Explains how the intriguing World War II remnants that dot the First State's ocean coastline were used to guard against enemy seaborne attacks. The book tells the story of the nearly forgotten Coast Artillery soldiers, who manned a critical front-line, combat-ready watch during the anxious early months of the war, when the first invasion of the Homeland since the War of 1812 was considered a frightening real possibility. From a slow start during neglectful pre-war days, Delaware's Fort Miles grew to become the East Coast's most heavily armed installation. The fort's combat mission is described against a background of surrounding world events, German naval and commando operations in US waters and on US beaches, and how the fortunes of war led tot he Coast Artillery's last stand. A special book section covers Fort Miles' brother artillery units on all three of America's coasts.

"First edition published in April 2005"-- Reverse of title page.

The pre-Pearl Harbor strategic world setting -- An anxious defense outlook -- Enemy threats and Fort Miles capabilities -- The cannoneers' operational challenge -- Soldiering at wartime Fort Miles -- Fort Miles stands down -- Signature icons of the Delaware seashore -- Annex A : US coast defenses of World War II -- Annex B : Defense of the Delaware Searchlight Plan -- Annex C : Computing the "flight time" of an artillery projectile -- Annex D : December 1941 : the German attack on Wilmington.