Pacific War Memoirs

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Larso
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Posts: 1974
Joined: 27 Apr 2003, 03:18
Location: Brisbane, Australia

Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#136

Post by Larso » 27 Dec 2014, 03:49

Updated lists of memoirs - (* denotes I've read it and reviewed it above somewhere)

Marines

1st Marine Division (28?)

A Marine called Mitch by Mitchell Paige (7th Marines: G/canal & MOH, Cape/G) 238p, 1975.
A Marine In World War II by Robert E. Smith (1st Marine Div: ) P???p, 1993.
An Unlikely Arena by Lester W. Clark (H/2/1: G/canal (Tenaru), Cape G) H133p, 1989.
*Battleground Pacific by Sterling Mace (K/3/5: Peleliu, Okinawa) H352p, 2012.
Class of 42 by Tucker Giblin (Weapons Co/7th Marines: Cape G, Peleliu, Okinawa) 280p, 2002.
Coral Comes High by George Hunt (K/3/1st Regt: Peleliu & ?) H172p, 2008.
*Great Men Cry, Too by Dan Darnell (1st Medical Bn, 1st Marine Div: Peleliu) P162p, 2002.
*Guadalcanal Marine by Kerry Lane (1st Pioneer Bn: G/canal, New Britain) H 358p, 2004.
*Hell in the Pacific by Jim McEnery (K/3/5: G/canal, Cape G, Peleliu) H305p, 2012.
*Helmet for a Pillow by R. Leckie (2/1st Regt, G/canal, New B, Peleliu) P304p, 1995.
In the fullness of time by Paul Douglas (Div Adjt: Peleliu B/Star, 5th Marines: Okinawa. WIA on both) 642p, 1972.
*Islands of the Damned by R. V. Burgin (K/3/5th : Peleliu, Okinawa) H296p, 2010.
I’ve Served my Time in Hell by Richard M. Small (1st Marine Div, 7th Marines: Cape G, Peleliu, Okinawa) 186p, 2006.
*Long Road of War by J Johnston (2/5th Regt: NG, New B, Peleliu, Okinawa) P174p, 2000.
*Love and War by E Andrusko (I/3/7th Regt: Peleliu) P209p, 2003.
*Marine at War by Russel Davis (2/1st Regt: Peleliu, Okinawa) P176p, 1998
*On the Canal by O. J. Marion (L/3/5th Regt: G/Canal) P350p, 2004.
*On Valor’s Side by T. Grady Gallant (1st Marine Div: G/canal) P364p, 1980 (1st ed - 1963)
Over My Shoulder by James T. Moore (1st Marine Div: G/canal, Cape G?) H411p, 1998.
Pacific Time on Target by C. S. Donner & J. H. McCall (9th Defence Bn: New Georgia, Guam, 11th Marines: Okinawa) 160p, 2012.
*Tales of a Feather Merchant by P. Pollins (4th JASCO: Peleliu, Okinawa) P212p, 2008.
The Last Souvenir: Okinawa - 1945 by Jack Caroll (1st Marine Div?: Okinawa) P446p, 2009.
*The Leatherneck Boys by A.C Farrington (1st Special Weapons Bn (AA): G/canal, Cape G. K/3/7: Peleliu) P183p, 1994.
The Old Breed by Dana Hughes (1st Div AA: G/canal, B/ville) P400p, 2008.
The Old Breed of Marine by A Felber (11th Marines: G/Canal, New B) P263p, 2002.
Three War Marine by Francis Fox Parry (11th Marines: Guadalcanal, Okinawa & Korea, Vietnam) P312p, 1999.
Thunder in the Morning by Homer H. Grantham (4th Jasco: Peleliu, Okinawa) P152p, 2004.
Too Young the Heroes by G. Lince (1st Marine Div: ? & Okinawa) P201p, 1997.
Trial by Combat by Braswell D Deen Jr. (K/3/1: Peleliu, Okinawa) 292p, 2011.Mainly legal career but chapters on those battles
War & Work by Thurman Miller (K/3/5: G/canal, Cape G) P260p, 2001.
*With the Old Breed by E. B. Sledge (3/5th Regt: Peleliu, Okinawa) P384p
You'll be Sor-ree by Syd Phillips (H/2/1st: G/Canal, Cape G) H216p, 2010.


2nd Marine Division (17)

A Second Division Marine Remembers by William C Hogue (2nd Marine Div: ???) ????? Very short
*Boondocker Ballet by Melvin H. Thomas (2nd Marine Div, F/2/10: Tarawa, Saipan/Tinian, Okinawa, Korea) 200p, 1996.
Dear Harriet by G.F. Jerry Walsh (1st/29th: G/Canal, Tarawa, Saipan) P224p, 1995. Diary
Eagle eye by Robert Eph Voorhees (2nd Marine Div, K/3/8th : Tarawa, Silver Star) 125p, 1990.
Echoes of the last world war by William Sanders (D/1/2: Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian) 222p, 2003.
*Faithful Warriors by Ladd (1/8th Regt: G/canal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian) H288p, 2009.
*Fear was never an option by Bob Cary (2nd Marine Div: G/canal, Saipan, Tinian) 255p, 2005.
Five feet to the gates of hell by Emilie E. Luebke about Mark E Peterik (co-authors?)(2nd Marines: Saipan, Silver Star) 153p, 2006.
*Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Beyond by William W. Rogal (A/1/2: G/canal, Tarawa, Tinian, Saipan) P214p, 2010.
Island Hopping with L/3/6th by Philip W. Clemmons (L/3/6: ) 395p, 2004
*Once a Marine, Always a Marine by Mike A. Masters (2nd Marine Div, D/2/18 Pioneers: Tulagai, Tarawa, Saipan) P208p, 1988.
*Only a Khaki Shirt by Baine Kerr (6th Regt: G/canal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian) H160p, 2006.
Open fire by Roy William Roush (2/6th: Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Korea (as a pilot)) H663p, 2003.
Suicide Island by Guy Gabalon (2nd Marine Div: Saipan) P???p, 1990.
*Tarawa: too young to vote by Robert L. George (A/1/10th Regt: G/canal, Tarawa, Saipan/Tinian) P150p, 2001.
*You’ll be Sorry by John Eardley (HQ & S/2nd Regt: Saipan, Tinian) P212p, 2009.
What did you do, Grampa? An enlisted artillery man in WW2 by Roger P. Scovill (M/4/10th: Tarawa, Saipan) 234p. 1994.


