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Hell in the Pacific: A Marine Rifleman's Journey From Guadalcanal to Peleliu
In the tradition of E.B. Sledge’s With the Old Breed , this is a Marine rifleman’s extraordinarily vivid, brutally candid memoir of what it was like on the front lines of World War II in the Pacific.
In what may be the last memoir to be published by a living veteran of the pivotal invasion of Guadalcanal, which occurred almost seventy years ago, Marine Jim McEnery has teamed up with author Bill Sloan to create an unforgettable chronicle of heroism and horror.
McENERY’S RIFLE COMPANY—the legendary K/3/5 of the First Marine Division, made famous by the HBO miniseries The Pacific —fought in some of the most ferocious battles of the war. In searing detail, the author takes us back to Guadalcanal, where American forces first turned the tide against the Japanese; Cape Gloucester, where 1,300 Marines were killed or wounded; and bloody Peleliu, where McEnery assumed command of the company and helped hasten the final defeat of the Japanese garrison after weeks of torturous cave-to-cave fighting.
McEnery’s story is a no-holds-barred, grunt’s-eye view of the sacrifices, suffering, and raw courage of the men in the foxholes, locked in mortal combat with an implacable enemy sworn to fight to the death. From bayonet charges and hand-to-hand combat to midnight banzai attacks and the loss of close buddies, the rifle squad leader spares no details, chronicling his odyssey from boot camp through twenty-eight months of hellish combat until his eventual return home. He has given us an unforgettable portrait of men at war.
In what may be the last memoir to be published by a living veteran of the pivotal invasion of Guadalcanal, which occurred almost seventy years ago, Marine Jim McEnery has teamed up with author Bill Sloan to create an unforgettable chronicle of heroism and horror.
McENERY’S RIFLE COMPANY—the legendary K/3/5 of the First Marine Division, made famous by the HBO miniseries The Pacific —fought in some of the most ferocious battles of the war. In searing detail, the author takes us back to Guadalcanal, where American forces first turned the tide against the Japanese; Cape Gloucester, where 1,300 Marines were killed or wounded; and bloody Peleliu, where McEnery assumed command of the company and helped hasten the final defeat of the Japanese garrison after weeks of torturous cave-to-cave fighting.
McEnery’s story is a no-holds-barred, grunt’s-eye view of the sacrifices, suffering, and raw courage of the men in the foxholes, locked in mortal combat with an implacable enemy sworn to fight to the death. From bayonet charges and hand-to-hand combat to midnight banzai attacks and the loss of close buddies, the rifle squad leader spares no details, chronicling his odyssey from boot camp through twenty-eight months of hellish combat until his eventual return home. He has given us an unforgettable portrait of men at war.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 9, 2015
This is an excellent account of a Marine rifleman's account of the campaigns on Guadalcanal though Peleliu during World War II. It is told in an easy format from an enlisted man's viewpoint. The work is about the day to day struggles of enlisted men instead of high ranking officers. If I was still teaching history I would put it on the reading list for my students.
July 15, 2016
This is a first hand account of Jim "Mac" McEnery's combat experiences with the 1st Marine Division on Gualdalcanal, New Britain, and Pelelieu.
The actual listed author of the book is Bill Sloan. Sloan appears to flesh out McEnery's reflections with accounts of the various campaigns as reported by other writers and historians. The book itself is written in "Mac's" first person voice, but you can spot redactional seams where it appears that Sloan interjects segments of historical data that he needed for exposition and to flesh out the book.
As a history, one needs to take what you read here with a grain of salt. McEnery seems to recall a lot of "scuttlebutt" (rumors) from the past that was, as Marine scuttlebutt often is, unsubstantiated. I can forgive him for this. He was an enlisted man on the ground who heard things that were passed around by word of mouth. He also had over sixty years of time pass before he related this to Sloan. In that time he might have had his memories shaped by stories heard by other vets, or forgotten details.
At one point McEnery (or perhaps it is Sloan), makes claims that I can't verify or that are demonstrably false.
He claims General MacArthur stated that Marines would be denied glory in the Pacific if he had his way. I can't find anything to support that.
He claims that MacArthur wouldn't let the 4th Marine Regiment fight in the Philippines, and that the unit was left off the list for Presidential Unit Citations. The Regiment did indeed fight on Corregidor, and was essentially destroyed. The web site for the 4th Marine Regiment lists that action as one in which they received the Presidential Unit Citation.
That's Sloan's bust, ultimately. It took me five minutes to verify that on the internet. He could have easily double checked McEnery's reflections.
Sloan also lists the cruiser USS Columbus as having taken part in the September 28, 1944 invasion of the small island of Ngesebus, adjacent and to the north of Pelelieu. That ship was still being built in Quincy, Massachussets. It was launched November 30th and commissioned in June of the following year. It never served at Pelelieu.
A cautionary note for those that might be easily offended: McEnery uses racial pejoratives freely in describing the Japanese. He clearly still harbored animosity for the Japanese soldiers he had encountered back then, and describes how he and the others didn't hesitate to shoot wounded Japanese--for which the Marines had a reason. Wounded Japanese would blow themselves up with hand grenades, and try and kill Marines in the process.
For all that, I deeply appreciate first person narratives like this. My father served in the 3rd Marine Division during the Bougainville and Guam invasions. I used to hear stories like this from him and from the men with whom he served.
It's not a great book, but I don't think it should be passed up. If you have an interest in the Pacific campaign, it's worth a look.
The actual listed author of the book is Bill Sloan. Sloan appears to flesh out McEnery's reflections with accounts of the various campaigns as reported by other writers and historians. The book itself is written in "Mac's" first person voice, but you can spot redactional seams where it appears that Sloan interjects segments of historical data that he needed for exposition and to flesh out the book.
As a history, one needs to take what you read here with a grain of salt. McEnery seems to recall a lot of "scuttlebutt" (rumors) from the past that was, as Marine scuttlebutt often is, unsubstantiated. I can forgive him for this. He was an enlisted man on the ground who heard things that were passed around by word of mouth. He also had over sixty years of time pass before he related this to Sloan. In that time he might have had his memories shaped by stories heard by other vets, or forgotten details.
At one point McEnery (or perhaps it is Sloan), makes claims that I can't verify or that are demonstrably false.
He claims General MacArthur stated that Marines would be denied glory in the Pacific if he had his way. I can't find anything to support that.
He claims that MacArthur wouldn't let the 4th Marine Regiment fight in the Philippines, and that the unit was left off the list for Presidential Unit Citations. The Regiment did indeed fight on Corregidor, and was essentially destroyed. The web site for the 4th Marine Regiment lists that action as one in which they received the Presidential Unit Citation.
That's Sloan's bust, ultimately. It took me five minutes to verify that on the internet. He could have easily double checked McEnery's reflections.
Sloan also lists the cruiser USS Columbus as having taken part in the September 28, 1944 invasion of the small island of Ngesebus, adjacent and to the north of Pelelieu. That ship was still being built in Quincy, Massachussets. It was launched November 30th and commissioned in June of the following year. It never served at Pelelieu.
A cautionary note for those that might be easily offended: McEnery uses racial pejoratives freely in describing the Japanese. He clearly still harbored animosity for the Japanese soldiers he had encountered back then, and describes how he and the others didn't hesitate to shoot wounded Japanese--for which the Marines had a reason. Wounded Japanese would blow themselves up with hand grenades, and try and kill Marines in the process.
For all that, I deeply appreciate first person narratives like this. My father served in the 3rd Marine Division during the Bougainville and Guam invasions. I used to hear stories like this from him and from the men with whom he served.
It's not a great book, but I don't think it should be passed up. If you have an interest in the Pacific campaign, it's worth a look.
