Customer Reviews

Hard Corps: From Gangster to Marine Hero

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My name is Paul Gardner, known in the book as just "Gardner." As someone who fought in battle with Sgt Martinez, I can and will vouch for this book. If it weren't for Marco Martinez' actions that day, April 12, 2003, I would not be alive today. The enemy was trying their hardest to shoot me again and finish me off after the initial gunshot wound I suffered, hitting my spinal cord and immediately paralyzing my body. I was forced to just watch the insurgents shoot round after round at my limp and motionless body. I was so scared and knew I was going to die. After calling out to Martinez for help, I passed out from shock.

What unfolded in the next five minutes while I was passed out was simply the most brave and selfless action I never got to see, just hear about and read about later. There are A LOT of people who are responsible for my being alive today, but Martinez' actions on that Sunday afternoon in Al Tarmiya, Iraq started my long road to recovery, and I owe the man my life.

Buy this book! You won't be disappointed! It's one of the most accurate portrayals of combat, and shows what the life of an average Marine Corps Infantryman is like. And also this book just goes to show that no matter what you did growing up, and regardless of all the stupid mistakes you have made in the past, you can grow up to be an outstanding person and achieve anything with the proper motivation. Martinez is a true American hero, as well as one of my many personal heroes from that day!

-Paul

The Publishers Weekly review misses the point by a mile. While I'm hardly a reader who "enjoys learning about the mechanics of an urban gang and or a marine platoon in combat" I was impelled to read the book when I heard the author interviewed. I was drawn to the person of the story, not the exploits, and this young man's transformation from a troubled, aimless gangbanger is worth the read.

It's a gritty tale. I don't like the profanity, but at least it's in context and not thrown around like so much of the trash mouth in today's entertainment.

As a teen Martinez begins to think twice about the road he's on. The USMC takes his diffused and destructive energy along with his sense of adventurousness, piles on their discipline and training and channels it all like a ricochet into a productive direction.

There's much to learn about a slice of life that never intersects some of our worlds. We owe a tremendous debt to men like Sgt. Martinez - war or no - because they are the front line where civilization meets the breach, a protective hedge around our "good life." He tells the story with a fresh candor that makes you appreciate anew the value and worth of our military.

Plus, anyone who has ever lawyered an explosive combat scene to death, nitpicking apart actions (as if one had the luxury of time to contemplate, evaluate all options and plan actions only clearly evident in hindsight) needs to read this book and get a grasp on reality.

I am a Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps, over 21 years service and I am an Iraq vet. I read this book and had a hard time putting it down. I hope the author will write more books in the future, he has a great gift for writing. As far as what he went thru, Semper Fi brother, welcome home. The book is a must read for any Marine of any era or anyone that wants to read about todays Marine Corps grunts. Be warned, there is foul language, but other than that, a great read.

Jim

Having served in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman I can honestly say Martinez describes lower enlisted life perfectly. Martinez puts you right in his shoes as a private, private first class and lance corporal. Martinez brings you into Marine life which is usually shrouded in stereotypes, tall tales and speculation by non Marines. Martinez finally sets the record straight with Hard Corps. He tells stories that others would be scared to tell. Martinez then again puts you in his shoes as a leader in combat as a corporal and sergeant. Hard Corps tells a story of brotherhood, violence and valor. The whole time I read the book I felt I was with him as all this was happening to him the (I'm surprised he lived through it all). The book contains amazing stories of his past life as a gang member and as a Marine. Martinez has written a book that is unlike any I have ever read in my life. I read alot of books about the Iraq war but non have measured up to Hard Corps. Hard Corps is what as us Marines have been waiting for. A book written by an enlisted man who has seen combat and accurately describes the Marine Corps. Semper Fi Sgt. Martinez

Having been a member of the Corps many many years ago and read many many books on the History etc of the finest fighting men in the world I just want to salute this brave man.I read the book from cover to cover in one night and will pass it on to my grandson who is soon to be Marine. again "semper-fi". Just sign me a old and proud Marine....54-57

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but boy was I blown away! As a civilian "Hard Corps" gave me a whole new appreciation for what Marines truly go through. Plus, the book is just non-stop action. Sgt. Martinez's brave 180 degree turnaround was truly inspiring. The fact that his father came to America and earned his citizenship by serving for many years as an Army Ranger was truly touching, especially since he says his dad passed away when he was writing the book and never got to actually read it.

I was especially impressed by how humble and honest he was about his past ("I shudder in shame") and how optimistic he is about America's future and the War on Terror ("Somehow, every generation of Americans before us found a way through. We will, too.") I think this is probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. I flew right through it. Thank you, Sgt. Martinez, for your service to our country.

Sergeant Marco Martinez, USMC, has offered his story of redemption and development of true self-worth. This young man once was a gang member and thankfully recognized the need for personal change. His story of hope is the story so many of America's young people lost to gang violence need to hear.

Fortunately for America this young man recognized he could only attain a positive future for himself by committing himself to a greater cause; love of his fellow Marine, love of his country and a willingness to give his life for the protection of those he loved (and that truly loved him).

This book could be used for high school reading (Sgt. Martinez fairly warns in the preface of foul language and violence and parents of students need to be equally warned) and lower level college courses. Sgt. Martinez's patriotism and lack of respect for anti-war protesters is evident in his book, but it is his story and warrants discussion.

I'm a marine wife, and I read on the marine corps times that this book was a good read, so I bought it. Great book, hard to put down, I finished it in one evening. I would highly recommend it. But if language and violence offends you, this wouldn't be a book for you. If you are looking for an accurate, grunts' view on iraq and some of the real violence, this book is completely accurate and a great read, no petty junk in this book.

Marco Martinez did a great job in bringing his life experience to the printed page. As one who is growing increasingly intolerant of the "Anyone who joins the military must be stupid" mindset, its refreshing to hear a clearly thought-out, rational narrative telling why he did what he did, why its so important (both for the protagonist and the USA), and how it panned out. While not quite in the category of capital-'L' Literature, _Hard Corps_ is a well-paced read that keeps your attention and leaves you satisfied; while I don't know whether Martinez will write another, I sense that his military service and this book will not be the last triumphs in his life. Thanks, Marco, for taking us somewhere many of us probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to go.

Great true personal story!
As a former 0311 myself (Infantry Marine) Martinez's account revived a lot of memories I had almost completely forgotten. If you have never experienced life as many Marines know it, then this book will show you what its like for real Marines.
Finally!!! A Marine story that is actually true to life and one that I can relate to!
Even if you have never been in the military you will find this an eye opening and exciting read from an insider's view point.