Marine Pioneers: The Unsung Heroes of World War II (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) [Hardcover]

Ret.) (Author), Lt. Col. Kerry Lane (U.S. Marine Corps (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Military/Aviation History | Publication Date: January 1, 2004

Marine Pioneers: The Unsung Heroes of World War II is a personal history of a young Marine during World War II. This book tells a powerful story that has never been told before and documents a rare look into a ""Pioneer Unit"", integrated with an infantry u

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.; First Edition edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764302272
• ISBN-13: 978-0764302275
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #319,004 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > History > Australia & Oceania > Papua New Guinea

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars On Target, August 22, 1998

By 

Ian Macoy (Bluemont, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marine Pioneers: The Unsung Heroes of World War II (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

An excellent first-person account of USMC elite in the Big War.

Lately, I've grown tired of the general histories of WWII and its various subjects, and have been seeking personal accounts in the style of "Company Commander." In this book, Lane does not disappoint. His narrative is very compelling and well illustrated from his personal collection.

If you are interested in WWII, the Pacific island-hopping campaigns, or the USMC from one who lived through it, this is a must have.

Semper Fi

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unheralded Heros, March 30, 2002

By 

Lewis Pound (Charlottesville, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marine Pioneers: The Unsung Heroes of World War II (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

There are many books written about recognized Marine heros. There were many. There were many men that were not singled out, Units that were not considered Elite as we might classify them today. They were the "Everyman's Marine" that performed as part of a team so the goal of victory could be met. These men unloaded the supplies, drove the trucks, resupplied the combat units, constructed roads and causeways that permitted heavy weapons to be utilized.

This is the book that gives them a voice. Col Lane was a SSGT in the Pioneer and Engineer Batallions of the First Marine Division in the South Pacific. Doesn't sound very glamorous, Heh? Tell that to the tank commander that went across "Suicide Creek" on Cape Glouster after SSGT Lane was shot from the seat of a bulldozer(as several Marines were)attempting to build a path for the tank to cross while under intense enemy fire.Another Marine finished the job so the tanks could be brought into action against the Japanese troops.

I have a feeling that the Marines in those tanks had a different perspective on heroism than most of us have gained by our previous reading.

Col Lane unselfishly describes the events and lauds the actions of these comrades that most of us have never read about.Now their time has come in Marine Pioneers-The Unsung Heros Of World War Two. A story too long in waiting to be told. He has spoken for men that would not or could not speak for themselves, and I thank him for this.

An excellent read, written as I would have like to have heard it through my Father's words. He too was a Pioneer that served with Col Lane from Guadalcanal through Cape Glouster and New Britain.

A unique view of uncommon men.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story that should have been told., December 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Marine Pioneers: The Unsung Heroes of World War II (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

A very good narative of all events.