Sergeant Major, U.S. Marines [Mass Market Paperback]

Major Bruce H. Norton (Author), Sergeant Major Maurice J. Jacques (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 1995

COMBAT AND DEATH, SACRIFICE AND HONOR
Maurice Jacques served for thirty years with the U.S. Marine Corps, nearly six of them in combat. An accomplished infantryman, parachutist, recon patroller, marksman, combat swimmer, and record-setting drill instructor, Jacques personifies the hard-fought, hard-won legacy of the Marines.
Now, with the help of Bruce Norton, he recounts the lessons learned in blood and the courage tested under fire--from the razor-backed hills and icy cold of Korea to the steamy, VietCong-infested jungles of 'Nam. In this tough, hard-charging narrative, he reveals the emotion and chaos of close combat and the sacrifice and valor that have made the Marines legendary around the world.
During his long, colorful career, Jacques held the position of regimental sergeant major in three different commands and was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. Maurice Jacques is a true warrior, unique as the Marines are unique, expected to train harder, fight harder, sacrifice more--and proud to be part of the pain, the pride, and the triumph that is USMC.
"A must read! The story of a true warrior with close to 50 months of combat."
--Lt. Col. Oliver North, USMC (Ret.)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (May 31, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804110301
• ISBN-13: 978-0804110303
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Military > Vietnam War
  • #91 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Military & Spies
  • #91 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SERGEANT MAJOR; THE WAY IT USED TO BE!!!, August 26, 2000

By 

Dennis Chamberlain (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sergeant Major, U.S. Marines (Mass Market Paperback)

Sergeant Major, U. S. Marines is the biography of Maurice Jacques, who rose from the rank of Private to Sergent Major of Marines during his 30-years of honorable service to his Corps and Country. Written by Major Bruce 'Doc' Norton, who served in combat with Jacques during the Vietnam War, this book follows Jacque's life from his upbringing in Massachusetts to his days at Parris Island. His post-World War II learning was handled by Marine veterans such as Colonel "Chesty" Puller and General Edward A. Craig. His three tours of combat during Vietnam tempered Jacques into a true combat veteran and teacher. Unfortuantely, there are no Marines with Jacque's experiences serving in today's Marine Corps, but his "lessons learned" and his documented dedication to his Corps is the stuff that legends are made from. Segreant Major is a great book; well-researched, well-written and totally accurate. Credit to Major 'Doc' Norton for a great story about one of our Corps true heroes. 5 Stars for this one!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Great book that defines the title... MARINE!, May 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sergeant Major, U.S. Marines (Mass Market Paperback)

If I had to select one book that accurately defines what it takes to become and stay on as a career Marine, this is the Book. Jacques grew up poor and uneduacted, like so many Marines, but he found a home and his "calling" in the Corps. Norton does a masterful job in describing Jacques' career, to include wonderful descriptions of Marines (and Jacques) in combat during the Korean War and during his 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. I would make this a "must read" for anyone considering a career in the Corps, enlisted man or officer. Well done!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Marines and Military Historians!!!, October 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sergeant Major, U.S. Marines (Mass Market Paperback)

Sergeant Major US Marines, is without a doubt, one of the best books about the Marines, I have ever read. Thirty years of service, including 57 months of combat during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, explain, in detail, what NCO leadership is all about. To earn the title "Marine" is no easy accomplishment; to rise from the grade of Marine Private to Sergeant Major is acomplished by only a handful. Major Norton has done it again, with another 5-star book on the Corps and those who have made it great. Go by the book.