Customer Reviews

The Gentle Warrior: General Oliver Prince Smith, USMC

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I bought this book because I've always admired General O. P. Smith. He did a hell of a job as the Assistant Division Commander of the First Marine Division at Pelelieu during WWII given the fact that the Commanding General (CG) of the 1st MarDiv at Pelelieu (Bill Rupertus) was less than great! Later in Smith's career, he did an awesome job as CG, First Marine Division at Inchon and later at the Chosin Reservoir. General Smith got it RIGHT, in spite of the idiocy of his Corps (LtGen Almond, US Army, CG X Corps) commander! Smith was the very epitome of what a leader should be! The author, Clifton LA Bree does a FAIR job of giving us a reasonable overview of the Marine Corps career of O. P. Smith. But, if you're looking for a great amount of detail and the history of WHAT Smith accomplished during his career, you'll be disappointed. I was. I was glad to finally see a book on this great Marine leader, but wish it had had more depth!

Gen O.P. Smith spent most of his USMC career as a staff officer. Planning, educating and researching Marine Corps tactics, weapons, and stategies. When given the command of the 1st Mar Div, he performed as one of the greatest div commanders in its history. he saved the division from total destruction.