"Domagalski writes well. The text flows and is augmented by a photograph section showing Marblehead both at sea and under repairs, photos of the main characters, and several valuable maps which illustrate the combat theatre as well as Marblehead’s journey. Escape from Java is detailed enough that it will remain a good, brief, reference work on the early Pacific War as well as a good read about a stubborn, tough ship and its equally stubborn, tough, and courageous crew."

The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord, Vol. 33, No. 2 (Summer/Été 2023) - the Canadian Nautical Research Society

Wardrooms and chiefs’ messes would enjoy reading and discussing this book, as it holds both historical and contemporary significance.

Sailors need exposure to their heroic Navy forebears who overcame great adversities in the early days of the Pacific War. Given the importance of the Seventh Fleet in today’s context, this book also provides an excellent overview of the nations of Southeast Asia and Oceania, with insight into their geopolitical histories, resources, and cultures.

Naval War College Review

Domagalski chose his subject matter well. He is to be commended for bringing the Marblehead back to life.

Read full review here

Naval History

"This work emphasizes the impact of land-based air
power affecting naval operations. It is recommended for
anyone interested in the early days of World War II in the
southwest Pacific, the challenges of coalition warfare, or both."

Air & Space Power History, Autumn 2022

...paints an engrossing tale of an obsolescent ship’s survival amid great odds set against the brutal early fighting of the Pacific War. This book will appeal to a wide audience not only as high wartime adventure but simply as a story of gritty perseverance when the odds are heavily against.

The Naval Historical Foundation, July 2022

"All in all, Escape from Java is a must summer read."

ARGunners.com

The book is well illustrated on glossy paper running to 256 pages with a good index ,bibliography and comprehensive end notes. JJ Domagalaski has produced a detailed work to appeal to naval historians and the generalist reader, This follows several other naval works and the experience shows in his competent and thorough writing.

Read the full review here

ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)

A fascinating account of the amazing last days of USS Marblehead....

Books Monthly

The USS Marblehead was an old four funnel light cruiser, based in the Philippines, with equally antiquated ships,
which formed the United States Asiatic Fleet. In his well-researched book, the author, John J Domagalski, describes
the air-raid, which caught the ship in the open seas off the coast of Java in February 1942. Badly damaged, with water rushing in, the author tells the story of individual members of the crew desperate attempts to keep the ship afloat.
While docked in Java for repairs, the wounded were put ashore. When the Marblehead sailed, the casualties remained in Java with the ships doctor. The story of their escape is worthy of telling as a separate story. Pursued by the Japanese, the ship's doctor brought casualties to Tjilatjap, a seaport packed with Dutch, British, and American servicemen searching for berths to Australia. The ships doctor thumbed a lift for wounded, with a British Artillery (Welsh) battery from Chester, to Tjillatjap: where the doctor broke-up his party, finding berths on various ships including a submarine.

Having been reported sunk, the ship's escape took her across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans to New York. A thrilling story, well researched book with end notes. A page turner.

Richard Gough - Historian, writer, author of the Escape from Singapore, The jungle was Red, Outpost of the Empire, SOE Singapore 1941-42. Waiting publication Tony Poe, CIA Paramilitary in SE Asia.