3rd Marine Division (9)

A Marine from Boston by John Carey (2/3rd Regt: Bouganville) P364p, 2002
*Bud: A young man in a war by Fred E. Wilbur (HQ/1/9: B/ville, Guam, Iwo) H432p, 1991. Letters
Iwo Jima corpsman! By Ray Crowder (3rd Marine Div: Iwo Jima) 131p, 1988.
*Train of Thought by John B. Minnick (9th Regt: B/ville, Guam, Iwo) P164p, 2008.
*God Shared my Foxholes J Friedman (21st Regt: B/ville, Guam, Iwo)
*Nightmare on Iwo by Patrick Caruso (K/9: Iwo) H164p, 2001
People like M’Self by R. Furman Kenney (9th Regt: B/ville, Guam) 312p, 2007.
Promises Kept: A Memoir by Sidney S. McMath (3rd Marines: New Georgia, B/ville) H450p, 2003.
*Stories from the Pacific by L. Kirby (9th & 12th?: B/ville, Guam, Iwo) P284p, 2004.
*Through it all by John Farritor (A/12th Marines: B/ville, Guam, Iwo Jima, Korea) P232p, 2001.


4th Marine Division (9)

As sentinels who watch for the morning by George Hoker (4th Marine Div? Artillery: Saipan, Tinian, Iwo WIA) 149p, 1999.
Grown gray in war by Len Maffioli, with B. H. Norton (4th Marine Div: Saipan/Tinian, Iwo, (Korea & Vietnam)) P313p, 1997.
*In the Islands: On the Road to Adventure by Edward Leahy (4th Marine Div: 4 combat landings) P240p, 2006.
Life the Hard Way; Up from poverty flat by Eugene Curnow (Corpsman: Iwo) 394p, 2007.
Star Shells, Condoms & Ka-Bars by Harry A. Pearce (D/2/23rd: Roi, Namur, Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima) 256p, 2004.
*The Assault by Allen R. Matthews (4th Marine Div: Iwo) P234p, 1980 (1st 1947?)
*The Friendly Dead by T.Grady Gallant (4th Marine Div: Iwo) H & P??p 1964, 1981. (More a history & novel it seems)
The Road to Iwo Jima by Tom McGraham (C/1/25th: Iwo) 178p, 2010.
Walking through Fire by Arvy Albin Geurin (Navy radioman: Iwo) P232, 2008.


5th Marine Division (14)

A Marine Remembers Iwo Jima by Alfred Stone (2/27th Regt: Iwo) H182p, 2000
Assignment in Hell by Winston W. De Vergee (5th Marine Div, 8th Ammo Co ?Black): Iwo Jima) H119p, 1990.
Cocky’s War by Bert Clayton (HQ?: Iwo Jima) 312p, 2009.
*D plus Forever by D Davenport (???: Iwo) H302p, 1994.
From the Sands of Iwo Jima by William R. Henderson (HQ/1/28th: Iwo) 244p, 2012.
From the volcano to the gorge by Howard McLoughlin (5th Div: Iwo) & Raymond C. Miller (H/3/28: Iwo) 340p, 2011.
Give me fifty marines not afraid to die by John K. Wells (5th Marine Div, E/28th: Iwo Jima) P316p, 1995.
*God Isn’t Here by Richard E. Overton (Corpsman 5th Div, 2/26th Regt: Iwo) P330p, 2006.
*Mustang: A combat marine by G Averill (E/2nd Para: Choisel. H/3/26: Iwo Jima. 1st Div, 2/5th: Korea. Vietnam) 380p, 1987.
Preparing for the Rain by Marion Frank Walker (5th Marine Div, 2/28th(cook): Iwo Jima) H176p, 2009.
Remembering Iwo by Talbot Rain (1/27th, 5th Marine Div: Iwo) P124p, 2003.
Indestructible by Jack Lucas (HQ Co: Iwo) 240p, 2007.
Trust Truth Evil by B Onstad (& 2nd Raider: G/canal, Makin, B/ville. 5th Div: Iwo Jima) P200p, 2006
We are proud to bear the title by William Sanders Clark (5th Marine Div: Iwo Jima (maybe also Saipan with ??) 133p, 1945.

