By Dammit, We're Marines! Veterans' Stories of the Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front [Hardcover]

Gail Chatfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2008

Technology changes with every war, but the universal human experience of combat remains the same. Marines and soldiers from the battlefields of Valley Forge to the streets of Fallujah understand patriotism, fear, death, loneliness, and the humor that helps them through the rough times. By Dammit, We're Marines! is a collection of eye witness accounts by 52 veterans who served on the Pacific Front during World War II. When ordered to secure another Japanese-held island, these Marines grabbed their M-1 rifles, climbed down rope ladders into the waiting landing craft, and hit the beaches. They faced not only an embedded, well-equipped enemy, but also flesh shredding coral reefs, malarial and dengue fever-ridden jungles, mosquito and crocodile-infested swamps, and a noxious moonscape sulfur island. The author's father was one of those Marines who fought on Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He died when she was 15 and never shared his wartime stories. Wanting to learn more, Chatfield sought out veterans of those conflicts. Their stories offer a literary archeological dig of sorts into 1940's culture and technology. Body armor was a canvas shirt with a metal covered copy of the Bible in the breast pocket. Camouflage clothing was do-it-yourself burlap suits stippled with Max Factor women's make-up. Cutting edge medicine was sulfa tablets to treat infection and blood plasma shipped in glass bottles to field hospitals. Canvas hammocks stacked 8-10 high served as bunks aboard overcrowded ships. They used salt water soap for salt water baths and were issued OPA tickets, V-mail, C-rations, K-rations, and helmets that served as sinks and saucepans. Creating the safest foxhole took some ingenuity and a few discarded tank parts. Most of the veterans interviewed in this book are Marines, but war is a collaborative effort. Marines were transported by the Navy, relieved by the Army, and most of the time their job was to secure airfields for the Army Air Corps. No story of the Marines would be complete without hearing from those branches of service. Chaplains, corpsmen, sailors, soldiers, and B-29 bomb crews share their stories of serving with the Marines. These veterans offer their stores as a part of our historical record with the hope that battles like Saipan, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima will never happen again.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The best stories about Marines are the ones told by Marines themselves. The essence of what it is to be a Marine can only be understood either by a Marine or by someone who takes the time to hear their stories and allows them to tell them in their own way. By Dammit, We're Marines! is a first-hand, combat account from over 50 veterans, across the spectrum of ranks from private to general. It is a raw and unfiltered account of the greatest generation of Marines as they fought with pride, honor, bravery and and uncommon valor against a determined Japanese opponent in the battle for the Pacific in World War II. Gail Chatfield has compiled an unprecedented account from Marines who survived the deadliest battles in Marine Corps history and provided the legacy which today's Marine continues to live up to. Every Marine understands the name and significance of Iwo Jima. One year after fighting on the streets of Iraq, I found myself with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, steaming towards Iwo Jima for a commemoration ceremony. Nearly every Marine in my unit served multiple combat tours in Iraq and every Marine stood on the black sandy beach of Iwo Jima with tears in their eyes as they understood the significance of what these Marines suffered through and triumphed against. By Dammit, We're Marines! is a must-read for anyone who want to understand what it means to be a Marine in combat. This book will make you laugh and cry and swell your heart with pride for those Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in the most unforgettable battles that are now part of the great history of the world's finest fighting force...The United States Marines! --First Sergeant Patrick M. Tracy USMC Author of "Street Fight in Iraq".

What is it that makes Marines different? Marines know what it is but can't quite explain it. To them it is very real and precious--perhaps the defining force in their lives. By Dammit, We're Marines! comes as close as any book or study I have read in 'catching' what it is that makes that difference. It is the personal and unfiltered story of Marines of all ranks and skills in brutal combat. They speak of their loyalty to buddies, the training which changed their perceptions and sustained them, their fierce pride in their Corps, their leaders, and fighting units. Their stories will most certainly inspire Marines and their families. It will also inspire those who have not worn the globe and anchor. It is a rare and privileged glimpse into the wonderful mystic of what it is that makes that elusive difference. --Major General Wilbur F. Simlik, USMC (Ret.) Veteran of Iwo Jima

