History has recorded many instances in which the right man was present at the right time to further a just cause and bring credit to his nation at a critical moment. This book tells the story of such a man and such a time. Commodore Arleigh Burke provided the fire of leadership that fused a squadron of destroyers into a superb combat organization - the gallant squadron of this book - a real fighting outfit with that vital combat ingredient we know as "fighting spirit." Fighting spirit, like leadership, is difficult if not well-nigh impossible to describe - yet that spirit is brought to life in these pages. Here is a narrative that captures the elusive and mysterious combination of human qualities that add up to inspiration, because here is a story of action, human action, and reaction, in the heat of battle.