Tin Can 367 Dedicated to the Crew of the Lamson 1936-1946 Compiled and edited by Richard A. Phelan, its engineering officer (211 pages) Reviewer:  Bernie Ditter Overall Rating: Four Stars--Highly Recommended. An excellent book. As I began reading this book in preparation to review it I thought I would be reading just another chronology from the laying of the keel to another ship’s ultimate demise.  It was, truthfully, not a prospect that I was looking forward to. I was expecting to report back that this book would be, at best, appreciated by Lamson crewmembers and their families; some thing to put upon their coffee tables and look at occasionally. I was wrong. Reading this book is like becoming a part of something special. As one reads about the many different circumstances that the ship becomes involved in one becomes charmed by its own, admittedly, charmed existence. While this book is, in fact, an almost day by day telling of her ten year history it is a history so filled with humanity that everyone who buys it will be pleased with themselves for doing so. I am always so filled with awe and admiration for the young men and career sailors who would spend years in and out of battle zones, and does so out of duty and honor that, I am humbled by their courage. This book is another that tells us about those who did. The portion of the book about the kamikaze attack and its aftermath should be required reading for every American. The Lamson is an “Everyman” kind of ship. It survives the war though many of her crew did not. It experiences all of the mundane things that one tolerates during a war and regrettably must endure a kamikaze attack… just barely surviving. Ironically she survives to be sent to the bottom by her own.  Another story. And, the book is filled with stories about the unique experiences of this ship and her crew. Richard Phalen has done a fine job of presenting over ten years of history of this proud ship. Availability: www.authorhouse.com/bookstore $29.90 ISBN: 9781434339621