Marine general Victor "Brute" Krulak offers here a riveting insiders's chronicle of U.S. Marines - their fights on the battlefield and off, and their extraordinary esprit de corps. He not only takes a close look at the Marine experience during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam - wars in which Krulak was himself a participant - but also examines the foundation on which the Corps is built. In doing so, he helps answer the question of what it means to be a Marine and how the Corps has maintained such a consistently outstanding reputation.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
First to Fight makes for wonderful reading. It is fast paced; often stirring; always informed, interesting, and enlightening. Marines will zip through it, delight in it, and wish it was far longer. -- Marine Corps Gazette
A fascinating combination of memoir and study of the U.S. Marine Corps. -- Booklist
General Krulak's skills as a journalist enhance the telling of his tales surrounding the Corps's history...his personal recollections add immeasurably to the book's quality. --National Defense
A fascinating combination of memoir and study of the U.S. Marine Corps. -- Booklist
General Krulak's skills as a journalist enhance the telling of his tales surrounding the Corps's history...his personal recollections add immeasurably to the book's quality. --National Defense
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 63 people found the following review helpful
By Bret M. Duff
Format:Hardcover
I must admit that this book was a big surprise to me. Picking up what most books on the Marines Corps leave out. Not only did General Krulack give me a new perspective on the Corps's battles, tactics & it's inventiveness. But on it's vary existence as an elite fighting force.
Many times over the Corps had proved it's worth to her county on battlefields across the globe. But as the General points out (form first hand experience) - unknown to most are the political battles fought behind closed doors that saved the Marine Corps from becoming nothing more than a token force, or worst it's complete elimination. Even more surprising are some of "Great Americans" who (for various reasons) fought so hard to emasculate and/or eliminate the Corps outright. Americans like: Truman, Eisenhower, and Bradley to but name a few. While I'll always have great admiration for these individuals and their accomplishments - As a Marine alumni (77/81) I can't help but feel somewhat betrayed by these people and others like them.
First in Fight makes for engaging reading - as it covers Krulack's own experiences within the battle over the unification of the armed services. Moreover - this book explains how & why the U.S. Military chain of command (Executive office - down to the lowly Private) is set-up the way it is today.
Most people think that the erecting of the U.S. Flag on Mt. Suribachi's peak was the defining moment that guaranteed the existence of the Marine Corps. While I'd never take anything away from that historical event - thanks to this book I now realize that the Corps survival to date is partly in thanks to a few dedicated Marine senior officers, a Pro-Marine Congress and a supportive people.
On a personal note: I would make this mandatory reading for any Marine, as it gives new insight into our timeless inter-service rivalry with the other service branches. Semper Fi!
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a not a battle memoir. Unlike many "We did this, then we did this," battle recollections, this work is a keen analysis of the US Marine Corps, its history, and America's reasons for having her.
The book starts from the premise "The U.S. doesn't need a Marine Corps," "Brute" Krulak articulates why America chooses to have one anyway. Not least among the gems of history in this book is the role Brute Krulak and others in the Chowder Society played in keeping the Marine Corps alive the last time the Executive Branch and Department of the Army conspired to kill her.
The book starts from the premise "The U.S. doesn't need a Marine Corps," "Brute" Krulak articulates why America chooses to have one anyway. Not least among the gems of history in this book is the role Brute Krulak and others in the Chowder Society played in keeping the Marine Corps alive the last time the Executive Branch and Department of the Army conspired to kill her.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Lt.Gen Victor Krulak (father of the current Commandant of the Marine Corps) has written a book that every former Marine who has not been able to rid himself of the 'Once a Marine.....'syndrom, should read right away. This book exemplifies the mystical 'Band of Brothers' of Henry V more than any book I have read on the Corps, and I have read many. Krulak gives a detailed account of the evolution of the amphibious doctrine including the famous Higgin's boats and armored LVTs, but the book is far more than that. For myself I had a less than steller career as an enlisted infantryman but Krulak brings up an amazing amount of things to make me feel a true kinship to 'We few, we happy few.' He writes of Gallipoli where my grandfather was wounded in the landing as an ANZAC. Opperation Starlite where two of my buddies were wounded, His deployment of a platoon to Tiger Tooth Mt.in 1964 of whom I knew every single guy. Gen. Puller who I had a confrontation with and a dozen other intimate entries. I am sure every Marine will find a similar bunch of identifiable inclusions to make them feel that The Corps is truly a special outfit and they were lucky to have served under him. Way under him, in my case. I only wish the book was longer.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Allen C. Livingston, Sr.
After having read "Brute" (one of my favorite books), I knew that I had to read "First to Fight."
If you are interested in the history of the Marines, this is your book. Read more
If you are interested in the history of the Marines, this is your book. Read more
Published 13 days ago by Allen Livingston
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Marine's must read
Great book on history of Marine Corps since WWII. Describes the struggles of the USMC to stay a part of the DOD. Gets a bit boring about 3/4 of the way through, but comes back.
Published 1 month ago by Jeremiah
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb
A one-of-a-kind history and "experience" of the Corps. Reading this book is a reminder that LBJ's blind pride cost the Marine Corps and the country a great leader at a time when we... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Bradford Price
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fight for Existence of the Corps
"First to Fight" is not a big book, but it is dense, which is to say there is a lot of information packed into this small tome. Read more
Published 2 months ago by N. Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thanks
The book is an add to my book collection of books that are on my CMC Reading list. Just like the others on the list it's important to a Marine and I know I will enjoy the read... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Antiwon T. Sampson
5.0 out of 5 stars
First to Fight: An Inside View of the U. S. Marine Corps
First tio Fight: Lt General Krulak was a brilliant officer and an equally fine writer! Elwin Hart Col USMC Ret.
Published 3 months ago by Elwin Hart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great History
First to Fight was difficult to start but if you like history it's an interesting read. If you're looking for an exciting read that will pique your interest on every page, this... Read more
Published 5 months ago by styerl
4.0 out of 5 stars
Required reading for all Marines, slightly dry
I ordered this book to meet the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program requirement. Very difficult to get into and dry material, but over all well written and excellent... Read more
Published 6 months ago by S. George
2.0 out of 5 stars
Great Seller, and about the book
The Order was great, it came quickly to me in great condition while I was in the middle of deployment. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Boxer Man!
4.0 out of 5 stars
OOOO RAH
A very readable history of the USMC written by Victor Krulak, who served honorably throughout his enitire life. Read more
Published 21 months ago by L. White
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