Expanding their New Vanguard line of books, Osprey Publishing has announced their upcoming release, US Patrol Torpedo Boats. This book looks into the design and development of these small but deadly craft, very few of which survive today, and goes on to examine their role and combat deployment in World War II. Due out in September of 2008, this book will retail for $17.98

Motor torpedo boat development began in the early 1900s, and the vessels first saw service during World War I. In the late 1930s that the US Navy began the development of the now famous Patrol Torpedo or PT boat. The PT boat was designed for attacking larger warships with torpedoes using its ‘stealth’ ability, high-speed and small size. These tough little boats and their brave crews were also employed in a wide variety of other missions, including rescuing General MacArthur and his entourage from the Philippines.

Contents

• Introduction
  
• Development
  
• Design
  
• Operational History
  
• Memorialised PT Boats and Organizations
  
• Glossary
  
• Bibliography
  
• Index