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Our Jungle Road to Tokyo (Battery Classics Series) by Robert L Eichelberger
Our Jungle Road to Tokyo is the dazzling account of how US and Allied forces overcame incredible odds to rout invading Japanese from entrenched positions deep in the mountain jungles of Papua New Guinea. Battles take place in swamps, impassable vegetation, coconut plantations with invisible snipers buried in tree roots, hill-sides riddled with pill-boxes and underground bunkers impervious to artillery and mortar. It is a detailed, autobiographical report from a leading architect of the Southwest Pacific Campaign, General Robert Eichelberger, who took his orders directly from Big Chief himself, General Douglas MacArthur. The action begins in earnest with MacArthur’s chilling directive to Eichelberger regarding the recapturing of Buna, on Papua’s north “Take Buna, Bob, or don’t come back alive.”
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1950
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About the author
Robert L. Eichelberger
3 booksRobert Lawrence Eichelberger was a general officer in the United States Army who commanded the Eighth United States Army in the Southwest Pacific Area during World War II.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 15, 2017
Account of WWII battles in New Guinea, the Solomons and Philippines on road back to re-conquering land captured by Japan. Eichelberger was a good soldier and better diplomat, negotiating the dangerous waters around MacArthur's ego-driven administration. MacArthur always got all the credit and sometimes would throw a crumb or two of recognition to the generals and men who actually won the battles. Eichelberger was one of those underlings who defeated the Japanese, sometimes without the resources really needed to do the job. He got it done, nonetheless.
June 24, 2017
Hard to put down
This is a must read for students of the war in the Pacific. It is an overall picture, not a blow-by-blow recount, of the battles to a win over Japan.
This is a must read for students of the war in the Pacific. It is an overall picture, not a blow-by-blow recount, of the battles to a win over Japan.
November 1, 2017
This is an excellent look into the battles of New Guinea, Solomons and the Philippine Campaigns. General Eichelberger served his country well in stemming the tide of the Imperial Army.
His devotion to his Supreme Commander was unmatched, especially when you take into account how many times he placed himself and his command on the front lines. Many times they didn’t realize where the front was until the bullets started flying. He lost many good friends and colleagues in the South Pacific.
His descriptions of the warfare are superb. He holds back nothing describing how primitive and dangerous it was to fight a stubborn opponent in a malaria, disease ridden climate.
The only point I would debate was the retaking of the Philippines. He presents a good argument as did his boss to FDR on why it was important not to have the islands in the rear of the allied advance. Nimitz and Halsey were not fans of this campaign, but were overruled. Was it necessary to take the islands so MacArthur could clear his name keep his promise? There will never be a clear answer for us armchair generals, but it’s always fun to debate.
The biggest drawback to the memoir is how it’s composed. It appears Eichelberger wrote this almost entirely from his diary and memories. The problem is it doesn’t always flow and when an important issue comes up and we’re told it will be addressed later, it never happens.
A good addition for any World War Two collection.
Four Stars
His devotion to his Supreme Commander was unmatched, especially when you take into account how many times he placed himself and his command on the front lines. Many times they didn’t realize where the front was until the bullets started flying. He lost many good friends and colleagues in the South Pacific.
His descriptions of the warfare are superb. He holds back nothing describing how primitive and dangerous it was to fight a stubborn opponent in a malaria, disease ridden climate.
The only point I would debate was the retaking of the Philippines. He presents a good argument as did his boss to FDR on why it was important not to have the islands in the rear of the allied advance. Nimitz and Halsey were not fans of this campaign, but were overruled. Was it necessary to take the islands so MacArthur could clear his name keep his promise? There will never be a clear answer for us armchair generals, but it’s always fun to debate.
The biggest drawback to the memoir is how it’s composed. It appears Eichelberger wrote this almost entirely from his diary and memories. The problem is it doesn’t always flow and when an important issue comes up and we’re told it will be addressed later, it never happens.
A good addition for any World War Two collection.
Four Stars
August 4, 2017
Originally written in 1950, this book by Eichelberger gives a quick, concise view of his years in the Pacific, especially the battle for Buna. He also describes the efforts in Hollandia and the Philippines before the final surrender of the Japanese. It is a fairly short book, considering how much is covered. Eichelberger is careful to acknowledge the help of the Navy, Air Force and the allies who made victory possible.
If you're looking for the low-down on MacArthur, Sutherland and Willoughby, you will will not find it here. He basically criticizes MacArthur for one major thing, proclaiming victories in campaigns when there was still considerable fighting and dying to be done. He is highly critical of the the term 'mopping up' and for a good reason.