6th Marine Division (9)

Bloody Ridge & Beyond by Marlin Groft & L Alexander (1stR: Tulagai, G/canal, New Georgia. 29th: Okinawa, China) 368p, 2014.
Company Scout on Okinawa by John Aloysius (2/22nd Marines: Okinawa) 102p, 2006.
*Goodbye Darkness by William Manchester (29th Regt: Okinawa) P416p, 2002.
My ten yard front by George L Brennen (4th Raider: New Georgia, Emirau, Guam. 3/4th Marines?: Okinawa) 150, 1995.
My three years in the Marine Corps by Ray Merrell (1st Marine Raider, 1/4th? Marines: ???) P152p, 2004.
My War Years by Paul W. Smith (Pharmacist Mate (1st Prov/6th?): Guam, Okinawa) P185p, 2009.
Terrible Terry: Just a Marine by Howard Terry (F/29th Regt: Okinawa) P162, 2009.
The Brig Rat by Lenly Marvin Cotten (Attu garrison, C/1/29th: Okinawa) 280p, 1992.
The view from my foxhole by Tom Jones (? & 6th Marine Divs: Marshalls(Saipan), Okinawa) P256p, 2001.

Marine Tank Battalions
*Fragments of War by B. Yaffe (3rd Tank: B/ville, ????, Iwo) H157p, 1999.
*I Remember by L Wagnon (2nd Tank Bn: G/canal, Tarawa, Saipan/Tinian (½ about the war)) P271p, 2006.
*Tanks on the Beaches by Robert Neiman (4th Tank: Saipan,Tinian,Iwo & 1st: Okinawa) H206p, 2003.

Marine Para
Give me fifty Marines not afraid to die! By John K. Wells (training only before 5th Div & Iwo) 316p, 1995.
Marine Paratrooper by D Davenport (3rd Para: New Georgia, B/ville) P189p, 1992.
*Mustang: A Combat Marine by G Averill (E/2nd Para: Choiseul. 5th Div: Iwo Jima. 1st Div: Korea. Vietnam) P299p, 87 & 91.

Marine Raider
Bloody Ridge & Beyond by Marlin Groft & L Alexander (1stR: Tulagai, G/canal, New Georgia. 29th: Okinawa, China) 368p, 2014.
Hey Marine: (A true love story) by Bill and Ruth Silliker (2nd Raider Regt (Prov)/2nd Bn: B/ville, Emirau, Guam) 182p. 1995.
My three years in the Marine Corps by Ray Merrell (1st Raider & 1/4th? Marines: ???) P152p, 2004.
My ten yard front by George L Brennen (4th Raider: New Georgia, Emirau, Guam. 3/4th Marines?: Okinawa) 150p, 1995.
Once a Raider by Dan Marsh (4th Raider: New Georgia. 4th Marines: Guam, Okinawa. 1st Div: Korea) 177p, 2012.
Tojo and me by George MacClanahan (2nd Raider: G/canal, Solomons?) 211p, 2007.
Trust. Truth. Evil. An Interview with a US Marine by Bill Onstad (2nd Raider: G/canal, B/ville. 5th Div: Iwo) 200p, 2006.

Amphibious
Journey Among Warriors by V Croizat (Amtrac: G/canal, Kwajalein, Saipan/Tinian, Iwo) H233p, 1997
Once upon a tide by LeRoy B. Bronemann (454th Amphib Truck Co – ( attached 1st Div) Peleliu, Okinawa))
The Quack Corps by Arthur Wells (DUKs: Saipan/Tinian, Okinawa) P288p, 2001.


Defence/AAA Battalions
Guadalcanal to Tokyo by Hiram Quillin (5th & 14th Defence Bns: G/canal, Tulagai) ?161p, 1999.
Heroes under the Big Dipper by Peter LaCivita (7th & 10th Defense (AA) Bn: ) 138p, 1997.
One Marine Mustang’s Memoirs by F Seeliq (Defence Bns) H187p, 1997
Pacific Time on Target by C. S. Donner & J. H. McCall (9th Defence Bn: New Georgia, Guam, 11th Marines: Okinawa) 160p, 2012.
*Once a Marine by Jack O’Rourke (12thAA: Peleliu Non-combat) P142p, 2007.
The Dennis Olson Story by Olson & Karl Eriksen (2nd Defense/AAA Bn: Tarawa,Guam,Okinawa) All lies I believe

Chaplain
And Some Believed: A Chaplain’s experiences with the Marines in Sth Pacific by Arthur Glasses (1st Marine Div) 208p 1946.
Marine Chaplain: 1943-46 by G Wickershamm (2nd Marine Div?) P336p, 2008.

Medical
Battle Wounds of Iwo Jima by Thomas M. Brown (Doctor. 5th Div, F/2/27: Iwo Jima) 173p, 2002.
Combat Surgeon by James Vedder (Doctor: 27th Regt: Iwo) P240p, 1998.
*God Isn’t Here by Richard E. Overton (Corpsman 5th Div, 2/26th Regt: Iwo) P/back 330pgs 2006
Iwo Jima corpsman! By Ray Crowder (3rd Marine Div: Iwo Jima) 131p, 1988.
Life the Hard Way; Up from poverty flat by Eugene Curnow (Corpsman: Iwo) 394p, 2007.
My War Years by Paul W. Smith (Pharmacist Mate (1st Prov/6th?): Guam, Okinawa) P185p, 2009.

Correspondent
From the Battlefield by Dan Levin (Correspondent: Saipan, Tarawa, Iwo) H133, 1995.
Guadalcanal Remembered by HC Merillat (Correspondent: G/canal) P352p, 2003.
Marine Combat Correspondent by S Stavisky (Correspondent: G/canal, ?????) P344p, 1999.
The Long and the Short and the Tall by A. Josephy (Correspondent: Guam, Iwo) P221p, 2001.

Other
One Marine’s War: A Combat Interpretor’s Quest for Humanity by Gerald A. Meehl (2nd Div: ) 288p, 2012. Bio of Robert Sheeks
Last edited by Larso on 27 Dec 2014, 04:25, edited 3 times in total.

