brothers sailed the seven seas in the service of their country for 124 years. They performed their yeoman role in guiding the destinies of the great ships they served. The Navy’s largest family of eight brothers and their father were a banner of patriotism promoting war bonds and recruiting fellow sailors to support the battle to achieve and maintain liberty, freedom and justice.
The Iowa Patten brothers served patriotically in World War II. Six were on the Nevada next to the Arizona when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Later, they served on the Lexington in the Battle of the Coral Sea. This saga fuses history and genealogy in a scholarly manner using meticulous research with engaging storytelling including an account of their ancestors coming to America, orphan trains, life during the Depression, and Navy episodes and escapades. The book intertwines family lore narratives with historical battle accounts to amplify an understanding of history and the Patten family.
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By lspor
Dec 1, 2007
"Writer’s Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards" “The history of the Patten family, naval and otherwise, is presented with excellent rundowns of members from circa 1850 to 1945. This lengthy period also mirrors the history of the nation to a considerable extent. The military history woven into the fabric of the book is fascinating and educational without being overly text-like or tedious to read. One can easily appreciate the laudable patriotism of the family members while learning a great deal about ships (American and Japanese), their construction, armaments, aircraft, etc. Each theater of World War II is covered, some more extensive than others. Battles, including Pearl Harbor, are well described with searing details. Maps, pithy sayings, and more photos embellish the lucid and candid text.”