Eichelberger finishes with the surrender of Japan and the post-war occupation. It is hard to imagine now after so many years, the problems that they faced in a country that was so devastated and having to deal with an antagonistic Russia. There is a small postscript mentioning Korea, but that is all.
I would give this book 3.5 stars because he does a good job to a certain point. He is a soldier, not a writer. There were just times when I would like to have asked the general, "What did you really think?" In 1950, I suspect such truths would be impossible to admit.
If you're looking for the low-down on MacArthur, Sutherland and Willoughby, you will will not find it here. He basically criticizes MacArthur for one major thing, proclaiming victories in campaigns when there was still considerable fighting and dying to be done. He is highly critical of the the term 'mopping up' and for a good reason.
Eichelberger finishes with the surrender of Japan and the post-war occupation. It is hard to imagine now after so many years, the problems that they faced in a country that was so devastated and having to deal with an antagonistic Russia. There is a small postscript mentioning Korea, but that is all.
I would give this book 3.5 stars because he does a good job to a certain point. He is a soldier, not a writer. There were just times when I would like to have asked the general, "What did you really think?" In 1950, I suspect such truths would be impossible to admit.
October 31, 2018
General Eichelberger is probably one of the least known of the major Command figures in WWII. He shouldn't be. His involvement in the campaign in the South Pacific, from New Guinea to the Philippines, is one that every student of WWII and the Pacific War should be familiar with. This less known part of the war against Japan was, in many ways, the more successful one - using maneuver and dealing with stretched logistics rather than the pound the enemy frontally that the campaign in the Central Pacific demonstrated.
This book is an excellent recounting of the war in the South Pacific including the early combat in New Guinea, the operations against Hollandia, cutting off Rabaul, and the invasions and combat on the various islands of the Philippines, as well as occupation of Japan in the aftermath of the use of the Atomic Bomb.
This book is an excellent recounting of the war in the South Pacific including the early combat in New Guinea, the operations against Hollandia, cutting off Rabaul, and the invasions and combat on the various islands of the Philippines, as well as occupation of Japan in the aftermath of the use of the Atomic Bomb.
January 4, 2021
An expansive history and an intimate look at forgotten warriors
General Eichelberger, first leader of the 8th Army, is a hallmark of military commanders. His staff and subordinate commanders prevailed in countless simultaneous operations in unprecedented conditions and geography. The command of an army (8th), involved 500 in headquarters staff, quick exchanges in areas of operation as well as Corps, Divisions and units from other services and countries. This complexity cannot be described, only alluded to by documenting commanders and troops who faced unspeakable challenges. Later, the 8th Army began the Japanese occupation and war criminal investigations under Eichelberger, until his retirement in 1948. His descriptions of Japanese civilian behavior and their road to recovery are appreciative. The 8th went to the Korean war, never left, and still serves there today. I learned of many unheralded generals, operations and interesting individuals. This is an expansive history and intimate portraiture of invaluable warriors.
General Eichelberger, first leader of the 8th Army, is a hallmark of military commanders. His staff and subordinate commanders prevailed in countless simultaneous operations in unprecedented conditions and geography. The command of an army (8th), involved 500 in headquarters staff, quick exchanges in areas of operation as well as Corps, Divisions and units from other services and countries. This complexity cannot be described, only alluded to by documenting commanders and troops who faced unspeakable challenges. Later, the 8th Army began the Japanese occupation and war criminal investigations under Eichelberger, until his retirement in 1948. His descriptions of Japanese civilian behavior and their road to recovery are appreciative. The 8th went to the Korean war, never left, and still serves there today. I learned of many unheralded generals, operations and interesting individuals. This is an expansive history and intimate portraiture of invaluable warriors.
June 8, 2018
800k Americans killed, wounded Pacific, WWII
So little is taught about the horrific jungle fighting, enemy soldiers entrenched deep in cliff caves, and the fight-to-the-death determination of the Japanese mentality. This 1950 biography by one of the leading American generals who often faced bullets alongside his men in steaming, disease ridden jungles makes it clear why it was necessary to drop two atomic bombs on Japan to stop the war. Concluded with positive reflection on Japan's cultural and economic perspective, America's need to protect Japan from Russian aggression, and promote democracy. Outstanding.
So little is taught about the horrific jungle fighting, enemy soldiers entrenched deep in cliff caves, and the fight-to-the-death determination of the Japanese mentality. This 1950 biography by one of the leading American generals who often faced bullets alongside his men in steaming, disease ridden jungles makes it clear why it was necessary to drop two atomic bombs on Japan to stop the war. Concluded with positive reflection on Japan's cultural and economic perspective, America's need to protect Japan from Russian aggression, and promote democracy. Outstanding.
