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The US Navy's On-the-Roof Gang: Volume I - Prelude to War
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About The US Navy's On-the-Roof Gang: Volume I - Prelude
Product Description THE US NAVY'S ON-THE-ROOF GANG: VOLUME I - PRELUDE TO WAR is an historical novel based on the unknown true-life story of the "On-The-Roof Gang," the U.S. Navy's fledgling radio intelligence organization in the years leading up to World War II. It is based on the real life of Harry Kidder, a U.S. Navy radioman who first discovered and deciphered Japanese katakana telegraphic code while stationed in the Philippines in the 1920s, discovering that he was listening to Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) radio communications. Kidder strongly believed in the future of radio intelligence and a chance meeting with Lieutenant Laurance Safford led to the birth of the Navy's Radio Intelligence community. Kidder taught others the nascent art of intercepting IJN communications on the roof of the Main Navy Building in Washington, DC. From 1928 to 1941, 176 Sailors and Marines attended this training and were then stationed as radio intercept operators around the Pacific. These men would become known as the On-The-Roof Gang and were charged with keeping track of the IJN as they prepared for war with the United States. The circumstances of America's entry into World War II hinged on success or failure of the On-The-Roof Gang, and Harry Kidder knew this. On-the-Roof Gang: Prelude to War concludes with the "date which will live in infamy," December 7, 1941. Review In "On-the-Roof Gang", Matt Zullo has masterfully stitched together the first chapter of "The Bible" all America's naval cryptologists have longed for. It is the real deal, steeped with nautical flair, and navigates the reader alongside Harry "Pappy" Kidder and others: with luck, guts, and determination, they acquire their mystical tradecraft during this pre-WWII genesis of U.S. naval cryptology. His painstaking research, exquisite detail, and captivating story-telling combine to mesmerize. Among other unraveled snarls, this book sets the record straight with station HYPO, and tautly cinches the knot around the "Gang" as being the Cradle of U.S. naval cryptology. Every American will become enthralled when reading this seminal undertaking. And best of all? There's more to come. Bravo "Zulu" to Master Chief Petty Officer Zullo! Daddy Reeb, CWO4/CTICM, USN (ret) "Bravo Zulu" to Master Chief (retired) Matt Zullo for lifting out of the shadows of secrecy the critically important work by a group of extraordinary professionals in the early days of the U.S. Navy's communications intelligence operations. In "The US Navy's On-the-Roof Gang" Mr. Zullo not only masterfully tells the story of the people and events that forged this endeavor but also artfully explains the technology employed in a way that is understandable to the layman. The book is captivating. The author brings the reader into the lives of the members of the "On-the-Roof Gang" and their passion for the mission that, by the end of the book, one has the sad feeling of leaving the watch and shipmates behind. Robert "Cris" Crispino, U.S. Department of Defense, Senior Executive Service (retired). A rare look behind the veil of secrecy that cloaks Naval SIGINT operations. Matt Zullo's extensive research and mastery of the subject matter offers great insight into the origins of the On the Roof Gang and gives the reader a fascinating look into the lives of these great American heroes. Although the Gang has all gone on to the realm of the Supreme Commander, Matt's masterful storytelling ensures they will never be forgotten. Ron "Jolly" Harris, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Master Chief (ret), Naval Security Group Matt Zullo's initial offering in his On-The-Roof-Gang series immediately grabs you with his extensive research and attention to detail. A little-known subject of U.S Navy history that is a must-read for WW2 buffs as well as fans of the murky world of Spies, Surveillance and Intelligence. We will have an impatient wait for the next entry in the series! Gare Wragg, Retired Navy Captain and currently a Certi
