In this collection of essays a distinguished team of naval historians examines nineteen of the most important battles fought by American naval forces. Edited and introduced by retired Naval Academy professor Jack Sweetman, the volume includes battles from the War of Independence, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War II, and the postwar period. Based on the latest scholarship and written to both educate and entertain, each of the essays provides a scene-setting overview of the strategic situation at the time of the action, a description of the battle itself, and an examination of its significance. Biographical profiles of American commanders illustrate the critical influence of leadership in combat.

The battle of Valcour Island / James Kirby Martin -- The battle of Flamborough Head / James C. Bradford -- The Constitution's battles / Linda M. Maloney -- The battle of Lake Erie / David Curtis Skaggs -- The battle of Lake Champlain / W.M.P. Dunn -- The battle of Hampton Roads / William N. Still Jr. -- The battle of New Orleans / Mark L. Hayes -- The battle of Mobile Bay / Jack H. Friend -- The battle of Manila Bay / John B. Hattendorf -- The battle of Santiago / David F. Trask -- The attack on Pearl Harbor / Edward L. Beach -- The battle of the Coral Sea / E.B. Potter -- The battle of Midway / Barrett Tillman -- The naval battle of Guadalcanal: the battleship night action / Paul Stillwell -- The battle of the Atlantic / William T. Y'Blood -- The battle of the Philippine Sea / H.P. Willmott -- The battle of Leyte Gulf / Thomas J. Cutler -- The battle for Okinawa / Jeffrey G. Barlow -- Operation Praying Mantis / Michael A. Palmer.