A funny, likable kid, Jack was raised in Queens, and has an unmistakable New York accent to prove it. When he joins the Navy at the end of 1943 Jack is the ultimate rookie, wet behind both ears and far too young to be tangling with U-boats. In October 1944 Jack finds himself fighting against impossible odds off the coast of the Philippines. His ship is sunk, and he and his shipmates are left floating in shark-infested waters for 72 hours. The same happy-go-lucky attitude that made him seem inexperienced becomes his greatest asset during this ultimate test.