Coral and Brass Author:Holland M. Smith, Percy Finch He was one of the most colorful and best-loved heroes in America's war with Japan. General Holland M. "Howlin' Mad" Smith was the brillant strategist and pioneer of amphibious warfare in the 1930s, who later spearheaded the U.S. Marines in their relentless drive across the Pacific during World War II. — Outspoken and courageous ... more »in a magnificient career spanning two brutal world wars, he almost single-handedly toppled the long established military walls of traditionalism, narrow-mindedness, and apathy to transform the U.S.M.C. into the most awesome fighting force on Earth. From the bloody beaches of Tarawa to the unforgetable assault on Iwo Jima that finally broke the back of the Japanese aggressor, here is the inspiring story of the fighting general who was always first, last, and always a Marine.« less