A powerful volume of two sequential books: “FIT TO COMMAND” and “THE COURT-MARTIAL OF ENSIGN MASON” - that are based on the World War Two experiences of the author - that colorfully and graphically describe naval fighting in both books, plus exact court-martial procedures in the second.  Inserted in the text are several photos taken of and from the author’s ship during and after battle, that wonderfully magnify the story and fortify its credibility.

Through the entire two-book volume is woven the elegance of a beautiful love between Ensign Mason and his lovely Leila, a love that grows while it survives and transcends the trauma of wartime separation. The final pages are Mason’s “SOLILOQUY”, and are eloquent in bringing closure to a fine writing.  Perhaps “SOLILOQUY” should be read first!

About the Author:

Edgar M. Nash was born and grew up in Hawaii, where he enlisted 27 November, 1941 as Apprentice Seaman in the USCG, and immediately was ordered to duty aboard a fighting ship in the So. Pacific for many months. He was sent to OCS and was commissioned Ensign 1943, then assigned Gunnery Officer aboard a new destroyer escort with duty in the Atlantic, UK and Mediterranean (where often engaged with enemy and torpedoed 1944). Wounded, honorable discharge 1946 when Lieut (jg). Graduated from Yale University 1948 with BS in Industr. Admin. Next 10 yrs as president of own firm in Pittsburgh industrial sales and designing/building specialized hydraulic steel mill equipment. Moved to CA to become successful R.E.  Broker/consultant in agricultural properties while designing/building houses.  Eventually “retired” to invent and write books.

Mr. Nash is listed in 2003 and 2004 editions of “WHO’SWHO IN AMERICA” and resides in CA with wife, Rae.