Customer Reviews

Walking Through Fire, An Iwo Jima Survivor's Remembrance

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
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This memoir of Arvy A. Geurin, a Navy radioman who served in the pacific fleet and was firsthand at the battle for Iwo Jima (the bloodiest battle in Marine history) is another well written reminder of the sacrifices our servicemen made in WWII. There is so much value in Geurin's descriptions and his candor. I've read a fair number of WWII history books and narratives, including FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS. Also about the Iwo Jima beach landing and subsequent inch-by-inch battle to take it from Japanese control, Geurin's account aptly illustrates the life of a serviceman in different ways from that more popular book (and its 2 movie spin offs). Where FOUF is an overarching description complete with quite a bit of biographical information on the individual flag raisers, WALKING THROUGH FIRE is personal and intimate, with enough detail to give it proper authenticity and authority on the topics it covers.

Because of his specific role in communications, Geurin had access to much more information that a typical sailor, and this gives his account a level of detail that is usually only present in history books, not first person narratives. A well told story is worth its weight in gold. A true one, doubly so. Well worth reading as well as owning. 5/5 Stars.

Hi Arvy
Got your book today, have started reading it, and found out that you and I had about the same life in our early years. My parents were poor and my Father worked on the WPA. I can remember when he would go over to a relief distribution station for those who were on relief and bring back what groceries they would give us. There were seven of us kids, and that took a lot of food. We worked wherever we could to make a dime, and lived wherever we could get free rent. Some places were only two rooms including the kitchen, Oh, I forgot that my grandmother was with us, and she was drawing old age pension, and that helped out some. Two rooms with ten people was pretty crowded.
I left home at fifteen and went and lived most of the time with my sister. She married an old farm boy and I worked with him on the farm for a while and finally got a job after the war started at a place where they were making shells for the war; the forty mm and five inch up to the sixteen inch guns. I worked in the grinding department making the cutting tools for the lathes that shaped the casings. I worked there until I turned seventeen and got my parents so sign for me to go into the Navy. I joined in April 1944, and took my basics in Farrigut Idaho. Was with the ships' crew that was put aboard to operate the ship. You should know from there on what happened.
Anyway, reading your book brought back tears and memories. It is well-written and I think you guys did an excellent job.

S.R. McMahan

The book was great. It was so hard to put it down when you started to read it. I learned so much from reading this story than I ever did in history class. The detail and the writing was great. It made you feel that you can see what the writer saw. The details were incredible. I loved the book.

A GREAT PERSON AND A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS. The book was extremely fascinating and to the point. It was presented as though Arvy was sitting in front of you telling the story in person. I am quite a World War II buff and in my opinion,the way that this book was put together shows that a lot of soul searching, emotional pain, and research went into the making. I think more of the world needs to know the story of what these guys went through. My hope is that a movie will be made of Arvy's story for all to see. THANK YOU ARVY AND ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND ARE SERVING IN THE U.S. MILITARY. John Shubin, Covina, CA

I thought this book was very well written. This book makes me appreciate the people who have served this country.

Started reading "Walking Through Fire" and didn't put it down until I finished. Incredible story that will keep you involved. Starts off with a young boy collecting scrap metal for the war effort and takes you into a fox hole on Iwo Jima. I felt I was there with him, wonderful book.

This book was both enlightening and enjoyable. I learned more about WWII and the depression, by reading this book than I did in any history class I've taken.
Most stories you come across, with regards to WWII are about the hero's that fly the planes, or the infantry on the front line. It's nice to read about the other hero's who played a role that was just as significant to the outcome of the war.

This is an engrossing read as much for Mr. Guerin's brief stay on Iwo as for the story of his life and his experiences in a number of locales over the Pacific during the War. His perspective as a Navy guy being thrown onto Iwo, having to deal with combat casualties up close was dramatic and unique. More compelling, almost, were his descriptions of his experiences as a serviceman in different countries, his feelings, and his observations and relationships. He describes these experiences in a first hand manner, reminding me of the classic book, "Pacific War Diary" by James Fahey.

I enjoyed reading this beautiful memoir of WWII veteran. It is very touching and I felt I was with Mr. Geurin during the years of his growing up and his incredible experiences in the war. The book is very well written and easy to read. I could not put it down until I had finished it. I bought one for my nephew, and I recommend it.

I couldn't stop reading once I started this book. The author takes you there and makes you see the reality of war not what is put on TV. I think it should be a required read for high school students.