Carmen's Secret Diary: Aboard the USS Hornet (CV-12) in 1944

In print for the very first time, Carmen Franceschelli's diary tells in candid detail about 366 days spent working and living aboard the USS Hornet (CV-12) during World War II.

Come aboard the Hornet aircraft carrier with Carmen and his Navy buddies as they support actions in the Pacific's Mariannas, Marshalls, and Philippines. Early in 1944, their captain says to them, ". . . every man has to do his job with the best effort he can."

Writing in secret under his blanket every night by flashlight, the 19-year-old sailor records shipboard fears and frustrations, dreams and delights. Patriotic Carmen writes with pride of the Hornet's many successful missions--all the while longing for dry land underfoot and his mom Rachel's home cooking.