Larso
Member
Posts: 1974
Joined: 27 Apr 2003, 03:18
Location: Brisbane, Australia

Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#137

Post by Larso » 27 Dec 2014, 03:51

The army -

Pacific Army Memoirs
1st Cavalry Division (NG, Bismarck Archipelago, Leyte, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)
In God we trust by Max E. Nash (1st Cavalry Div, 7th Cav Regt: ) 101p, 1997.
World War II years by James R. Wilkinson (77th Div: P/pines, Okinawa, 1st Cavalry Div: Japan) P132p, 2005.
WWII from the turret by Dwight K. Strickler (Tank: the Admiralties, Hollandia, Biak, Leyte, Luzon) 118p, 1989.

6th Infantry Division (NG, Luzon)
*Boy Soldier by Russell E. McLogan (6th Div, K/63rd RCT: Luzon) H432p, 1998.
The Other side of War by Ellis Catton (6th Div, K/1st RCT?: PNG, Luzon) 200p, 2007.
*World War II Cavalcade by JL Munschauer (K/3/63rd RCT: P/P, Korea) P200p, 1996.


7th Infantry Division (Aleutions, Leyte, Sthn P/pines, Okinawa)
Eighty Days on Okinawa by Joseph E. Routledge (7th Div, 184th RCT: Okinawa) P246p, 1993.
*Scars of a soldier by Vernon Heppe (7th Div, G/184th RCT: Kwajalein, Leyte, Okinawa) P216p, 1994.
*The Hawk and the Dove by Roland Glenn (7th Div: Okinawa) P234, 2009.
*Wanna Live Forever? By Don Charlton (7th Div, D/1/184th RCT: Leyte, Okinawa) P170p, 2005.

11th Airborne Division (NG, Leyte, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)
A Dogface's War by Ed Hogan (H/3/511th: P/P) P54p, 2007.
*From my Foxhole to Tokyo by Bob Leroy (3/511th: Leyte, Luzon) P324, 1992.
Letters from a Pacific paratrooper by John W. Britten (503rd PIR: ) H316p, 1997.appears to be letters
Looking Back by Henry A. Burgess (Co 1/511th: P/pines, Los Banos) 116p, 1993.
*Memoirs of an Angel by Colonel Edward H. Lahti (Commander 511th::P/pines) 194p, 1996.
*The education of Private Urish by Earl L. Urish (187th PIR: P/pines) H237p, 2000.
Under-age Angel by James E. Richardson (G/187th: P/pines, Japan) 214p, 1995.

Americal Division (Guadalcanal, Nthn Solomons, Sthn P/pines)
* Combat Officer by Charles H. Walker (164th RCT: G/Canal, B/ville, Leyte) P256p.
Shots fired in anger by John B. George (Americal Div, 164th RCT & Merril’s Marauders: G/canal, Burma) P535p, 1981.
24th Infantry Division (Central Pacific, NG, Leyte, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)
A Young Man Goes to War by Arthur F. Adams: (24th Div: ????) P136p, 2004.
A letter to my grandchildren by Troy Stellrecht (32nd Div, M/28th Buna & 24th Div H/19th: P/pines) 156p, 2011.
GI in the Pacific War Memoirs by Nicholas A. Russiello (24th Div, 34th RCT: ???) P164p, 2005.

*Jungle, Sea & Occupation by P. Veatch (24th Div, A/1/21st & D/19th: P/P) P162p, 2000.
*Memoirs of an Infantryman by Eric Diller (24th Div, 34th RCT: PNG, Leyte) P180, 2002.
*Steel Helmet & Mortarboard by F. Heller (24th Div: NG, P/P) H216p, 2009.
The Lost Diary – The other side of War by David Manicini (19th RCT: Leyte, Mindano, Mindanao) 129p, 2006.

25th Infantry Division (Central Pacific, Guadalcanal, Nthn Solomons, Luzon)
*Above the Cry of Battle by Charles Holsinger (25th Div, K/35th RCT: P/P) P240p, 2001.
*Across the Dark Islands by F Radike (25th Div, 161st RCT: G/canal, N/Georgia, Luzon) P272p, 2004.

27th Infantry Division (Saipan, Okinawa)
You OK Chappy? by Wayne R. Rood (Chaplain, 27th Inf Div) H119p, 2002.

31st Infantry Division (NG, Leyte, Sthn P/pines)
The Wonder of it all by Clarence Sheffield (C/117th Field Artillery: NG, Morotia, P/pines) 205p, 2001.

32nd Infantry Division (Papua, NG, Leyte, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)
A letter to my grandchildren by Troy Stellrecht (32nd Div, M/28th Buna & 24th Div H/19th: P/pines) 156p, 2011.
Always a Commander by William H. Gill (32ndDiv: Pacific ) P124p, 1974.
*Beyond Pongani Mission by Robert James Bable (32nd Div: PNG) 279p, 2001.
Kindling for the Devils’s fires by Roy M. Campbell (in 3rd person) (32nd Div, B/128th RCT, PNG, P/pines) 283p, 2005.
*My unforgettable memories of World War II by Jesse M Coker (32nd Div, 128th RCT: P/P) H311p, 1994.
The Young Draftee by M. Howell (32nd Div/114th C/En: NG P/P) P160p, 2002.
The red arrow An infantryman’s war by Robert S. Hyiatt (32nd Div, F/127th : PNG, Leyte) P128p, 2004.

