Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} The Lady Gangster A Sailor's Memoir by Del Staecker The Lady Gangster, a Sailor's Memoir by Del Staecker. The Lady Gangster is a quick and fascinating read. Del Staecker does an excellent job framing the story of his father's service aboard an armed transport ship during the Second World War. Officially named the USS Fuller, the ship is better known by her apt nickname, Lady Gangster , a name christened by her crew, made up almost entirely of fellow Chicagoans. In addition to being an accounting of his father's service, Lady Gangster is also a heartwarming story of a rapprochement between father and son. A long road trip and a broken radio result in hours of conversation and an outpouring of memories. For the first time, the young son listens to his father's vivid and detailed recounting of his harrowing experiences serving with the Navy in the Pacific Theater. Through his writing, Staecker transports the reader from inside that car where he listens intently to his father's story, to the various locations were his father served. Staecker intersperses his father's reminiscences with just the right amount of family background, comments, clarifications and explanations of wartime history to keep the reader up-to-speed with the historical setting and maritime terminology. The book is well written and includes useful maps, which help orient the reader to the action and keep up with the unbelievably savage fighting and island-hopping through places with names like Guadalcanal, Tinian, "the Slot," Saipan, and Okinawa. The book also includes several photographs that help personalize the story and make the action that much more realistic. With dignity and grace, Staecker pays homage to both his father's unheralded service during the war and the equally unheralded service of a proud and effective ship, along with her officers and crew. Well done! Reviewed by: John Cathcart (2009) Author's Synopsis. The true story of WWII's most amazing ship and her unique crew of 327 reservists from Chicago. In a seamless blend of oral history, narrative, biography, autobiography, journal entries, ships logs, action reports, newspaper articles, illustrations, photos, and even two poems - the Lady Gangster's tale explains how the "Chicago Boys" transformed from raw naval recruits into veteran "Salts." From the North Atlantic through nine invasions in the Pacific the crew of the USS Fuller heroically earned for their Lady the title of "Queen of Attack Transports." The Lady Gangster: A Sailor's Memoir by Del Staecker. Military Writer’s Society of America (MWSA) John Cathcart, reviewer. “ The Lady Gangster is a quick and fascinating read. Del Staecker does an excellent job framing the story of his father’s service aboard an armed transport ship during the Second World War. Officially named the USS Fuller, the ship is better known by her apt nickname, “Lady Gangster,” a name christened by her crew, made up almost entirely of fellow Chicagoans. In addition to being an accounting of his father’s service, The Lady Gangster is also a heartwarming story of a rapprochement between father and son. A long road trip and a broken radio result in hours of conversation and an outpouring of memories. Through his writing, Staecker transports the reader from inside that car where he listens intently to his father’s story, to the various locations were his father served… With dignity and grace, Staecker pays homage to both his father’s unheralded service during the war and the equally unheralded service of a proud and effective ship, along with her officers and crew. Well done!” World War II History magazine. The Lady Gangster: A Sailor’s Memoir …offer[s] [a] revealing perspective of life aboard wartime attack transports… [It] is a combination of his father’s memoirs as a sailor aboard the USS Fuller …and the unique way he got his father to finally open up and talk about his wartime experiences… Staecker’s book grew out of an 18-hour father-son car trip in 1967 from Florida to Illinois with a broken car radio. The two had been making uncomfortable small talk until the son (Del) asked, “Dad, will you tell me what you did in the war?” The father’s answer is the firsthand account of the Fuller and its courageous crew who braved enemy attacks while delivering troops and supplies during many of the toughest battles in the South Pacific. It is also the poignant tale of how a simple question forged a lasting bond between father and son. [Staecker’s book has] a charm all [its] own and get[s] two thumbs up . The Chicago Gangster newsletter. Virginia Black, wife of a USS Fuller crew member. “The first time I read [ The Lady Gangster ] I cried all day. A month later I read it again, and liked it even more. I believe it to be a true documented report of the terrible war years. Many times I heard my dear husband tell stories about that great ship, but I had no idea what heroes the men who sailed her were. …it was very thrilling…such a marvelous book.” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings. “About 40 years ago, author Del Staecker asked his father, ‘will you tell me what you did in the war?’ Irvin Staecker’s answer is this first-hand account of his service from 1941 to 1945 on board the USS Fuller. She was an attack transport nicknamed ‘The Lady Gangster’ by a crew made up largely of Chicagoans like Irvin. In 32 concise chapters, this book retells conversations Del and Irvin had in 1967. Irvin’s accounts are printed in italics, mixed with Del’s recollections of their talks and what he subsequently learned from his dad’s notes, ship journals, and additional research… Written in an atypical yet appealing style, The Lady Gangster is a spirited tale that has…attracted numerous readers.” The Lady Gangster: A Sailor's Memoir by Del Staecker. “Del’s presentations are part storytelling, part lecture, and totally fun! His personal likability and engaging delivery delights, entertains, and educates all ages and audiences.” - U.S. Navy Writer On Deck Program. Lessons Learned from our Greatest Generation. They concquered the world and returned home to build modern America. The "Greatest Generation" lived by