Overview

THE US NAVY'S ON-THE-ROOF GANG: VOLUME I - PRELUDE TO WAR is an historical novel based on the unknown true-life story of the ""On-The-Roof Gang,"" the U.S. Navy's fledgling radio intelligence organization in the years leading up to World War II. It is based on the real life of Harry Kidder, a U.S. Navy radioman who first discovered and deciphered Japanese katakana telegraphic code while stationed in the Philippines in the 1920s, discovering that he was listening to Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) radio communications. Kidder strongly believed in the future of radio intelligence and a chance meeting with Lieutenant Laurance Safford led to the birth of the Navy's Radio Intelligence community. Kidder taught others the nascent art of intercepting IJN communications on the roof of the Main Navy Building in Washington, DC. From 1928 to 1941, 176 Sailors and Marines attended this training and were then stationed as radio intercept operators around the Pacific. These men would become known as the On-The-Roof Gang and were charged with keeping track of the IJN as they prepared for war with the United States. The circumstances of America's entry into World War II hinged on success or failure of the On-The-Roof Gang, and Harry Kidder knew this. On-the-Roof Gang: Prelude to War concludes with the ""date which will live in infamy,"" December 7, 1941.

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9781735152707

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Reviews

In On-the-Roof Gang , Matt Zullo has masterfully stitched together the first chapter of The Bible all America's naval cryptologists have longed for. It is the real deal, steeped with nautical flair, and navigates the reader alongside Harry Pappy Kidder and others: with luck, guts, and determination, they acquire their mystical tradecraft during this pre-WWII genesis of U.S. naval cryptology. His painstaking research, exquisite detail, and captivating story-telling combine to mesmerize. Among other unraveled snarls, this book sets the record straight with station HYPO, and tautly cinches the knot around the Gang as being the Cradle of U.S. naval cryptology. Every American will become enthralled when reading this seminal undertaking. And best of all? There's more to come. Bravo Zulu to Master Chief Petty Officer Zullo! Daddy Reeb, CWO4/CTICM, USN (ret) Bravo Zulu to Master Chief (retired) Matt Zullo for lifting out of the shadows of secrecy the critically important work by a group of extraordinary professionals in the early days of the U.S. Navy's communications intelligence operations. In The US Navy's On-the-Roof Gang Mr. Zullo not only masterfully tells the story of the people and events that forged this endeavor but also artfully explains the technology employed in a way that is understandable to the layman. The book is captivating. The author brings the reader into the lives of the members of the On-the-Roof Gang and their passion for the mission that, by the end of the book, one has the sad feeling of leaving the watch and shipmates behind. Robert Cris Crispino, U.S. Department of Defense, Senior Executive Service (retired).A rare look behind the veil of secrecy that cloaks Naval SIGINT operations. Matt Zullo's extensive research and mastery of the subject matter offers great insight into the origins of the On the Roof Gang and gives the reader a fascinating look into the lives of these great American heroes. Although the Gang has all gone on to the realm of the Supreme Commander, Matt's masterful storytelling ensures they will never be forgotten. Ron Jolly Harris, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Master Chief (ret), Naval Security Group Matt Zullo's initial offering in his On-The-Roof-Gang series immediately grabs you with his extensive research and attention to detail. A little-known subject of U.S Navy history that is a must-read for WW2 buffs as well as fans of the murky world of Spies, Surveillance and Intelligence. We will have an impatient wait for the next entry in the series! Gare Wragg, Retired Navy Captain and currently a Certified Intelligence Collection Manager An eye-opening narrative filled with new information about the birth of the US Navy's communications intelligence. Matt Zullo's On-the-Roof Gang - Prelude to War is a must read for anyone interested in the Sailors & officers who performed radio intelligence during World War II, providing a priceless advantage to operational commanders. Capt David E. Meadows, USN, Author of the Sixth Fleet seriesBRAVO ZULU!!!! On-the-Roof Gang - Prelude to War should be required reading for all the Navy's new Cryptologists. In the current world of Cyber warfare, it's often prudent to stop and think about how far we have come and pay tribute to those pioneers whose dedication and perseverance in the face of numerous obstacles were instrumental in America's successes in WWII. We should be forever grateful for the Chief Kidders of that time. Matt Zullo takes us on an enlightening adventure culminating in a deep sense of pride in being part of such an honorable community. Penny Tardona, Force Master Chief, Naval Security Group Command, USN (Retired)

