Description:
In 1882, Charles "Gunner" Morgan, 17, enlisted in the US Navy. In 1898, he led divers on the USS Maine and was "The Man Who Started the Spanish-American War." Gunner survived war and controversy. Discover this US Navy hero's life.
Brief description: Katie Gould is Assistant Editor for HillHelen Group Publishers and has 15-plus years in editing, design and social media experience.
Review Quotes:
As a Marine and avid reader of all things military, it was a real thrill for me to discover a real-life US Navy hero, "Gunner" Morgan, in the historic novel Captain of the Tides Gunner Morgan. Enlisting on the New Orleans docks in 1882, his first ship was the USS Kearsarge, famous for sinking the CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, a fitting start to a stellar career spanning four wars. Working his way from the galley to the gun deck, he became an expert on naval gunnery earning the title of "The Man Behind the Gun." Gunner found additional fame as the lead diver during recovery operations after the explosion on the USS Maine in Havana harbor. From his reports on the likely cause of the sinking, he was called "The Man Who Started the Spanish-American War."
A pioneer "Mustang" (enlisted to officer) he was among the first from the ranks promoted to officer amid a nationwide controversy as hidebound "ring knockers," Academy graduates, tried to prevent the elevation of non-Academy graduates to officer status. He worked with Thomas Edison on Navy inventions and nearly died in an explosion. In the business world, he helped start Pan American Airways and married the daughter of a multi-millionaire sugar baron. Although he came to life with the vivid writing in the book, I wish I could have met Gunner Morgan during his lifetime. The co-authors, Charles Morgan, his grandson, and Jacque Hillman, swept me into Gunner's life from his early days growing up in New Orleans to walking the quiet streets of Somerville, Tennessee; they led me down history's paths through the characters who actually lived it. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military history, particularly naval.
- Lt. Gen. John "Glad" Castellaw, USMC (Retired).
This captivating story of the life and remarkable achievements of "Gunner" Morgan grabs hold of the reader from the first to the last word and won't let go. It's easy to become caught up as he enlists in the Navy and, from the start, is determined to become the best sailor he could be - as a gunner; as a diver; as a leader and mentor for other sailors; and, as a respected advisor to his Navy leaders. His courage under fire and in dangerous situations is the stuff of heroes. The fact that he was among the first six enlisted sailors to be promoted to officer rank is telling of his reputation throughout the Navy. This is a story well written and worth reading.
- Maj. Gen. Maurice Edmonds, US Army (Retired)