Customer Reviews

Combat Surgeon: On Iwo Jima with the 27th Marines

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Finally back in print, Vedder's Surgeon On Iwo is a classic. The most detailed account of combat from the medic's point of view I have ever read. It never gets too wordy or trite but paints an accurate picture of combat and saving lives in America's worst battle. As a career military physician I recommend this as must reading for anyone wanting to know how bad it can get, both for the medics and combatants. The writing style is matter of fact, almost stark. The best description of intensly contested, unrelenting battlefield conditions in print. All war libraries must have this book.

This book is written in a matter of fact way that provides an excellent understanding of the trials medical personnel underwent during the Battle for Iwo Jima. I began to read it one evening after work and couldn't put the book down until I had read the final page! It is rare to find such a book that captures your attention for such a long time. I recommend this book.

I am happy to see that this book is now available in paperback. I just finished reading Dr. Vedder's book - I had found a 1984 hard-cover edition in a used book store. This is a great narrative about brutal combat on Iwo Jimo, but from the perspective of the physician, working under rather extraordinary conditions. This is an excellent book for any reader interested in WWII in the Pacific, and especially for those interested in military medicine.