Can Do!: The Story of the Seabees

Three hundred and twenty five thousand men served as Seabees through the course of World War Two.

During those years they constructed over four hundred advanced bases in both the Atlantic and the Pacific theaters.

Their bravery and determination enabled the Allied Forces to gain the upper hand over the enemy by quickly reconstructing harbors, repairing airstrips and laying thousands of miles of roads.

Can Do! The Story of the Seabees by William Bradford Huie is a fascinating examination one the most interesting forces in the Second World War.

The impact that they made upon the war can be seen from the following statements from leaders from across the



“. . . the Seabees are the find of this war.” — Major General H. M. Smith, USMC

“. . . It had been a constant source of wonder to me how one unit — the Seabees — could possess so many skills and accomplish such a huge amount and variety of work.” — Major General A. M. Patch, USA, Commanding General, the Seventh Army

“. . . The Navy will remember this war by its Seabees.” — Vice-Admiral W. L. Calhoun, USN

“. . . the Seabees are proving themselves one of our most important military units in this life-and-death struggle throughout the world.” — Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker

“. . . no obstacle was ever too great for the Seabees.” — Brigadier General Henry L. Larsen, USMC

This book should be essential reading for anyone interested in the military history of World War Two and finding out more about one of the United States’ most effective forces

William Bradford Huie was an American journalist and novelist. During the Second world War Huie served in the United States Navy, for a time as aide to Vice Admiral Ben Moreell of the Seabees, and it was during this time that he chronicled the wartime activity of these battalions. This book was first published in 1944 and Huie passed away in 1986. View Less