Such Is Life in the Navy

Such is Life in the Navy tells the life story of Herbert Victor Wiley. Born in Missouri in the late 1800's, this man lived an accomplished life, both as a career naval officer and as a father. Highlights from his career include exploits as a Navy airship officer, command of an Asiatic Fleet destroyer squadron at the outbreak of World War II, and skipper of the reconstructed USS West Virginia which played a key roles in battles throughout the South Pacific.

The book begins by tracing Wiley's boyhood in small Midwestern towns and reveals the character that will come to exemplify his personal and professional life. Intelligent, pragmatic, courageous, calm...all of these attributes serve him well. Upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy, "Doc" Wiley embarks on a journey bringing him face-to-face with numerous life-threatening situations and personal tragedies. He is fearless in taking to the air and rises to the top of the Navy's rigid airship program. Avoiding politicking and intrigue, Wiley builds a reputation as the consummate airship officer and a leading expert in the field. At the outbreak of World War II, he calmly and bravely directs his squadron of thirteen aging destroyers -- heavily outgunned and outnumbered by the Japanese -- in the first naval battles following Pearl Harbor. Later in the war, as the captain of the USS West Virginia, Wiley guides his battleship through fierce combat in Pacific. At Leyte Gulf, Surigao Strait, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and other infamous battles, he wins accolades from his crew and the Navy brass for his leadership, aggressiveness, and results. Wiley handles deep personal loss with the same courage and stoicism he brings to his job. He is the doting father of three who must balance the needs of his family with service to his country. His is an inspirational story.