From Publishers Weekly
During a disciplinary march in 1956, six recruits drowned in the tidal waters of Ribbon Creek at the Marine base on Parris Island, S.C. The tragedy set off a public furor and highlighted Parris Island's reputation for maltreatment. Fleming, staff member of the Marine Corps Historical Center in Washington, D.C., traces the development of Marine boot-camp training since its inception on Parris Island in 1915, explaining why physical abuse of recruits became excessive in the post-Korean War era and revealing the changes put into effect after Ribbon Creek. Also included are accounts of the court-martial of Parris Island drill instructor S/Sgt. Matthew McKeon (although found guilty of negligence and drinking on duty, his sentence was reduced by the Secretary of the Navy) and the skillful public-relations campaign waged by the Marine Corps in reaction to a critical press. Fleming's apologia probes as well the rationale behind the "shock treatment" to which Marine recruits still are subjected. Photos.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