33rd Infantry Division (NG, Luzon)

Nil
37th Infantry Division (Nthn Solomons, Luzon)
Frankel-y Speaking by Stanley. A. Frankel (37th Div: NG, P/P) 231p, 1992.
GI Jive by Frank Mathias (37th Div: P/P) P256p, 2000.
*Memoirs of a Groundpounder by Jacob Close (37th Div, 148th & 129th RCTs: Nthn Solomons, Luzon, P/P) P262p, 2012.
The Smoking War by Dr. Donald Ping (136th FAB: B/ville, P/pines) 257p, 1990.

38th Infantry Division (NG, Leyte, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)
Hear the bugles calling by Lionel F. Pinn (? Div & Alamo Scouts: PNG; 38th Div B/152nd : P/pines. Korea. Vietnam) 224p, 2007.

40th Infantry Division (Bismarck Archipelago, Leyte, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)

41st Infantry Division (Papua, NG, Luzon, Sthn P/pines)
*The Sunset War by Paul C. Wilson (I/162nd: Biak, P/pines)
Warrior:.. by Choice.. by chance by Jack M. Anderson (41st Div: Buna, Aitape, Wakde-Sarmi, Biak, Mindanao) H374p, 1998.
*With the 41st Division in the S/W Pacific by F Catanzaro (41st Div, 1/167th RCT: Biak, P/P) H224p, 2002

43rd Infantry Division (Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Nthn Solomons, Luzon)
*Commissioned in Battle by Jay Gruenfeld (43rd Div, L/103rd RCT: P/pines) 243p, 2012.

77th Infantry Division (Western Pacific, Leyte, Sthn P/pines, Okinawa)
*Centurion King by Clayton Bushnell (77th Div, I/307th: Okinawa, WIA) P160p, 2002.
*Through These Portals by Wayne Macgregor (77th Div, 1/306th RCT: Guam, P/P, Okinawa) P243p, 2002.
World War II years by James R. Wilkinson (77th Div: P/pines, Okinawa, 1st Cavalry Div: Japan) P132p, 2005.

81st Infantry Division (Western Pacific, Leyte, Sthn P/pines)

93rd Infantry Division (Minor actions)

96th Infantry Division (Leyte, Sthn P/Pines, Okinawa)
*Love Company by Donald Dencher (96th Div: Leyte, Okinawa) P356p, 2002.
The warrior: before during & after World War II by Norman H. Schram (96th Div, 382nd RCT: ) 194p, 2003.

98th Infantry Division (No combat)

Armour
Buddies and Bravery in the Sth Pacific by David C. Dumbeck (754th Tank Bn: B/ville, P/pines) 150p, 1991.
*Cutthroats: Adventures of tank driver by R Dick (763rd Tank: Leyte, Okinawa) P272p
*Okinawa Odyssey by Bob Green (763rd Tank Bn, 96th Div: Okinawa) H224p, 2004.
*Tanker: Boys, Men & Cowards by E. Luzinas (710th Tank Bn: Peleliu, Anguar) P146p, 2004.


Independent units
A GI named Joe by Joseph E. Dewhirst (147th RCT: Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima) 512p, 2000.
Braun's Battlin' Bastards by Harold Brau (1/158RCT (Ind): NG, Luzon) P290, 2005.
Hear the bugles calling by Lionel F. Pinn (? Div & Alamo Scouts: PNG: B/152nd 38th Div: P/pines. Korea. Vietnam) 224p, 2007.



Unknown
Another civilian soldier: Angaur to Chichi Jima by Russell O. Fudge 202p, 2003.
Caves of Biak: An American Officer’s Experiences in the S/West Pacific by Harold Riegelman (Chemical officer?) H278p, 1955.
Children of the sun by James A. Scarborough (P/pines) 125p, 2001.
G.I. Journey by Howard A. Foster (Engineer ETO, 6th Army: Japan occupation) 342p, 1997.
They Just Fade Away by Robert Lee Dodge (Army??: N/Guinea, Philippines) P273p, 2001.

Non Combat

Amphib
Memoirs of a Frog by Henry Ross Payne (593rd EBSR: PNG, Borneo) 216p, 2008.
Once upon a Tide by Leror B. Bronemann (454th Amphib Truck Co: Peleliu, Okinawa) P205p, 2000.
The Gator Navy by Victor L. Killingsworth (Amphib: Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima) H260p, 2004.

Chaplain
G.I. Parson by Francis W. Read (Chaplain) 117p, 1945.
I saw no tears, blood, toil or sweat by J. Edwin Orr (Chaplain: PNG, Tokyo) H128p, 1948.
The Latter Carrier by Father William Leonard (Chaplain: Sth Pacific) 373p, 1993.
You OK Chappy? by Wayne R. Rood (Chaplain, 27th Inf Div) H119p, 2002.

Correspondent
Para(Graph) Trooper for MacArthur by Joe Snyder (Correspondent) 229p, 1997.
South Pacific Diary by Mack Morriss (Correspondent) H256p, 1996.

Engineer/Seabee
God’s Yankee Rebels by Mel Goolsby (Seabee: Guam) H178p, 1987.
Off to war: A young GI in the South Pacific by Francis H. Watson (695th BEC Engineers (37th Div): P/pines) 145p, 2003.
With the Seabees in the South Pacific by Watt M. Cooper (60th Seabees) H192p, 1981.
World War II: Memories of a GI Harry Bobonich (4th Eng Amphib Bde & Clearance Diver) P308p, 2006.


