Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II

There are stories here many people need to hear, younger as well as older people. Stories burned in the memories of men who experienced horrendous war conditions that molded them into warriors infused with an appreciation of what the costs of war really are. Each of these stories reach out to us in today's world to tell us there is a cost for freedom and liberty, ideals no longer taught in schools and universities. To read these individual journeys transcends time and distance and brings alive the experiences, conditions, and sacrifices these men made on our behalf. Our responsibility is to take these experiences and apply them so future generations will not have to endure war's brutality. We are repeating yesterday's wars because we have not learned history's lessons. We repeat them because we refuse to believe them through ignorance and the continuing desires of power and money by those who wish to become members of the elite of society. It is an ageless problem, but it can be overcome by recognizing and understanding the past, not by pretending it doesn't exist because we don't want to hear it or because we cover it up by calling it racist. We must understand and learn from the past or we will be forever doomed to repeat it, probably bloodier and more violent than what these men expetienced. That us the lesson we need to take away from this book.

World history is important. This book gives an accurate account of Pacific Island fighting Marines. I know know why Grandpa was the way he was. I truly wish that he could of gotten the "War Demons" out of him so that he could of lived a more normal life. I know can appreciate his mannerisms. If he wouldn't of been the person he became he never would of made it off of New Britain. Although he was very tough I think the world of him and of every Veteran.

Adam Makos is truly a talented writer. The fact that he let the people whom he interviewed tell the story in their own words really makes you understand what horrible conditions the Marines had to endure on the Pacific islands. I won't forget the vivid description of the large rats running up and down their tents at night in an area that was supposed to be for rest and recovery!! And the very large jungle spider spinning a web on one man as he slept!

I think anyone who is a WWII history buff will get a great deal out of this book. Keep it up Mr. Makos.

Very captivating. Great read for people who can only read for 10 - 15 minutes at a time
for whatever reason. It reads like a personal diary, not a novel. You get very attached to these brave guys.

An exceptional account of the First Marine Division from the mouths of Marines who fought the battles in WWII. Their words follow the battles and complement the recollections of their brothers in arms. Makos has put together a unique account of battles from Guadalcanal to Okinawa by giving the reader insights into the hearts of the Marines who fought the battles.

I love these veterans of the Pacific War. Their stories are simple but inspiring. If it had not been for them, my home country, Australia, would have been lost to the Japanese. As far as I am concerned, their stories can't be told enough times.

Reading the events of WWII through the eyes of men who were actually there is the best way to experience history. It gives a first hand experience through enlistment, boot-camp, then the actual battles of the war. My grandfather was a Marine in WWII (died in 1998), and I'm sure these accounts of the war would have been appreciated. Excellent piecing together of the stories!

Must read for everyone, but especially WW2 enthusiasts. The first hand accounts from various vets really personalizes the story and experience. Incredible ending that had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time - not many non-fiction books can do that. These guys truly are the greatest generation.

You can't believe the sacrifices these young men went through. When they talk about it now after all these years, it still brings tears to their eyes. It's a wonder any of them maintained their sanity. This is what war is really like through the eyes of the ones who fought it.

Excellent book. Easy reading. I liked the chronology of the chapters, as they describe what the soldiers went through during their time in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Learned a lot and developed a high respect for the young men who went through this war experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for it's truth. These men were there and brought out the realities of war.
It's a no holds bared book. No fiction.
I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in history and true facts.

My deepest thanks goes to these veterans for their willingness to serve and for their stories. Thanks also to the suits who stiched these oral histories together to have them blend seamlessly into a gripping whole.

As a retired Marine, I enjoy reading about and marveling at what our greatest generation had to endure. I only give it four stars because there were a few places where the stories kind of rambled. But, then again, these were events coming from the minds of guys in their late eighties and early nineties. Heck, I can't remember what I had for lunch.

Unlike other treatments, this book provides first-hand accounts of the horrific experiences these great men endured during the numerous battles and hardships of the war in the Pacific - without editorial interference or interpretation from the authors. Having read the book and getting the opportunity to meet one of the subjects, I cannot express enough how important it is to have these experiences captured for every generation to review and try to comprehend the sacrifices that were made for us. These men, along with veterans of all wars, deserve every bit of recognition, prayer, honor, understanding and compassion that should follow.

I love it. Very interesting and informative. Heartbreaking at times. My father was a Marine in the South Pacific during WWII. He never talked about it. This book made me aware of what he went thru. Yes, I cried.

I enjoyed reading the first hand accounts of some of the Marines who served in the Pacific during WW II. It gave me a feel for exactly what happened there and the conditions in which those Marines fought. Horrendous! My dad was there and fought on those islands. He also went to Melbourne, Australia, for R & R to recover from malaria, etc. met my mother there and married her. Thank you, Mr. Makos, for writing down these accounts from men who are still alive today to tell.

Loved this book. Great reading. Really enjoyed the way it was put together and hearing directly from the people that fought in the south Pacific islands during WWII. I have so much respect for our service men. And this book reinforces those feelings. Highly recommended.

Another great book by this author. Marines tell it in their own words including Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Same units as covered in the HBO series. Very good book, easy read, well worth it.

Outstanding book. It is an oral history of men who served in the Marines during World War II and follows their campaigns through the Pacific. This is a must read for anyone interested in World War II and the perfect book to introduce our younger generation to the sacrifices of the greatest generation.

Disappointed when I saw it was snippets of memoirs of various Marines, but absolutely loved it after I started it! One of the best, unique books, I have read.
I read all the books of all contributors in this work. All recommended.

It was very interesting to hear these stories direct from the soldiers that lived it. If you're a WWII buff, you'll love this book and even if you aren't, you'll be amazed and intrigued by what these brave men went through.