Thomas F. (hardtack) -
This is an outstanding story of the U.S. Marine effort to capture an "essential island," which turned out to be nothing more than a waste of U.S. and Japanese lives.
Too late the generals and admirals decided over their martinis and cigars that they really didn't need the island to protect the east flank of MacArthur's assault on the Philippines. But the U.S. Marines were cut to pieces and the Japanese all but wiped out.
The only gain for the U.S. was a better understanding of the realities and tactics needed to take the islands still ahead of them, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Some might be offended by a negative portrayal of Colonel "Chesty" Puller, who commanded the 1st Marines in the battle, but not everyone is perfect. Puller and other Marine commanders get very low marks in this revisionist history for failing to call in the Army reserves when their own men were worn beyond caring if they lived or died.
Just another example of inter-service rivalry resulting in the deaths of the guys who have to "take the high ground." I saw this myself while in the Pacific during the Viet Nam era, when, on some Navy ships carrying elements of a Marine Amphibious Unit, Marine and Navy officers had to have separate meal times as they wouldn't sit down to eat together. Apparently, no one ever told them, "Be nice, children, and play together."
If you saw the T.V. series "The Pacific" you will recognize some old 'friends' who played prominent roles in that story.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Marine Corps history or the war in the Pacific.
Too late the generals and admirals decided over their martinis and cigars that they really didn't need the island to protect the east flank of MacArthur's assault on the Philippines. But the U.S. Marines were cut to pieces and the Japanese all but wiped out.
The only gain for the U.S. was a better understanding of the realities and tactics needed to take the islands still ahead of them, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Some might be offended by a negative portrayal of Colonel "Chesty" Puller, who commanded the 1st Marines in the battle, but not everyone is perfect. Puller and other Marine commanders get very low marks in this revisionist history for failing to call in the Army reserves when their own men were worn beyond caring if they lived or died.
Just another example of inter-service rivalry resulting in the deaths of the guys who have to "take the high ground." I saw this myself while in the Pacific during the Viet Nam era, when, on some Navy ships carrying elements of a Marine Amphibious Unit, Marine and Navy officers had to have separate meal times as they wouldn't sit down to eat together. Apparently, no one ever told them, "Be nice, children, and play together."
If you saw the T.V. series "The Pacific" you will recognize some old 'friends' who played prominent roles in that story.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Marine Corps history or the war in the Pacific.
