By Dammit, We're Marines! Veterans' Stories of Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front

by Gail Chatfield

Culled from interviews with 52 veterans, By Dammit, We're Marines! offers an 'under the helmet' view of combat on the Pacific Front during World War II. Facing an embedded, well-equipped enemy, flesh shredding coral reefs, malarial and dengue fever-ridden jungles, mosquito and crocodile-infested swamps and a noxious moonscape sulfur island, these invincible American teenagers destroyed the powerful Japanese war machine.

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat along the lines of Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation except focused on marines in the Pacific Theater and containing more but shorter stories; and these stories are all told in the first person as they all survived the war. Great collection of war experiences as told by the US marines who lived them. Good reminders that we don't have it so bad after all.

[Marre Prestigiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure that a reader would enjoy this book if they had no connection to World War II's Iwo Jima battle and the history of that island in relation to the importance it held for winning the war. Since my husband was a World War II Iwo Jima Marine and was wounded in the horrific battle and I'm a history nerd I enjoyed the stories submitted many years later when Gail combines the stories into a book.

There is one story submitted by a young Marine that was in the same Regiment and Division and fought on the same hill as my husband before he was wounded. I've attended several of the Iwo Jima Marine Reunions; the 75th being the last held February 15, 2020, at Camp Pendleton in San Diego.

The stories are real and painful and having meant several of the men who fought with Sal, including a Navajo code talker, I think the book probably touched me more than just a casual reader.

If you are a history buff and want to read real experiences of this great generation who sacrificed so much you will enjoy this book. You will close each knowing that each Marine who served in this bloody battle life was changed forever. 6,218 young men between the ages of 16, because they lied to go fight, and 25 died in the five-week battle that began on February 19, 1945!! It was the bloodiest battle in Marine history.

My Sal was 97 1/2; a vibrant frail man who was looking forward to being 100 so we could have a big party!! Sadly, Covid took him on January 11th, 2021!!

He was so proud to have been a Marine!!


This book is the story of those who returned.

[a.t.m.]

Stories about combat in a hell hole called Iwo Jima.

The author has brought together combat veterans and their stories so that the reader can readily identify and relate to the sacrifices made in the later stages of world war two in the Pacific. The men telling their stories certainly deserve nothing less than the gratitude and respect of this nation. This book should be required reading by every single senior in our high schools. Kudos to the author for a great job. S/F

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked Voices of the Pacific better, but this was still really good. The primary focus is on Iwo. I was hoping to read more about Tarawa, Bougainville, and other battles, but those weren't mentioned much.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to read this after finding out my Great Uncle was in it. Always wanted to know about his Navy Cross.

[Pat Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome compilation of individual stories from Marines who served in the Pacific in WW II. So interesting!

[Faith High School · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read By: Garret Drum
I really liked this book because it gave WWII veterans the chance to share their stories. I liked how the author was able to find several different WWII veterans so their was several accounts of what the war was like. I also liked the book because it was easy to understand.