June 13, 2017
Informative Read
This book was published in 1950. My father fought the Japanese in the war in the Pacific, and I find it interesting that Japan has never been made to pay dime for all of the damage and murder as well as the torture that they committed against the nations against whom they waged war. Germany was made to pay war reparations to all the families that they destroyed, but the U.S. felt more fear from the Soviets and so gave Japan a "pass" and so Japan never had to pay a penny in war reparations. I disagree whole heartedly with U.S. policy towards Japan.
This book was published in 1950. My father fought the Japanese in the war in the Pacific, and I find it interesting that Japan has never been made to pay dime for all of the damage and murder as well as the torture that they committed against the nations against whom they waged war. Germany was made to pay war reparations to all the families that they destroyed, but the U.S. felt more fear from the Soviets and so gave Japan a "pass" and so Japan never had to pay a penny in war reparations. I disagree whole heartedly with U.S. policy towards Japan.
December 13, 2018
Lousy rambling disorganized book of nothing
This book was to me just stuffed shirt BS. It certainly told no interesting story.
I really dislike military brass to blow on and on about themselves and all their horrendous problems of being in command.
I suppose I must not be in the majority when I believe MacArthur was no hero about the Philippines.
All that man did was get his pants wet returning to the place where so many of his troops were slaughtered.
I do not recommend. This book in any manner.
This book was to me just stuffed shirt BS. It certainly told no interesting story.
I really dislike military brass to blow on and on about themselves and all their horrendous problems of being in command.
I suppose I must not be in the majority when I believe MacArthur was no hero about the Philippines.
All that man did was get his pants wet returning to the place where so many of his troops were slaughtered.
I do not recommend. This book in any manner.
July 22, 2021
Tedious Yet Insightful
Step by step very detailed history of the U.S. Army advances against imperial Japan from the launch of operations in Australia to the Atomic age. The author led many or most strikes against Japan and included details of interaction with MacArther, Halsey and the Army Air Force. Innumerable names were dropped along with countless military organizations and reorganizations. If you read other histories of the South Pacific war this perspective may complement your education.
Step by step very detailed history of the U.S. Army advances against imperial Japan from the launch of operations in Australia to the Atomic age. The author led many or most strikes against Japan and included details of interaction with MacArther, Halsey and the Army Air Force. Innumerable names were dropped along with countless military organizations and reorganizations. If you read other histories of the South Pacific war this perspective may complement your education.
March 30, 2018
Fascinating look into the Army side of The Great Pacific War by a true Olde school leader. Something that is sadly missing in today’s “company CEO” kind of leadership done by committee and tela-conference. Can’t imagine our current general officers going to the sound of the small-arms Fire by foot in order to size up the enemy threat, and how well our troops were doing combating it! 5 Stars for brevity and an inside look at the Big Picture....
September 19, 2018
An unfamiliar dimension of WWII critical history.
Prior to reading this exciting narrative of the Pacific Theater the only familiar personality was MacArthur and to a lesser degree Sutherland. The introduction of General Eichelberger and his overarching responsibilities is enlightening. His perspectives on the future of Japan written before the invasion of North Korea seem to remain valid in the present. A worthwhile read for a WWII history buff!
Prior to reading this exciting narrative of the Pacific Theater the only familiar personality was MacArthur and to a lesser degree Sutherland. The introduction of General Eichelberger and his overarching responsibilities is enlightening. His perspectives on the future of Japan written before the invasion of North Korea seem to remain valid in the present. A worthwhile read for a WWII history buff!
May 25, 2017
I read a lot of books on the second World War in the Pacific. This one has by far been the best. A first hand account my a fighting General. Told not from his command post at the rear, but told from actually front lines. He live just like is troops. Being a Vet myself this a man you would fellow into Hell and return with.
Thank you General Robert L. Eichelberger
Thank you General Robert L. Eichelberger
July 21, 2018
History from the Source
A history of the Pacific Theatre campaign from the commander of many of the U.S. Army's units in the fight. Gen. Eichelberger leavens the recitation of the units and officers with brief accounts of individual soldiers' heroic actions and analysis of Japanese strengths and failures.
A history of the Pacific Theatre campaign from the commander of many of the U.S. Army's units in the fight. Gen. Eichelberger leavens the recitation of the units and officers with brief accounts of individual soldiers' heroic actions and analysis of Japanese strengths and failures.
