Member Review

The Last of the Old Breed is a powerful look back at World War II through the eyes of the US Marines who lived it. Today, fewer than one percent of the Americans who served in World War II are still alive, and Scott Davis set out to capture their stories before they are lost to history. By seeking out this last group of veterans, Davis preserves firsthand accounts that might otherwise disappear with time.
The result is a fascinating and deeply personal view of the war in the Pacific Theater, told directly by those who were there. I listened to the audiobook version and found it impossible to stop listening. Davis allows the veterans to tell their stories largely in their own words, with very little editorial interference. This approach leads to some uncomfortable moments, especially when the Marines describe the horrors they witnessed in vivid detail, but that honesty makes their experiences feel more real and sobering.
There is also language that may offend some listeners, including derogatory references to Japanese soldiers. While this language is not acceptable by modern standards, I felt it was appropriate in the context of an unfiltered oral history from men and women speaking honestly about their wartime experiences.
The book follows a chronological structure, beginning with the veterans’ childhoods during the Great Depression, moving through their combat experiences, and concluding with the lasting effects of the war and their return to civilian life. I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in World War II, military history, or firsthand historical accounts.