March 17, 2016
Not even close to "with the old breed". A blend of personal observation, as recalled decades later, with commentary on history that he could never have known at the time. The personal observation was not particularly trenchant either.
July 10, 2025
This book is truly remarkable. Jim McEnnery's narrative is captivating, and it is highly recommended for anyone interested in the combat experiences during the Pacific theater. If you have previously enjoyed "With the Old Breed" by Eugene Sledge, "Island of the Damned" by R.V. Burgin, or "Battle Ground Pacific" by Sterling Mace, this book would undoubtedly be a worthwhile read. These books, along with this one, offer valuable insights into the experiences of the men from K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. It serves as an excellent complement to the existing literature about K 3 5.
May 5, 2025
Difficult read as it can get pretty graphic, but the authors do a great job keeping details chronological and easy to follow. Helps to put in perspective how important some islands were, and how unecessary certain missions were leading to thousands of “un-strategic deaths”
July 19, 2013
"There are no atheist's in a fox hole."
The bravery witnessed in this extraordinary book about the sacrifices, horrors, and heroism of war will never be forgotten. I know I won't forget it.
Marine Sgt. Jim McEnery had many friends who fought beside him and many of them died. He and his Marine buddies engaged in hand to hand combat with the Japanese during World War Two. As many Americans should know the Japanese fought to the death.
I love how this marine prayed for his friends, prayed for peace as he watched for Japanese who would slip into foxholes in the middle of the night to kill Americans. He told how he watched as one of his officers, who was loved by all the Marines, was killed by a Japanese sniper. After that shot, McEnery became the senior Marine in charge of the patrol.
This a gut wrenching story told in a very profound way. I won't forget the story of the brave men who died or those who lived. I will take pride in praying for all of them. "Hell in the Pacific:" A Marine Rifleman's Journey From Guadalcanal to Peleliu" is a book I believe everyone should read. I want to take this opportunity to thank you Sgt. McEnery for your dedication and brave service to our great nation, and to let you and Bill Sloan know that you did a wonderful job writing this book!
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author
Fighting the Devil: A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
I Saw the Light
Thomas, The Friendly Ghost
The Rain Snake: A True Story of Love, Faith and Trust
The bravery witnessed in this extraordinary book about the sacrifices, horrors, and heroism of war will never be forgotten. I know I won't forget it.
Marine Sgt. Jim McEnery had many friends who fought beside him and many of them died. He and his Marine buddies engaged in hand to hand combat with the Japanese during World War Two. As many Americans should know the Japanese fought to the death.
I love how this marine prayed for his friends, prayed for peace as he watched for Japanese who would slip into foxholes in the middle of the night to kill Americans. He told how he watched as one of his officers, who was loved by all the Marines, was killed by a Japanese sniper. After that shot, McEnery became the senior Marine in charge of the patrol.
This a gut wrenching story told in a very profound way. I won't forget the story of the brave men who died or those who lived. I will take pride in praying for all of them. "Hell in the Pacific:" A Marine Rifleman's Journey From Guadalcanal to Peleliu" is a book I believe everyone should read. I want to take this opportunity to thank you Sgt. McEnery for your dedication and brave service to our great nation, and to let you and Bill Sloan know that you did a wonderful job writing this book!
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author
Fighting the Devil: A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
I Saw the Light
Thomas, The Friendly Ghost
The Rain Snake: A True Story of Love, Faith and Trust
August 10, 2016
While I enjoyed this book I found it a little strange. It is the first ghost written biography I have read.
It was obvious that it was not a strictly first hand account with a number of "dues ex machina" moments fleshing out battles with information and anecdotes that Jim McEnery could not have had at the time probably didn't have until Bill Sloan started putting his story together. There was a weird vibe to the book, almost as though it was Sloan writing as McEnery (like Raymond Chandler writing as one of his hard boiled private dicks).
The story is very interesting as a companion piece to "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge as it covers K/3/5 actions from Guadal Canal and overlaps with Peleliu where Sledge's account begins. The story is a little detached and short on detail at times - McEnery either did not want to go into personal details and could not express himself like Sledge and Robert Leckie did in their books.