Medical
A Service Remembered by MD Leonard T. Saxon (25th Evacuation Hospital: Espiritu) H212p, 2009.
Brother Beyond Blood: Battalion Surgeon in the Sth Pacific by George Sharpe (20th Medical Detach: PNG) H274p, 1989.
Doctor and soldier in the Sth Pacific (medical, 24th Inf Div: PNG, P/pines) ??? 1999.
Except those days were shortened by Oscar W. Connor (Medical) P329p, 1982.
Midnight on Mindanao by DDS, Mel Amler (Dentist: Philippines) P124p, 2009.
Praise the Lord and Pass the Penicillin by Dean W. Andersen (Medic: NG) P236p, 2003.
The 92nd Field Hospital by John C. Gaisford (92nd Field Hospital: P/pines) 180p, 2005.
World War II: One Lucky Soldier’s Memories by Arvel E. Haley (395th medical collecting company) P221p, 2002.



Supply
Between Tedium and Terror by Sy M. Kahn (244th Port Company) P400p, 2000.
Common Warfare by Carl M. Becker & Robert G. Thobaben (Joint authors.Transport?) H210p, 1992.
585 Raids and Counting by Alex Kunevicius (Ordanance: Solomons) P207p, 2011.

Various
My Growing up Years by Willard F. Mueller (Radar) 280p, 2006.

The Other Side of the War by Bernard J. Taylor (??? Radio. Artillery? ) P202p, 2001.

Biak - Zambo by L Peters (41st Div: NG? P/P) P228p, 2000. Veteran but fictionalised
Unforgetable Journey by Stanley Huff (Germany, 97th Div Japan occupation?) H258p, 2001.


Larso
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#138

Post by Larso » 28 Feb 2015, 12:13

Bloody Ridge and Beyond by Groft

The author was one of a select band of men who joined the 1st Marine Raider Battalion and served with it throughout its existence. He participated in the attack on Tulagai at the outset of the Guadalcanal campaign, the epic defence of Bloody Ridge (Edson’s Ridge) on Guadalcanal itself and the actions on New Georgia. After the disbandment of the Raiders he was posted home before gaining a transfer to the 29th Marine regiment, 6th Division and battle on Okinawa and duty in China.

Groft is a little fortunate to gain selection to the Raiders but he certainly shows his mettle in the bitter battle for Tulagai. He learns quickly that wars kill people and that the Japanese are adept at defensive work. This is one of the more detailed sections of the book. The Guadalcanal phase is more mixed. His particular call-to-arms in the second night on Bloody Ridge. He is dug in alongside the Marine Paras and is right in the line of the attack, at the closest of quarters. Even so, much of his account concerns the doings of his friends and comrades. It is still one of the only first- hand accounts available on this key action. It was a very violent and merciless clash.

The fighting on New Georgia is surprisingly extensive. There are jungle patrols but also a major attack on a key Japanese position. There are certainly incidents Groft witnessed or participated in but the bulk told here regards the unit as a whole. The problems with being under heavy fire while trying to take prepared positions is pretty clear though. The marines were inconsistently supported by the other arms and supply was terrible overall.

Groft is disappointed to not be selected for asignment to the re-raised 4th Marine Regt. He does get to return to the US though where he serves as an MP. He wrangles a transfer to a line company for Okinawa but this battle is then covered in a very short chapter. He relates only one event in detail. There was a lot more he could have written here I think. There is then a comparatively longer account of China service. He stays in the marines for a few years before leaving for good in the early 50s.

I was really looking forward to reading this book and the best passages are quite compelling. Groft gets a bit florid at times but he certainly saw a lot of action and inflicted loss on his enemies. His co-author Alexander has written before of some of the Raider actions and it seems that material from those efforts has been used to pad out Groft’s account. It is all written well enough but I would’ve liked more of Groft’s adventures in place of unit doings. To be fair, there’s a good bit of both, so it will probably satisfy those readers looking for a broader picture of Ranger action. Certainly some brave doings are recounted. The author is quite an admirer of Edson and encounters him several times, including in the heat of battle. Groft also names plenty of others, including a few who didn’t fare so well. Raider accounts are rare, so this is a useful addition to Pacific war literature on that basis alone. 3 ¾ stars

Larso
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#139

Post by Larso » 26 Apr 2015, 03:08

The Lost Diary by David O. Mancini

Subtitled - The other side of war: Vignettes of a WW2 Combat Soldier
Hardcover, 129 pages.

The author was born to Italian immigrant parents and was called up in 1943. He was very young and his family were very worried. He did his training at Camp Croft, South Carolina. He was surprised by the racism of the South. There were also the usual bullies and fools often encountered. Mancini, though small and young, does well in standing up for himself and in making friends with diverse people. He is then posted to 1/19th Infantry regiment, 24th Division in the South Pacific. He is still 18 years of age.

Mancini’s division is stationed in New Guinea and he participates in its actions at Hollandia. He has a couple of dangerous encounters with the Japanese, the natives and it has to be said, with other American troops. He becomes a scout and goes to The Philippines. He lands under fire on Leyte and Mindoro, seeing an astonishing Kamikaze attack at the later. He is involved in a number of deadly patrols and actions. He faces the Japanese face to face and in large actions. He also continues his development as a man to stand against foolishness, which he encounters quite a bit in the army. His service finishes with being wounded. He has some stark stories about the process here too. His family suffer for it.

This is a short book and I wish it was longer. While there are plenty of interesting stories on training and leave, the stories on being in the combat zone are often remarkable. The author doesn’t spare his naivety or sugar-coat the darker aspects of his fellow soldier. He is painfully honest too at times. The war, the things he did - stayed with him. The text is very strongly worded in a few places emphasising the harrowing circumstances the author was confronted with. This is a very worthwhile read. The text could certainly have been padded out into a longer narrative but the way it’s been delivered here is often powerful. The war did awful things to young men like Mancini and they sometimes paid very heavily for it. Quite Highly Recommended 3 ¾ stars

Le Page
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#140

Post by Le Page » 26 Apr 2015, 04:41

Thanks for that review, Larso. I'll have to check out "The Lost Diary".

