Blood Stripes

by David J. Danelo, Steven Pressfield (Foreword by)

The dynamic story of the life and times of five Marine corporals and sergeants, men at the front lines of the war in Iraq. First extended account of the Marine experience fighting the Iraq insurgency from the grunt's perspective. Author interviewed charismatic and controversial Marine Gen. James N. "Mad Dog" Mattis, a legendary Marine commander revered by the grunts and gives new details about the battle for Fallujah. A sometimes harrowing, often humorous, and occasionally tragic look at the Marine Corps from the inside out in its struggle with the insurgency in Iraq. Drawing from personal experience in the confusing, deadly conflict currently being fought in the streets and back alleys of Iraqi towns and villages, Danelo focuses on the young Marine leaders--corporals and sergeants--whose job it is to take even younger Marines into battle, close with and destroy an elusive enemy, and bring their boys back home again. Sadly, there are losses, but true to the Marine Corps spirit, they soldier on, earning their blood stripes the only way they know how--the hard way.

Genres: Military Fiction, War, History, Nonfiction, Biography, American History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2006

Reviews

[Terry Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept trying to think of why I should only give Danelo's book a four star instead of a five star, and couldn't come up with a good reason. David Danelo is a Naval Academy graduate that served in the Marine Corps for six years in various capacities including platoon commander. He left the military to embark on writing as a career, and demonstrates his skills here. The book is written from the perspective of several non-commissioned officers--men who are the first line of leadership to soldiers in the field.

Danelo also does a great job of describing the structure of Marine Corps units, and provides a snapshot of a grunt Marine's life from training through battle and returning home and returning to civilian life (for the fortunate survivors). I was surprised that one of the Corporals interviewed was from my home town of Palmdale, Ca. An extra bonus! A handy glossary of Marine/Iraqi terms is included. An intimate and personal look at what serving as a front line Marine in Iraq was about.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an awesome collection of the perspectives of a variety of people including General Mattis, United States Marine Corps legend and 4-Star, as well as non-commissioned officers. This book is exclusive in its class because it is the only one written solely for and from the perspective of the young Marine Corps NCO. The passion, heroism and precious immaturity of many of the real-life characters strikes at the heart and brings on a wave of patriotism with every chapter. I encourage anyone with an interest in the soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors serving in Iraq and Afghanistan for the preservation of our rights and safety here at home.

[Carol Storm · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Marines are heroes, like the Spartans of old. They follow Spartan values. They're very Spartan. Okay, now you don't have to read it!

[juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, one of the few books that actually describes details narrated by the grunts, their egos, fears, triumphs and defeats. I like the author and the way how he describes the events, he doesn’t try to fix the narration of the events, instead, he shares with the readers the experiences seen and felt by the grunts. Highly recommended

[Charles E. McFatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best

I've read a lot of books about the military. This is one of the best. It describes the lives and thinking of the men and women involved before enlisting, during service time in peace and war as well as life afterward. Good read

[J. Scott Frampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book that provides an insight into a modern-day grunt’s work. Timeless stories from a timeless activity. I served in Iraq during this time, and can confirm that this is how things unfold. Required reading for all Marines, and those interested in The Corps

[Jim Holscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a son is a recently minted Marine and a member of security forces this was a must read. It also should be a must read for any American interested in not just the prosecution of the war on terror but the defense of liberty globally.

The book is well written with characters who leap from the page. The author explains terminology in a simple, non-condescending way. A true triumph and one of the better books I've read this year.

[Pat Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow "Grunt' myself, I can say that nothing has changed in my Beloved Marine Corps! I was really in a time warp reading this book, since it was like reading about my fellow Grunts in Vietnam.
The Marine Corps will live forever! Ooh-Rah!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Enlisted account surrounding Iraqi War.

[Sandhillsandsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read.