simple, enduring principles, which are examined, explained and shared by Del. Telling Life Stories. Every life is a poem — filled with trials, suffering, victory and joy. Del reveals insights into his methodology for storytelling and memoir writing. Transforming Your Life. Burnt out at mid-life, then an award-winning author — Del shares the ups, downs and rewards of starting over. “ It's amazing! Sailor Man should be required reading in boot camp. in high school. somewhere!” “The Lady Gangster is a great example of what history should be about.” ISBN 13: 9781934980217. The first-hand account of an armed transport ship, the USS Fuller, and her crew of mostly Chicago boys who transformed from wide-eyed recruits to Old Salts. It is also the poignant tale of how a simple question, "Dad, will you tell me what you did in the war?", formed a lasting bond between a father and his son. "synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title. Of the battle-tested attack transports involved in the Pacific theater during World War II, only one, the USS Fuller, has a service record that stretched from Iceland to the Britsh Isles to the beaches of Guadalcanal, Saipan, and Okinawa. She was known as the Queen of the Attack Transports, and with good cause. About the Author : Del Staecker is a graduate of The Citadel. He and his wife live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he is a full-time writer. The Lady Gangster: A Sailor's Memoir. The amazing story of the USS Fuller, The Lady Gangster, and her crew of wide-eyed recruits, many of whom were from Chicago, who were transformed into experienced Old Salts during some of the toughest battles in the Pacific during World War II. Read More. The amazing story of the USS Fuller, The Lady Gangster, and her crew of wide-eyed recruits, many of whom were from Chicago, who were transformed into experienced Old Salts during some of the toughest battles in the Pacific during World War II. Read Less. All Copies ( 17 ) Softcover ( 4 ) Hardcover ( 13 ) Choose Edition ( 2 ) Book Details Seller Sort. 2009, Cable Publishing. Halethorpe, MD, USA. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Good Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 16680361336 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. 2009, Cable Publishing. Brownstown, MI, USA. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Good Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 16698937632 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. 2009, Cable Publishing. Hillsboro, OR, USA. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Fair Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 16679986655 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Fairly worn, but readable and intact. If applicable: Dust jacket, disc or access code may not be included. ► Contact This Seller. 2009, Cable Publishing. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Good Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 16630101022 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59 Trackable Expedited: €7,19. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972. Used books may not include companion materials, some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, and may not include cd-rom or access codes. Customer service is our top priority! ► Contact This Seller. 2009, Cable Publishing. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Paperback, Good Details: ISBN: 1934980226 ISBN-13: 9781934980224 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 16686984660 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. 2009, Cable Publishing. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Very Good Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 11550928513 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59 Trackable Expedited: €7,19. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Staecker, Del., Cable Publishing, 2009, c2009, 1st Edition, 1st printing, boards (hard cover), near fine with near fine dj, map endpapers, 173 pp with ship's service record & further reading, B&W photographic & map illus., tall 8vo, ISBN: 9781934980217, 'The True Story of WWII's Most Amazing Ship and Her Heroic Crew', 'The USS Fuller, known as 'The Queen of Attack Transports', has a service record that stretched from Iceland and the British Isles to the beaches of Guadalcanal, Saipan, and Okinawa' ► Contact This Seller. 2009, Cable Publishing. Binghamton, NY, USA. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Fine/Like New Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Edition: 1st Edition Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 12890727891 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59 Trackable Expedited: €7,19. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Fine in Fine jacket. Book. Inscribed by Author(s) 25163 shelf. Gold-stamped black bds. Inscribed in full to "Doc. " on half- title pg. Clean text. Unblemished dust jacket. Maps & b/w photos, map endpapers. Pacific Front, World War II, aboard the U.S.S. Fuller. ► Contact This Seller. 2009, Cable Publishing. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Very Good Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Edition: 1st Edition Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 15643207645 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Near Fine in Near Fine jacket. Very nice copy. ► Contact This Seller. 2009, Cable Publishing. Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Very Good Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 02/2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 16447425424 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Very Good. Clean, sturdy hardcover w/jacket. Light edge-wear. WF. ► Contact This Seller. 2009, Cable Publishing. Lancaster, PA, USA. Edition: 2009, Cable Publishing Hardcover, Fine/Like New Details: ISBN: 1934980218 ISBN-13: 9781934980217 Edition: First Edition Publisher: Cable Publishing Published: 2009 Language: English Alibris ID: 11607605628 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,59 Trackable Expedited: €7,19 Two Day Air: €13,49. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.