Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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.

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.

To me, this book does not start out with "the hook" that aspiring writers of lyrics and literature are encouraged to develop early in the first few pages...a survival tactic for publication. Instead, the author chose the gutsy method (perhaps allowable, considering the genre)of letting the collected parts construct the whole meaningful experience, giving these aging warriors a "last hurrah" of flinging the "verses of their hearts" in the stories of an incredible part of their lives, so that we who come after may not forget their gift to us all, their valor, their honor, and their innocence.They are a source of hope that this kind of courage will not fade from the Glory of America.

I came upon the book at the recommendation of an elder author friend who froze in the foxholes of Europe as a young GI and whose heart is so full of love, humor, and benign outlook, who also knows the author, Gail. I'm so glad that I read the stories of these soon to be passing men of my father's generation.

I have purchased another volume as a gift for my retired Marine General neighbor,so to honor his life's service.

The author's assembly of veteran's experiences and feelings gives a collective picture of war through their eyes. Through their telling of their life's both as civilians and as Marines in battle I've come to understand somewhat of what my grandfather experienced in the pacific, a time he spoke little of. It is a book of meaning for me.

Miss Chatfield has presented well the experiences related to her. It is easy to forget that she wasn't in the midst of the action. As a Iwo Jima veteran. I wanted to see it through other eyes in different situations. Unless you were there, it is difficult to really understand. Even participating one sees only the part effecting him. It is good to see other perspectives.