'Commander William Mallet tried hard to rehabilitate himself after being dismissed from his destroyer for drunkenness. Ignored by his fellow officers and subjected to the indignity of minor duties, he pestered the naval hierarchy to give him another ship. The Wanderer was old and worn and manned mostly by misfits. His job was to work up Wanderer to fighting efficiency in time to participate in the American invasion of Tarawa Island.' - back cover