However this is not surprising; he is not a literate college graduate and his somewhat truncated descriptions of hellish "kill or be killed" marches are unsettling and not really places I wanted to know much more about. It is a great credit to Jim McEnery that he has come through his experiences and gone to live a productive and supportive civilian life.
It was obvious that it was not a strictly first hand account with a number of "dues ex machina" moments fleshing out battles with information and anecdotes that Jim McEnery could not have had at the time probably didn't have until Bill Sloan started putting his story together. There was a weird vibe to the book, almost as though it was Sloan writing as McEnery (like Raymond Chandler writing as one of his hard boiled private dicks).
The story is very interesting as a companion piece to "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge as it covers K/3/5 actions from Guadal Canal and overlaps with Peleliu where Sledge's account begins. The story is a little detached and short on detail at times - McEnery either did not want to go into personal details and could not express himself like Sledge and Robert Leckie did in their books.
However this is not surprising; he is not a literate college graduate and his somewhat truncated descriptions of hellish "kill or be killed" marches are unsettling and not really places I wanted to know much more about. It is a great credit to Jim McEnery that he has come through his experiences and gone to live a productive and supportive civilian life.
November 26, 2017
I loved the book Hell in the Pacific I thought it was an excellent military book that kept me wanting to read more and more. I also liked how the book was told from a soldiers perspective which gave a real feel for how the story was told. Also, the Flashbacks of the battles really made me feel like I was in the battle while I was reading it.
February 28, 2017
A good read. The book only has 292 pages, not 333
January 20, 2020
A solid first-hand account of the author's experiences as a U.S. Marine during WWII. It covers his early life before the war, his military training, the challenges of living conditions in a war zone, and the brutal realities of staying alive during battle. He chronicles his personal interactions, observations, and painful losses of friends and comrades, as well as historical overviews of events that were unknown to individual Marines at the time they were hitting the beaches, and fighting for every yard of enemy owned territory. It is a well-told story of a brave man who shuns the label of "hero," yet risked his life and faced every danger in some of the fiercest fighting of the war. I am thankful for his service, his sacrifice, and his ultimate survival.
August 30, 2018
Another super book written by the guys that were there, felt the pain, smelled the death and watched their friends die in front of them in the most brutal conflict in the history of civilization.
The Japanese were guilty of tunnel vision in that they continued the same method of warfare that had carried them across the South Pacific to build an empire against peoples that were truly not ready or capable of dealing with them.
All the episodes of "The Pacific" the miniseries bring it out visaully and this book brings it out like no other method can do so.
The Japanese were guilty of tunnel vision in that they continued the same method of warfare that had carried them across the South Pacific to build an empire against peoples that were truly not ready or capable of dealing with them.
All the episodes of "The Pacific" the miniseries bring it out visaully and this book brings it out like no other method can do so.
July 6, 2021
Hell in the Pacific takes readers into the trenches of WWII. This Marine's account of the horrors he lived through helps modern civilians understand a piece of what our nation's warriors faced.
What I appreciated about this book was that it gives the perspective of the boots on the ground—the men who received and followed orders without ever seeing the bigger picture. Jim McEnery shares his experiences from all senses and therefore allows us a small taste of their maggoty rations and a hint of the stench on the islands of death.
What I appreciated about this book was that it gives the perspective of the boots on the ground—the men who received and followed orders without ever seeing the bigger picture. Jim McEnery shares his experiences from all senses and therefore allows us a small taste of their maggoty rations and a hint of the stench on the islands of death.
August 21, 2020
An interesting book, as are pretty much all first-hand reports of soldiers who have seen action. What holds it back though, from being put in the first tier of such books (Tregaskis, Sledge, Leckie) is the somewhat folksy, awkward prose that occasionally reads like a cheesy detective novel.
It's a good read, but not like those I mentioned above, which get set in the pile to be read and re-read later on.
