In "On-the-Roof Gang", Matt Zullo has masterfully stitched together the first chapter of "The Bible" all America's naval cryptologists have longed for. It is the real deal, steeped with nautical flair, and navigates the reader alongside Harry "Pappy" Kidder and others: with luck, guts, and determination, they acquire their mystical tradecraft during this pre-WWII genesis of U.S. naval cryptology. His painstaking research, exquisite detail, and captivating story-telling combine to mesmerize. Among other unraveled snarls, this book sets the record straight with station HYPO, and tautly cinches the knot around the "Gang" as being the Cradle of U.S. naval cryptology. Every American will become enthralled when reading this seminal undertaking. And best of all? There's more to come. Bravo "Zulu" to Master Chief Petty Officer Zullo! Daddy Reeb, CWO4/CTICM, USN (ret)
"Bravo Zulu" to Master Chief (retired) Matt Zullo for lifting out of the shadows of secrecy the critically important work by a group of extraordinary professionals in the early days of the U.S. Navy's communications intelligence operations. In "The US Navy's On-the-Roof Gang" Mr. Zullo not only masterfully tells the story of the people and events that forged this endeavor but also artfully explains the technology employed in a way that is understandable to the layman. The book is captivating. The author brings the reader into the lives of the members of the "On-the-Roof Gang" and their passion for the mission that, by the end of the book, one has the sad feeling of leaving the watch and shipmates behind. Robert "Cris" Crispino, U.S. Department of Defense, Senior Executive Service (retired).
A rare look behind the veil of secrecy that cloaks Naval SIGINT operations. Matt Zullo's extensive research and mastery of the subject matter offers great insight into the origins of the On the Roof Gang and gives the reader a fascinating look into the lives of these great American heroes. Although the Gang has all gone on to the realm of the Supreme Commander, Matt's masterful storytelling ensures they will never be forgotten. Ron "Jolly" Harris, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Master Chief (ret), Naval Security Group
Matt Zullo's initial offering in his On-The-Roof-Gang series immediately grabs you with his extensive research and attention to detail. A little-known subject of U.S Navy history that is a must-read for WW2 buffs as well as fans of the murky world of Spies, Surveillance and Intelligence. We will have an impatient wait for the next entry in the series! Gare Wragg, Retired Navy Captain and currently a Certified Intelligence Collection Manager
An eye-opening narrative filled with new information about the birth of the US Navy's communications intelligence. Matt Zullo's "On-the-Roof Gang - Prelude to War" is a must read for anyone interested in the Sailors & officers who performed radio intelligence during World War II, providing a priceless advantage to operational commanders. Capt David E. Meadows, USN, Author of the Sixth Fleet series
BRAVO ZULU!!!! "On-the-Roof Gang - Prelude to War" should be required reading for all the Navy's new Cryptologists. In the current world of "Cyber" warfare, it's often prudent to stop and think about how far we have come and pay tribute to those pioneers whose dedication and perseverance in the face of numerous obstacles were instrumental in America's successes in WWII. We should be forever grateful for the Chief Kidders of that time. Matt Zullo takes us on an enlightening adventure culminating in a deep sense of pride in being part of such an honorable community. Penny Tardona, Force Master Chief, Naval Security Group Command, USN (Retired)
2020-11-02
This second volume of a historical fiction series focuses on the Navy’s “On-the-Roof Gang,” a highly trained and dedicated band of radio operators who are Americans’ eyes and ears in the Pacific theater during World War II.
This group was called the On-the-Roof Gang because the members were trained in a hutch on the roof of the Navy’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The band was the brainchild of a driven man named Harry Kidder, who developed the curriculum. The school began in 1929 and kept turning out graduates right up through the early years of the war. The esprit de corps was almost mystical. The novel takes readers from the infamous Pearl Harbor attack to the end of the war, detailing the gang’s victories and losses. One of the most gripping parts of the tale is the capture and subsequent imprisonment of the operators on Guam, which became overrun just days after Pearl Harbor. They wind up in Zentsuji prison camp in Japan, suffering incredible hardships but never cracking, largely through the leadership of Radioman First Class Markle Smith, an extraordinary figure whose exploits are heroic. But readers get a tour of the whole war, from Pearl Harbor through Guam and Corregidor and then, with the tide turning, Midway, Coral Sea, Leyte Gulf, and on and on. Zullo calls his absorbing book fiction for the good and simple reason that he creates scenes and dialogue when he has to. But make no mistake, this is authentic history. All the characters are real people (like Smith) who performed bravely. In fact, when the author is not creating scenes—which he does quite well—he is scrupulously listing all the people involved, all the mind-numbing acronyms, all the minutiae of a vast war machine. So there is good stuff here for military buffs as well as those who just like an engrossing story. And there is ancillary information front and back (for all that initialese) as well as copious illustrations throughout: maps and period photographs. This sequel to Zullo’s Prelude To War (2020) shows members of the Greatest Generation at their greatest in a truly stirring account.
A well-written and engaging tale about a remarkable and courageous group of radio operators.