December 20, 2018
Finished Our Jungle Road To Tokyo by Robert L Eichelberger, a lieutenant general in WW2. It is a detailed account of the island by island Pacific Campaign. With the benefit of hindsight, we imagine that the outcome of the war in the Pacific was never at issue. This book tells the real story of the geographical challenges and the ferocity of the Japanese combatants.
December 27, 2018
This is an excellent read written by the General that went through the battles on the Philippine Islands. It is very interesting even though it has some sad moments. I did not realize that so many Generals lost their lives in the war. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the battles of World War II.
June 9, 2017
ThemExcellent History of WWII in the Pacific
Interesting and priviledged insight into the problems confronting the US at the outset of the war. It is amazing what was accomplished in such a short time. Amazing leaders and fighting forces . We all owe them a debt of deep gratitude.
Interesting and priviledged insight into the problems confronting the US at the outset of the war. It is amazing what was accomplished in such a short time. Amazing leaders and fighting forces . We all owe them a debt of deep gratitude.
July 18, 2017
Good history book
Very good history book written by Gen Robert Eichelberger. Tells of the defence of the New Guinea campaign at the beginning of World War 2 and the campaign through the Philippines. Very good read and some interesting facts.
Very good history book written by Gen Robert Eichelberger. Tells of the defence of the New Guinea campaign at the beginning of World War 2 and the campaign through the Philippines. Very good read and some interesting facts.
July 9, 2018
Great History
Loved this under reported WWII battle history. Riveting to me. Honor to all those who fought and died against the tyranny of imperial Japan’s. I’m glad the author included what we did for them as well after the war ended.
Loved this under reported WWII battle history. Riveting to me. Honor to all those who fought and died against the tyranny of imperial Japan’s. I’m glad the author included what we did for them as well after the war ended.
October 4, 2021
WW 2 South Pacific
An amazing amount of information about WW2 from the beginning of the war until and after the end. The SW theatre through those big islands up to Japan itself. Another good read!
An amazing amount of information about WW2 from the beginning of the war until and after the end. The SW theatre through those big islands up to Japan itself. Another good read!
May 30, 2017
The Most Ignored Campaigns of WWII
A unique view of the war in the Western Pacific as told by a commanding general. All who are in history should be interested in this book.
A unique view of the war in the Western Pacific as told by a commanding general. All who are in history should be interested in this book.
September 2, 2017
A good read.
The stories without map makes it difficult to see where the battle to place. But it resound that Japan made a big mistake attacking most of Asia and American.
The stories without map makes it difficult to see where the battle to place. But it resound that Japan made a big mistake attacking most of Asia and American.
October 13, 2017
Good but too much minutiae
Good account of the war in the Pacific, but too many details. Written a few years after the war, so the end is a little dated.
Good account of the war in the Pacific, but too many details. Written a few years after the war, so the end is a little dated.
January 20, 2018
An excellent book. Required for those who wish to know more about the Pacific theater during wwII, and the battles in the Philippines and far east.
January 28, 2018
Greatest generation !
The 2nd world war the Pacific campaign. This part fought by the allies should be told as folklore this shows how much I liked this book !
The 2nd world war the Pacific campaign. This part fought by the allies should be told as folklore this shows how much I liked this book !
July 30, 2018
A good recap of the army's tour in the Pacific campaign.
October 5, 2018
Great read
Not only was this book very readable and informative it is written in such a way to separate this book from books on history and the Second World War
Not only was this book very readable and informative it is written in such a way to separate this book from books on history and the Second World War
December 4, 2019
Very Definitive History of War in Pacific
This book is extremely well written. Lots of facts, personal stories and anecdotes. For a serious history buff, I recommend this book.
This book is extremely well written. Lots of facts, personal stories and anecdotes. For a serious history buff, I recommend this book.
October 1, 2019
Perhaps a bit detailed, at least some. I think his book provides some insight to all of the planning and support necessary to advance, and subsequently conquer the Japanese in WWII. His advice for the future was spot on.
March 1, 2017
Good background primer on 8th Army's role in the Pacific
Very good book well written by the man who commanded the 8th Army in their drive to the Philippines. Easy writing style and excellent flow of action, with just enough descriptions of individuals' actions to provide some humor.
Good if you want an objective look at the Army's role in the Pacific war.
Very good book well written by the man who commanded the 8th Army in their drive to the Philippines. Easy writing style and excellent flow of action, with just enough descriptions of individuals' actions to provide some humor.
Good if you want an objective look at the Army's role in the Pacific war.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews