The Nugget by P.T. Deutermann

The Nugget follows the military exploits of a naval dive bomber pilot in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Lieutenant Robert T. Steele. The story starts out with a board of inquiry about whether Lt. Steele is who he says he is. That is because he was lost at sea and presumed dead.

But the novel unfolds as Lt. Steele tells his story to the board of inquiry about what happened to him and how he fought the war even after being "lost at sea."

The story is well written and enthralling. It draws your interest in and gives you an excellent glimpse into what happens during war and how things can go from bad to worse to even worse for any military person.

But then their desire to survive and fight kicks in and they can do extraordinary things. Lt. Steele and his navigator, Rooster, survive by pure luck and also by skill. Then they don't just survive, but they go on the offensive with resistance fighters to thwart the Japanese.

I enjoyed the entire novel and find that it is a complete guide in how one person trained as a pilot can become all things in war to survive and fight.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.