Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This is the compiled oral history of the firsthand accounts of over 130 U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The stories are honest, raw and unfiltered. These intimate stories give the reader an up-close and personal look at the brutal reality of war. As Marine Eugene Jones indicated, “It’s not like some goddamned movie.”

The author did his research, and spent countless hours interviewing. At first, I didn’t like the format of the book. There are chapters introducing the Marines (background, childhood, youth) followed by chapters devoted to specific battles, places or time periods. The author first gives an overview, then continues with the Marines’ testimonies. At first I thought I would have liked to have each person’s chapter separate, but as I continued reading I realized this was more impactful.

The stories are horrific, yet are testimonials to the heroism, courageousness and bravery of these veterans. Oddly, none of those interviewed made their story about them. Instead, they spoke of those who “served” alongside them, and those who died next to them. Even Harold Rediske, a recipient of the Silver Star, stated, “The only heroes are the guys under the white crosses.”

These are stories that need to be told, and taught, and remembered. One of the veterans highlighted that point when he told the story of meeting a college-age woman who asked him if the Iwo Jima on his bumper sticker referred to “some kind of drink?”

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An outstanding book, filled with insight and lessons from those who served during the second world war. It's a harrowing look at the conditions of the pacific theater, and I hope the author or another historian will write similar books focused on the European theater. Saving these stories is more important now than ever.