The third and final Book of “There once was a Ship” opens on the eve of the invasion of the Philippines. The greatest fleet up to that time was assembled. The U.S.S. Largo is a part of the vanguard of this fleet. The men of the Largo fight the distant battle, the death agony of the Japanese Navy that reflects upon the clouds to an unknown god. Bataan and Corregidor will once again rise from the gray shadows of history as the U.S.S. Largo leads the assault ships to retake the fortify island of Manila Bay. General MacArthur’s promise would be fulfilled, as the flag once again rises on the topside at Fort Mills.​