Today I ran across "Memories of Military Service (A Teenager in Burma)" by Richard F. Bates, and ordered it. Bates was sent as a replacement to "Merrill's Marauders" which subsequently was absorbed into the 475th Infantry of MARS Task Force. Seems to be fairly well written. Haven't gotten it yet however.

Larso
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#141

Post by Larso » 26 Apr 2015, 06:42

Thanks Le Page - that's a new one to me. I'll put it on my list!

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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#142

Post by Le Page » 28 Apr 2015, 05:02

I've finished "Across the Dark Islands" by Radike, and "Combat Officer" by Walker. I would recommend both. They're competently written by officers and they tell it like it is. I'm currently reading "With the 41st Division in the Southwest Pacific" by Catanzaro, and while I'm interested, the author seems to ignore or gloss over a lot of things. Don't know if I would recommend it.

Larso
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#143

Post by Larso » 30 Apr 2015, 02:42

Yes those first two are excellent! Catanzaro holds back a bit from memory? I think his book might be better suited to someone not wanting things to be too rough, yet still get the flavour of battle.

Le Page
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#144

Post by Le Page » 04 May 2015, 03:43

''WWII From the Turret" by DW Strickler. Softcover only, self-published in 1989.

It's the usual timeline, basic through occupation. Strickler is a member of the 1st Cav's organic tank unit, the 603rd Tank Company. His first taste of combat is in the Admiralty Islands; they're involved in some sharp engagements. The Admiralty campaign unfortunately is only about five pages; abruptly all or most of the company is sent to Biak, attached to the 41st Division. There is, as with the previous campaign, a gritty, forceful if not always vivid description of the fighting. They then move on to Hollandia, Leyte and Luzon, attached to the 38th Division at one point, and then to Japan. There is a good description also of the fighting in the Philippines. Strickler finishes the war as tank commander. After Luzon I believe his platoon re-joins the Cav, because they're in Tokyo (603rd had been parceled out and one detachment even assaulted Corregidor).

The author's writing skills, although not good, were not as bad as an Amazon review made them out to be. There are not too many misspellings, but he uses shorthand a lot, "thot" often used in place of "thought", etc. The writing is short and choppy, in the present tense, and repetitive four- and -five word sentences abound, with few paragraph breaks. The book actually reads like a diary written on the go. The length is only about 118 pages, but single-spaced and a good amount of print on the page.

I like the book because it is from an obscure company-sized unit from the 1st Cav, of which I have an interest. It also is illuminating in that it sheds light on the fighting on Biak and the Admiralties. So little has been written about Biak. He also took part in the first armor vs armor battle of SWP, when the 603rd vanquished a Japanese tank unit.

Although the book is brief, Strickler forcefully paints about as good a picture from his tanker's view "from the turret" as some of his more literate fellow author-veterans.

Le Page
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#145

Post by Le Page » 06 May 2015, 11:11

I don't think I can actually recommend Stricker's book, due to the writing as well as the brief length. I can, however, recommend a book I just received, the aforementioned "Memories of Military Service" about MARS Task Force. It's a good read, and competently written. I've looked through it and am very impressed. I recommend it despite having read it.

Le Page
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#146

Post by Le Page » 18 May 2015, 15:00

I've finished "Memories of Military Service (A Teenager in Burma)" by Richard F. Bates.

This is an enjoyable book about Bates's time in Burma with the 475th Infantry. Bates dropped out of high school and joined the army, showing enough aptitude to qualify him for the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). After rigorous infantry basic training, which is described in detail, Bates is dropped from ASTP due to the lack of a high school diploma. While training with the 97th Division stateside, he is abruptly sent, along with 3,600 other GI's, to Burma. This destination is not immediately revealed to them; indeed they believed they were being sent somewhere as individual replacements, not as a unit. Eventually they arrive in India, never having met any of their officers. They conducted no training. The force is soon christened "New Galahad", to distinguish them from the critically understrength "Old Galahad", aka "Merrill's Marauders".

Bates's battalion takes part in the battle for Myitkina. Later they absorb most of the survivors of the Marauders, and are designated 475th Infantry, as part of MARS Task Force, a self-contained unit with no TO&E. Their mission is long-range penetration, cutting Japanese supply routes being supplied by air drop. They are light infantry, and all equipment is hauled by mules. Several skirmishes and battles are described, and Bates paints a vivid picture of the day to day life of his unit, the friendly-fire at the hands of the USAAF, and the arduous, long marches they made into enemy territory in enervating weather. I actually felt exhausted just from reading the book. Bates is made battalion intelligence NCO and eventually is recommended for a commission and is accepted to OCS, although he declines when the war ends, in China. He didn't learn which sergeant rank he had until later; such were the pressing concerns of the war.

One minor thing that sort of detracts from this work is the number of typos which start to pile up; halfway through the book they seem to get worse. One odd thing is that the author, near the end, directly addresses a couple of questions to an unnamed person, presumably a relative. I would imagine that this book originally was penned more or less for that purpose. That should have been cleaned up by an editor. The book is competently written, however.

What I liked was that Bates managed to describe in detail a lot of things - stateside training, the 475th's mission, attempt to convey to the reader what their hardships and combat were like, life in the CBI, observations about the Chinese, and so on. He claims to have had a photographic memory, which I suppose accounts for his good recall of events and details.

Interestingly, Bates felt that the whole mission was sort of a wasted effort.

