Carlson's Raid: The Daring Marine Assault on Makin [Mass Market Paperback]

George W. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2003

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson, the 2nd Marine Raider commandos were the celebrated "Gung Ho Battalion." In August 1942, as a diversion to the invasion of Guad-alcanal, the 219 Raiders traveled 2,000 miles by submarine to Makin Atoll. In one of the most daring attacks of World War II, they caused substantial damage to the Japanese-before making a nightmarishly hazardous withdrawal.

To an America badly in need of heroes, Carlson's Raid was the answer to a prayer. But the raid's long-term consequences were bloodier than anyone could have imagined. And, ultimately, the controversial Carlson's high profile would be his undoing.

This is the full story of that daring mission, its unforeseen consequences, and the decision made when the fighting was toughest-kept secret for fifty years-that would have brought a far different conclusion to the famous Makin Raid.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

George W. Smith recently retired after 25 years with the Hartford Courant. He is the author of The Siege at Hue.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425190196
• ISBN-13: 978-0425190197
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,612,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gung Ho!, September 8, 2001

By 

Anna (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carlson's Raid (Hardcover)

George W. Smith has done a superb job of chronicling WW2's 2d Marine Raider Battalion. He tells the true story of the exploits of the Raiders, and details the life story of their leader, Evans F. Carlson.

Far from being a dry account of the facts of the 1942 raid on Makin Atoll in the Pacific, this tale recounts the events leading up the the actual skirmish with the Japanese, and tells the story of the battle in riveting first person detail. From their disorganized entry onto the island, their successful assault on the waiting Japanese forces, and their almost disastrous exodus through fierce ocean waves back to the submarines, the reader is captivated by their unique tale. For the first time, the conclusion to the attack is laid out in all its controversial detail. It is a highly compelling story that has waited 59 years to be told in its entirety.

Kudos to Mr. Smith for an exceptional, factual account of a significant World War II battle, one that captures the attention of history buffs and laypeople alike.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marine Raiders Takin' Makin, August 22, 2001

By 

John Fraser (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Carlson's Raid (Hardcover)

This is a fairly brief(233pp.) account of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion's assault on a Japanese held Central Pacific island in the first year of the Pacific War during WWII. The author outlines the formation of elite Marine commando units and the intra-service squabbling it entailed. He then takes you into the early career of the leader, Evans Carlson, and its influence on his philosophy of covert operations such as these units were tasked with. He later follows with a descriptive narrative of the preparation, training, and execution of the mission of invading Butaritari Island in Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. I applaud his use of oral interviews of survivors of the operation. My only critique was the ineffective sprinkling of humorous events throughout which did not blend well with the flow of the story. Overall I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning more about one of the elite Marine units of WWII.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you have to work tomorrow, don't read it tonite!, August 7, 2001

By 

"pbraz1" (Windsor, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carlson's Raid (Hardcover)

Smith has surpassed his last work (The Seige at Hue) and written a "can't put it down" thrilling account of one of WWII's most daring attacks. You'll get to know the players (including FDR's son, Maj. Jimmy Roosevelt)and be part of the battle and drama. Whether you have a military background or just like adventurous reads, you'll find this to be a page-turner. Make sure you block out chunks of time to read this because you'll be wanting to know what happens next.