Thomas F. (hardtack) -
A very interesting narrative of leadership of World War II Marines at the platoon level. I found it especially interesting as, after four years of active duty, I assumed command of a weapons platoon, during the 1970s, in a rifle company in the Third Battalion, 24th Marines in St. Louis, where that Marine Reserve unit was located. The lieutenant in this book was also in 3/24 during his tour of duty in WW II.
It was chilling to read, when he returned to battalion headquarters during the battle for Iwo, how senior officers greeted him, "Why aren't you dead? All the other platoon leaders are."
What I liked was the author's relating of the personal decisions Lt. Jim Craig made before, during and after the battle in his role as platoon leader. Leadership is what being a Marine officer is all about and this book covers that area exceptionally well.
It was chilling to read, when he returned to battalion headquarters during the battle for Iwo, how senior officers greeted him, "Why aren't you dead? All the other platoon leaders are."
What I liked was the author's relating of the personal decisions Lt. Jim Craig made before, during and after the battle in his role as platoon leader. Leadership is what being a Marine officer is all about and this book covers that area exceptionally well.
