USN Commander James Shirk, a native of Lancaster, Co., PA, began his career as a Midshipman at the age of 17. During the Civil War, Shirk was commander of the gunboats USS Lexington and USS Tuscumbia. His outstanding actions during the Battle of Shiloh greatly helped “check the enemy’s further progress” against the Northern forces (then commanded by U. S. Grant). Throughout his career, Shirk served aboard 14 different ships with propulsion systems ranging from all-sail, through transitional improvements to all-steam; hull designs developed from all-wood to the first iron-hulled ship. His experiences, bravery, and accomplishments are truly exemplary and inspirational to the Shirk family and are referenced in this book. (39pp. full-color illus. Masthof Press, 2018.)