About the Author

Gail Chatfield is a native of Southern California and received her Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University courtesy of the G. I. Bill. A degree in Anthropology, the study of man and the role that culture exerts on individuals or groups, thoroughly prepared her for working in the exotic, fertile fields of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Positions at AFTRA, the William Morris Agency and for nearly a decade the personal assistant to Farrah Fawcett, confirmed the theory that nothing beats reality for a good story. Currently living in San Diego, Gail is a freelance writer and an opinion columnist for the North County Times. She is an associate member of the Third Marine Division Association.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 337 pages
• Publisher: Methvin Publishing; First edition (November 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097790394X
• ISBN-13: 978-0977903948
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #806,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gail Chatfield is a native of Southern California and received her Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University courtesy of the G.I. Bill. A degree in Anthropology, the study of man and the role that culture exerts on individuals or groups, thoroughly prepared her for working in the exotic, fertile fields of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Positions at the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the William Morris Agency and for nearly a decade as the personal assistant to Farrah Fawcett, confirmed the theory that nothing beats reality for a good story. She is a free lance writer and an award-winning journalist in San Diego. Her book BY DAMMIT, WE'RE MARINES! VETERANS' STORIES OF HEROISM, HORROR AND HUMOR IN WORLD WAR II ON THE PACIFIC FRONT has been honored with two national book awards.
Chatfield co-founded the Veterans Writing Group-San Diego County where she leads writing workshops for veterans in association with the Writers Guild Foundation. She is an associate member of the Third Marine Division Association, the Military Writer's Society of America,the San Diego Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists and is on the Board of Directors of the Iwo Jima Reunion Committee, Camp Pendleton.
Her interest in the battles of the Pacific comes from her father who was a Marine on Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima and sadly never talked about his wartime experience before he died when she was 15 years old. More information can be found at the author's website www.gailchatfield.com including a PowerPoint presentation of excerpts from the book.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raw emotions..., August 3, 2009

By 

BookWorm (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: By Dammit, We're Marines! Veterans' Stories of the Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front (Hardcover)

This book truly captures the reality of war. It is a great collection of stories that helps to paint a picture of what it was/is like to be a soldier on the front lines. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who knows someone currently serving or who has served in the past. Very easy read! Very entertaining!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By Dammit, We're Marines!, August 29, 2009

By 

Robert A. Bean "Army Aviator" (Valencia, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: By Dammit, We're Marines! Veterans' Stories of the Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front (Hardcover)

These are the riveting and intensely personal stories of Marines who fought and won the most costly battle in Marine Corps history, The Battle for Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima, an eight square mile island of volcanic rock, defended by an estimated force of 22,000 Japanese soldiers who were determined to defeat U.S. forces. These are the personal accounts of the Marines who fought and decimated the Japanese forces burrowed into the island. This is a fascinating look into the mindset of the World War II era Marine Corps' philosophy on closing with and destroying the enemy. This book provides the personal stories of the Marines on the battlefield. From Infantry men to Tankers, Communicators to Forward Artillery Observers, Shore Parties to Headquarters and Service Marines, all who contributed to the Marine Corps victory over the Japanese. Included are selected stories of Navy, Army Air Corps and Army Ground Forces personnel that supported the Marines in their fight for the island fortress. This is an outstanding and compelling book chronicling the wartime remembrances of the veterans of the battle for Iwo Jima, members of our Greatest Generation.

Colonel Robert A. Bean Jr., AUS Ret.

5.0 out of 5 stars By Dammit, well done!!!, November 14, 2011

By 

VLMurdock - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: By Dammit, We're Marines! Veterans' Stories of the Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front (Hardcover)

First, thank you publishers for getting this book on Kindle. I loved having the book delivered to me electronically within minutes. Unfortunately, not many books from this genre are available on Kindle, so kudos. Secondly, the book is an easy read that keeps you turning the page on these gripping self told stories. Who can tell a story better than the men who were there ...these first person accounts take you on an enthralling journey through their own eyes and experiences. I was trilled that Chatfield included the account of a Navy Seabee, "Bud," from the 133rd battalion who was among the first assault waves landing and fighting with the Marines on Iwo Jima. Often, these unsung heroes, Seabees, appear in some books as a mere footnote. Moreover, Chatfield includes the 133rd battalions ongoing quest to seek an upgrade on their Navy Unit Citation to a Presidential Unit Citation which was awarded to the men they fought and died with, the Marines. Their PUC award is 66 years overdue. Thank you for providing these historical eye-witness accounts from the warriors who served in the Pacific defending our nation's freedom. ---From a proud granddaughter of a 133rd Seabee, and niece to 5 uncles who served in the Pacific.