Thomas F. (hardtack) -
A fascinating account of a replacement who joins the famous 41st Infantry Division, the first American division to be sent overseas during World War II. The author recounts his feelings after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and tells of his enlistment and training, before being shipped to the Southwest Pacific. He joins a unit that had been long overseas and already bloodied in the war. As a replacement, he understands, yet dislikes, his status as a new member of his unit who does not quite fit in.
This all changes as he sees his first combat with the unit and he gradually becomes one of the 'old veterans' who are looked up to by still newer men.
The author's comments on the Army itself, based on his immediate perspective and that from 40 years later, are very interesting. As one of those fated to invade Japan, his horror but endorsement of the atomic bombings is typical of those men who knew how the Japanese fought and what the chances were of their surviving the invasion of Japan.
His squad-level tale of combat soldiers is a fascinating read.
This all changes as he sees his first combat with the unit and he gradually becomes one of the 'old veterans' who are looked up to by still newer men.
The author's comments on the Army itself, based on his immediate perspective and that from 40 years later, are very interesting. As one of those fated to invade Japan, his horror but endorsement of the atomic bombings is typical of those men who knew how the Japanese fought and what the chances were of their surviving the invasion of Japan.
His squad-level tale of combat soldiers is a fascinating read.
