Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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

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.

A very good narative of all events.

I want to say that this book was exceptional. My grandfather, Alfred Myers, Jr. was mentioned in this book and I personally knew Col. Lane myself. From the stories my Grandfather told me as a child growing up as my bedtime stories, I understood a lot of what was written. Col. Lane has a very unique way of really describing the atmospheres of the South Pacific to make it feel like you were there yourself fighting along side of him. Sometimes it makes you feel like you are one of the journalists of that day following the soldiers on foot and describing what you are seeing, hearing and feeling. This book helped me to understand from another perspective just what my Grandfather had endured at such a young age, and what the harsh realities of that war truly was.
If you want an honest perspective, read this book.
My gratitude to Col. Lane for his service and for his memoir of this war.
HOORAH!

My husband was given this book because he was with the First Marine Division when they landed on Guadalcanal. He said it was the most accurately written book he has read. He was so impressed that we wanted to give it to our son to read and then to our grandson who was also a Marine.

However, he also wanted to share the book with a Canal buddy, so we purchased this used book and
sent it on to him. He said that he started to read it as soon as he received it and had felt the
same about the book. My husband also tried to contact the author - but found that he was deceased.
However, he had a lovely chat with the author's widow. A charming lady.

All in all - a great experience for these 88 and 89 year old vets - and shared by their same aged wives. Thanks for making it possible. Jackie

The personal memories of Kerry Lane a Marine Pioneer with the 1st. Marine Division during the Guadalcanal (August/December 1942) and Cape Gloucester (December 43/January 44) campaigns. Lane describes the fortunes and misfortunes in a jungle war, full of Japanese enemies and struggling with other nature enemies as malaria, jungle rot, dengue, fever, rain and humidity, besides the living plagues as rats, lice, ground crabs, scorpions, etc.
The author, who enlisted in USMC at the early age of 16 on January 1940, started military life as a Private, rose through the ranks and retired in 1972 as a Lieutenant-Colonel, after 32 years and combat service in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. He was wounded in action twice and is one of the most decorated soldiers in USMC history, been awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, twice the Purple Heart Medal, two Presidential Unit Citations for conspicuous gallantry and the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service after retirement.