Recipient of the 1982 John Lyman Book Award for United States Naval History,this biography of Admiral Thomas C. Hart unites fifty-five significant years ofAmerican history with a man whose central guiding force in life was the U.S.Navy. Based on Hart’s twenty-one volume diary, A Different Kind of Victoryinvestigates the forces and circumstances that shaped Hart’s actions during amemorable and influential career that spanned three wars and was followed bybrief service in the U.S. Senate.

From his early days as the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, wherehe fought for academic reform, to his “second” career in elected office, Hartcould always be found amid controversy. In descriptive detail, James Leutzerelates Hart’s war experiences, both professional and private, and examineshis controversial relationships with other, equally strong-minded naval leaders.Blunt, outspoken, aloof, and occasionally referred to as “Terrible Tommy,”Adm. Thomas C. Hart was nevertheless respected and admired, an inspirationto his fellow officers.