From Poplar to Papua: Montana's 163rd Infantry Regiment in World War II [Paperback]

Martin Kidston (Author), Kidston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2004

Writer Martin J. Kidston tells the story of Montana's 163rd Infantry Regiment in the Pacific in World War II through interviews with the survivors themselves. These Montanans offer their personal stories accumulated during the five years they spent at war with Japan following the historic bombing of Pearl Harbor. The former soldiers share their sometimes humorous, frequently chilling, and always fascinating accounts as they traveled from their small hometowns in Montana to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the coast of Australia, and the islands of the Philippines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Martin Kidston's moving account of the 163rd Infantry Regiment's actions in the Pacific theater during World War II allows us to remember and honor the remarkable men of this Montana Regiment. ---Robert R. Swartout, Jr., Professor and Chair, Department of History, Carroll College

Martin Kidston is in the X ring with this carefully documented account of the 163rd Infantry Regiment in the steamy, infested jungles of the Pacific. Meeting and vanquishing the seasoned troops of the Japanese Imperial Army provided the very first major victory in that theatre of operations. This documentary of gallantry, service, and sacrifice gives the reader a good look at his friends and neighbors who went to war...and those who didn't come back. ---R. F. (Bob) Morgan, Curator Emeritus, Board of Trustees, Montana Historical Society --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Martin J. Kidston was born in Colorado in 1968. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1988 and served in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 to 19–91. Martin graduated from the University of Montana, Missoula, in 1994 with a degree in English and a minor in philosophy. He makes his home in Helena, Montana, working as a freelance writer and a reporter for the Independent Record. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Farcountry Press (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560373148
• ISBN-13: 978-1560373148
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,025,735 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoying this book, December 4, 2011

By 

S. Mitchell "samintx" (Tyler, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: From Poplar to Papua: Montana's 163rd Infantry Regiment in World War II (Paperback)

I am enjoying this WWII book. easy reading and with personal insights. I haven't finished it yet but find it amazing how our young boys could fight in such conditions and finally win. I love the personal notes of cutting up the soldiers did. They thought up some great capers.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great seller fast shipment no issues, October 13, 2010

By 

Michael P. Armstrong - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: From Poplar to Papua: Montana's 163rd Infantry Regiment in World War II (Paperback)

I enjoyed this look at Montana her sons who went to war. A very nice look at Montana and the midwest during a time of stress and trouble for our country. The combat stories are real and resonant with the times. I recommend this book, it is a good look at a generation that is moving from memory to history. This is a forgotten war in many respects. The Marines and Navy get most of the ink for their battles against the Japanese. These Army campaigns were brutal and were often more classic land battles than some of the sharp fights in the Pacific Ocean Areas. Shows how a group of men from the heartland learned to battle the Japanese as well as the elements. An interesting look at how the US Army was able to field and train effective field forces to fight in North Africa, Europe as well as the Pacific. A tribute to the men from the National Guard who made up the core of the unit and how they adapted to the rigors of war "on the edge of the empire". A must read for those readers interested in the US Army in WW2.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth 4.5 stars., April 25, 2005

By 

coinman (Montana, U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Poplar To Papua: Montana's 163rd Infantry Regiment in World War II (Hardcover)

This is a very good book. It gives a detailed account of the activities of Montana's 163rd Infantry Regiment from training, to combat. It draws heavily off of personal journals kept by the soldiers, so you can expect it to be pretty accurate. It tells about many of the more humorous happenings, as well as some of the not so humerous happenings. Some of the events are somewhat unbelievable.
On the other hand, it doesn't have all that much action, which is the main reason I don't give it 5 stars.
All in all, whether you are just interested in accurate, non-fiction wartime history, or are just from Montana (like I am) and interested in the role of Montanans in the war, this is a good book to read. Read and enjoy.