Never to Return

I just finished reading "Never to Return." Bravo to Robert and Tory Nersasian for bringing the story of the USS Leopold and Sparky Nersasian to life! I happen to know how dedicated and hard working they are but even still, this book is an amazing story and proof of the devotion of a brother and a niece to their loved one and all those he served with. I laughed and I cried at times and it is much more than a sad story. They, along with Mr. Peffer, brought to life the human factor and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My heart swelled at the thought of all of those families finally receiving the Purple Heart and that recognition was finally given to the survivors and their families.

This is a superbly written account of the LEOPOLD and its sinking. As an author of 2 books, I recognize and appreciate the lengthy & extensive research efforts necessary to complete the story. My own experiences as a sailor aboard a Destroyer-Escort in 1970-1972 make this book quite personal. The Purple Heart for LT(jg) William Spencer somehow went astray. It was recently found by a concerned citizen & taken to my American Legion Post in hopes it could be reunited with a relative. Fortunately, family members of both Spencer & his wife have been located by the Post and the Purple Heart will be returned to good hands in a special ceremony on Veterans Day 2020.

Thank you for this book. I thought I knew a lot about the USS LEOPOLD but this book has taught me so much more. A story that needs to be told.

This book gives a greater understanding of the Coast Guards role in WW II. It was well researched and written, the information from the survivors and those involved in the rescue was riveting. As a retired CWO4 having served almost 26 years, the one member of the Coast Guard that is most always talked about from WW II, was Signalman first class Jarvis. As this book points out there was much more Coast Guard involvment. Great Read!!

Great book! Husband served in USCG on a DE. They did a great job during the war. Must read about these n others unsung heroes of USCG. Still during it now . Semper paratus...always ready! Read Lucy 13 next by Wiley.

When I started this book,all the facts were very accurate ,it was sutch a good story ,I couldn't put it down

Excellent read ... especially for an old tin can sailor!

This book is but together cell well. Having served a total of 22 years combined service in first the Navy then the Coast Guard I could feel the terror in those flung into the sea. I have pulled people from cold water and the description of hypothermia is accurate as is the stress of PTSD.

Ich habe das Buch mit sehr großem persönlichen Interesse gelesen, denn der Kommandant von U 255, Erich Harms, ist mein Vater. Leider entspricht die Darstellung nur teilweise der Wahrheit. So ist mein Vater nie in den USA gewesen und hat dort auch niean einem Veteranentreffen teilgenommen. Allerdings hat er mit Mr. Wilcox korrespondiert. Es bestand für ihn auch kein Anlass zu einer "Pilgerfahrt", denn wenn er nicht die "Leopold" versenkt hätte, wäre er versenkt worden. Und da er keine Torpedos auf die "Joyce" abgegeben hatte, litt er auch nicht unter dem Makel, auf ein fliehendes Schiff gefeuert zu haben. Auch die charakterliche Darstellung meines Vaters entspricht nicht der Realität. Mein Vater war ein dem Leben zugewandter Mensch mit hohem Verantwortungsbewußtsein der Familie und der Gesellschaft gegenüber, der sich im Ruhestand bewußt gesellschaftspolitisch engagierte. Er war an allem interessiert und las sehr viel, allerdings nicht die deutschen Klassiker oder Shakespeare. Ich weiß nicht, wie der Verfasser auf eine solche Schilderung kommt. Es wäre schön, wenn er etwas besser geforscht und näher an der Wahrheit geblieben wäre. Aber vielleicht muß man ja den Gegner zum Helden machen, um selbst einer (Wilcox) zu sein.