In Harm’s Way

Torrey is removed from command of his heavy cruiser for boldly pursuing the enemy. Soon after the Pearl Harbor attack, the ship is torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, effectively ending his frontline command. This sequence marks a transition from ship command to desk duty ashore.

Liz's death occurs during the Pearl Harbor assault, and it becomes a scandal that haunts Eddington. The tragedy drives him into turmoil and fuels a downward spiral that affects his behavior. The personal loss foreshadows the professional ruin he experiences later.

Eddington is drawn into a bar brawl, jailed in the brig, and exiled to a land-based logistics assignment. His decline mirrors Torrey's shift from sea command to ashore duties. The sequence heightens tensions within the squadron’s leadership.

Torrey recovers and begins a romance with Navy Nurse Maggie Haynes. Maggie informs him that his estranged son Jeremiah is now serving as an ensign in the Naval Reserve. The news reaffirms his ties to family and draws him back toward action.

After reconnecting with his son, Torrey enters the South Pacific island-hopping operation codenamed Skyhook. He focuses on the plan to seize Levu-Vana for a strategic airfield. The operation marks his return to frontline-level decision making.

In the summer of 1942, Torrey is promoted to rear admiral and given tactical command of Skyhook, selecting Eddington as his chief of staff. He immediately plans to overrun Gavabutu as a staging base for Levu-Vana. The move underscores his bold, aggressive approach.

Gavabutu is swiftly overrun as Japanese garrisons withdraw, clearing the way to Levu-Vana. Torrey's efforts to secure more materiel are frustrated by MacArthur's larger Solomon Islands campaign. Reconnaissance aircraft are scarce, limiting situational awareness.

Eddington's instability drives him to rape Navy nurse Annalee Dorne, who is engaged to Jeremiah. Annalee fears she might be pregnant and tries to reveal the truth, but he dismisses her. She later commits suicide with sleeping pills.

Gripped by guilt, Eddington hijacks a PBJ patrol bomber for an unauthorized reconnaissance mission. He crash-lands and sacrifices himself, providing advance warning of a large Japanese task force centered around Yamato.

Despite the new threat, Torrey pushes ahead with the Levu-Vana invasion, attempting to repel the enemy fleet. The Yamato arrives and decimates much of the American ships in response. The battle tests his resolve and leadership.

Jeremiah is killed during a nighttime PT boat action in the Levu-Vana operation. His loss compounds Torrey's personal burden as the campaign continues around him. The family tragedy adds to the war's costs on the home front as well.

Torrey is severely wounded but rescued by his flag lieutenant and returns to Pearl Harbor aboard a hospital ship. Maggie tends to him as the campaign ends, and he is congratulated for repelling the Japanese advance and enabling Marines to take Levu-Vana instead of facing court-martial.