"In ""On-the-Roof Gang"", Matt Zullo has masterfully stitched together the first chapter of ""The Bible"" all America's naval cryptologists have longed for. It is the real deal, steeped with nautical flair, and navigates the reader alongside Harry ""Pappy"" Kidder and others: with luck, guts, and determination, they acquire their mystical tradecraft during this pre-WWII genesis of U.S. naval cryptology. His painstaking research, exquisite detail, and captivating story-telling combine to mesmerize. Among other unraveled snarls, this book sets the record straight with station HYPO, and tautly cinches the knot around the ""Gang"" as being the Cradle of U.S. naval cryptology. Every American will become enthralled when reading this seminal undertaking. And best of all? There's more to come. Bravo ""Zulu"" to Master Chief Petty Officer Zullo! Daddy Reeb, CWO4/CTICM, USN (ret)""Bravo Zulu"" to Master Chief (retired) Matt Zullo for lifting out of the shadows of secrecy the critically important work by a group of extraordinary professionals in the early days of the U.S. Navy's communications intelligence operations. In ""The US Navy's On-the-Roof Gang"" Mr. Zullo not only masterfully tells the story of the people and events that forged this endeavor but also artfully explains the technology employed in a way that is understandable to the layman. The book is captivating. The author brings the reader into the lives of the members of the ""On-the-Roof Gang"" and their passion for the mission that, by the end of the book, one has the sad feeling of leaving the watch and shipmates behind. Robert ""Cris"" Crispino, U.S. Department of Defense, Senior Executive Service (retired).A rare look behind the veil of secrecy that cloaks Naval SIGINT operations. Matt Zullo's extensive research and mastery of the subject matter offers great insight into the origins of the On the Roof Gang and gives the reader a fascinating look into the lives of these great American heroes. Although the Gang has all gone on to the realm of the Supreme Commander, Matt's masterful storytelling ensures they will never be forgotten. Ron ""Jolly"" Harris, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Master Chief (ret), Naval Security Group Matt Zullo's initial offering in his On-The-Roof-Gang series immediately grabs you with his extensive research and attention to detail. A little-known subject of U.S Navy history that is a must-read for WW2 buffs as well as fans of the murky world of Spies, Surveillance and Intelligence. We will have an impatient wait for the next entry in the series! Gare Wragg, Retired Navy Captain and currently a Certified Intelligence Collection Manager An eye-opening narrative filled with new information about the birth of the US Navy's communications intelligence. Matt Zullo's ""On-the-Roof Gang - Prelude to War"" is a must read for anyone interested in the Sailors & officers who performed radio intelligence during World War II, providing a priceless advantage to operational commanders. Capt David E. Meadows, USN, Author of the Sixth Fleet seriesBRAVO ZULU!!!! ""On-the-Roof Gang - Prelude to War"" should be required reading for all the Navy's new Cryptologists. In the current world of ""Cyber"" warfare, it's often prudent to stop and think about how far we have come and pay tribute to those pioneers whose dedication and perseverance in the face of numerous obstacles were instrumental in America's successes in WWII. We should be forever grateful for the Chief Kidders of that time. Matt Zullo takes us on an enlightening adventure culminating in a deep sense of pride in being part of such an honorable community. Penny Tardona, Force Master Chief, Naval Security Group Command, USN (Retired)"

Author Information

Matt Zullo is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer who worked in the US Intelligence Community. He has more than 35 years' experience in Radio Intelligence, now more commonly known as Communications Intelligence. He holds a Master's degree in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, where he researched and wrote his master's thesis on the On-The-Roof Gang. He has published numerous articles on the On-the-Roof Gang on internal work websites, in the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association's Cryptolog magazine, and on his social media platforms. As a quantifiable expert on the On-the-Roof Gang, he has spoken at the 2009, 2011, and 2013 Cryptologic History Symposia, as well as at several Navy events around the world. He nominated Harry Kidder for the National Security Agency's Cryptologic Hall of Honor and was a guest at the induction ceremony. Learn more at www.ontheroofgang.com and www.mattzulloauthor.com.

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