In this collection of essays a distinguished team of naval historians examines nineteen of the most important battles fought by American naval forces. Edited and introduced by retired Naval Academy professor Jack Sweetman, the volume includes battles from the War of Independence, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War II, and the postwar period. Based on the latest scholarship and written to both educate and entertain, each of the essays provides a scene-setting overview of the strategic situation at the time of the action, a description of the battle itself, and an examination of its significance. Biographical profiles of American commanders illustrate the critical influence of leadership in combat.