What's also noteworthy is that "New Galahad"/475th were not "elite" in that there was no additional training, and no selection process (however Bates stated that the privates were all 18-20 years of age; he feels this was for the arduous marches). It's interesting in light of the fact that they are a special operations "legacy unit" of the US Army, i.e., the Rangers claim their lineage. But it originally was a thrown-together outfit and no one volunteered for it. They became a good unit in spite of it all.

All in all, I give it four and a half stars. Recommended.

Le Page
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#147

Post by Le Page » 10 Jul 2015, 02:05

I just finished "The Lost Diary" by Mancini, and I have to say, upon reflection, that his is one bizarre little "memoir". Self-published, the book is small, thin and a about 130 pages resembles a children's book in the Beatrix Potter style, and the author sees fit to squeeze every objectionable or controversial thing he experienced, into those few pages. The entire book is comprised of very short vignettes or observations, most of them negative or disturbing, i.e., personality conflicts, confrontations, foul-ups, bizarre or unseemly behavior by troops as well as civilians etc., let alone the realities of war.

The author was a very sensitive, introspective sort, and like many people of that type, apparently did not care for the army or anyone in it.

One strange thing about the book is that the author saw fit to describe several alleged homosexual acts. He and his comrades disembark from a ship and are greeted by lecherous veterans who haven't seen a woman and, he is warned, are turning homosexual. In one instance he is groped while sleeping, in another a guy accosts him in the shower, and, most disturbing of all, he witnesses a drunken gang-rape of a GI by other GI's, who threaten to kill the sergeants when they try to intervene.

The sympathetic characters are black, Jewish, Hispanic, or of Italian descent, and Southerners are absolute villains.

I wonder if even the author is aware of the tone of his book or how it comes across. Anyway, I give it a thumbs-down. I'm not so sure that many things in the book happened as he described them. As with any first-person account, it is to be taken with a grain of salt.

Le Page
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#148

Post by Le Page » 01 Apr 2016, 14:14

Here's the full text, online, of the first edition of Shots Fired in Anger that I mentioned earlier. It doesn't have the later addition of the author's time in Burma, however:

https://archive.org/stream/ShotsFiredIn ... 9/mode/2up

Larso
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#149

Post by Larso » 07 Dec 2016, 14:32

From the Sands of Iwo Jima by William R. Henderson

244 pages, 2012

The author was prompted to write his story at the age of 85 by his participation in the 2005 memorial visit to the island. The son of a Methodist minister, Henderson grew up a devout Christian in North Carolina. The Depression hit everyone hard and many times all they seemed to have, was each other. This went for the broader community too, people helped each other. It was a time of values, determination and hard work. As with many other young men, when war came, Henderson saw it as his duty to enlist. He chose the marines.

Henderson did well enough at Parris Island to be offered the roll of drill instructor and was later selected for, and graduated from Quantico. He was assigned to the 28th Marines of the newly forming 5th Marine Div. Initially he was the regimental Chemical Warfare Officer but was Operational Officer when they landed on Green Beach at Iwo Jima. Henderson survived the whole campaign and writes movingly of their march past the divisional cemetery at the end of the battle. Strangely though, this and one stunning story of knife fighting are pretty much as interesting as his battle account gets. He was involved in the capture of Mt. Suribachi and other things but he writes only generally and relatively briefly of the rest of his involvement in the battle. Indeed, it all comprises only a small part of his book.

This was unfortunate as the author is articulate and engaging. He clearly would have had a number of extraordinary experiences in his five weeks of battle and I was drawn to know more. What was interesting was his views on being a Christian on a battlefield. His faith underpinned his life and he addresses it further in his extensive post-war life. As a Christian myself, I found this powerful. For some, this is reason enough to read his book. My focus though is combat experiences and while of interest, it is too brief here for me to recommend the book on that score alone. Two stars then for the military element but if you have an interest in the religious aspect, there is a lot about Mr Henderson’s life to be admired.

Larso
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Re: Pacific War Memoirs

#150

Post by Larso » 08 Jan 2017, 13:11

Off to War: A young GI in the South Pacific by Francis H. Watson

Watson trained as an engineer, specifically as an auger driver. He did his training with the 740th Engineer Base Equipment Company but was transferred at late notice to the 695th, as it was about to be sent overseas and was short in his speciality. He found this distressing to leave a group of friends to join a company where no one knew him. Bizarrely, he was then never called on to drive an auger. He went to New Guinea and then The Philippines.

Watson’s voyage to the PTO was a round-about and lengthy one. It is one of the worst trips I have read of but at least it gave him a chance to get to know his new comrades. Their time in New Guinea was brief as they were intended to support the American recapture of The Philippines. The 695th's main job was to assemble machinery that had been crated for delivery. It didn’t seem to do this a great deal and was used in more general ways. This meant it was often close to the front. Watson volunteered to do guards and went on patrols. He has several encounters with Japanese stragglers but this action is of a different intensity compared to that experienced in the infantry. None-the-less, Watson serves capably and has a number of interesting stories. He was keen to explore and makes some grim finds on the battle fields. He also witnesses some distressing episodes, including racism towards black soldiers and its consequences. They were preparing to participate in the invasion of Japan, when the atomic bomb was dropped on his 20th Birthday. He finished his active service as a First Sergeant in Japan.

As stated above, this is not a memoir of infantry combat. The author still finds himself in the line of fire several times and conducts himself commendably. His service though was more in supporting those at the front and there is material of interest here. He was a very observant young man and there were things he related that were new to me. I enjoyed this book and recommend it in a general way but if you are searching for more explicit combat accounts have a look at my list. 3 stars

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