It's a good read, but not like those I mentioned above, which get set in the pile to be read and re-read later on.
June 28, 2021
This was the best personal story of the first marines I’ve read and I’ve read quite a few. Very readable and exciting. I tried to read the books by sledge and leckie, but jeez were those things wordy. This one is for you if you don’t enjoy all that bullshit introspective stuff, just straight Jap shooting and killing. Loved it! Also, the last chapter on his feeling about dug out Doug and Roosevelt—SPOT ON! Brilliant.
April 16, 2018
Tough story, agree with his evaluation if dugout doug mccarthur
August 25, 2018
I just love military memoirs. This was another super interesting point of view of the War. I always feel that the author is right there telling me his story.
January 14, 2020
From an '03 Springfield, to a M-1, finally a Thompson. Jim was Lucky to Live Thru WW-II, and I'm glad to Read His Story.
April 3, 2020
A worthy addition for anyone interested in K/3/5 in its first three campaigns in the Pacific.
September 9, 2020
My grandfather didn’t always talk about his time in WWII, but this book made me think of him. It is written as if it was a grandpa telling old war stories.
August 24, 2022
A very good readable account. It isn't going to add much to your knowledge if you are familiar with these battles but does have the personal stories that make for an enjoyable read
May 18, 2016
Hell in the Pacific, by Jim McEnery with Bill Sloan is a very good and accurate first-hand account first person view of a Marine rifleman’s memoir of life and death on the front lines of the war in the pacific. Jim McEnery, part of the legendary K/3/5 of the First Marine Division, shares his experiences through some of the most ferocious battles of World War 2. He tells what it was like during Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu. His story shows the courage, suffering, and sacrifices made to defend themselves from the Japanese soldiers, who would gladly die for their beliefs. Hell in the Pacific spares almost no details when it comes to what McEnery and the other soldiers of K/3/5 had to fight through.
I loved this book. I would happily give this book a five out of five because I love WW2 books and because I appreciate what these men did for us to get where we are today. I also love this book because I plan to be a Marine once I’m old enough (at least four years), and I want to give myself to the country like Jim McEnery, and every other soldier. Plus, I have seen The Pacific and I have to say that I like it better than Band of Brothers. Reading the book and watching the show at the same time really put any left-over pieces together as to what happened. The ONLY bad thing I would have to say about the book is that it was a little dry and it sort of left me wondering exactly what happened. But like I said, the show filled me in on everything else; so now I have a perfect understanding of the events.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is mature enough. I feel that it is important for everyone to know their history and what people did for to get where we are.
I loved this book. I would happily give this book a five out of five because I love WW2 books and because I appreciate what these men did for us to get where we are today. I also love this book because I plan to be a Marine once I’m old enough (at least four years), and I want to give myself to the country like Jim McEnery, and every other soldier. Plus, I have seen The Pacific and I have to say that I like it better than Band of Brothers. Reading the book and watching the show at the same time really put any left-over pieces together as to what happened. The ONLY bad thing I would have to say about the book is that it was a little dry and it sort of left me wondering exactly what happened. But like I said, the show filled me in on everything else; so now I have a perfect understanding of the events.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is mature enough. I feel that it is important for everyone to know their history and what people did for to get where we are.
August 31, 2012
This was a quick read. I have great respect and admiration for Mr. McEnery. We all need to appreciate what he and many others have done for our country. I think it is great that he has taken the time to give us his memories.
I don't want to be negative but here is my impression of the book. In a lot of areas I think the co-author, Bill Sloan, did research on the battles and specifics of what happened. In those cases it was more like a narrative on the battle. The best parts of the book were where it was apparent Mr. McEnery was relaying his own experiences. Unfortunately that was probably less than half of the book. While I appreciate what Mr. McEnery has done and that he got in print his memories I am sure it would have felt much more like we were there if this had been written 40 years ago....or at least closer to the time.
Like I said though, I hate to say anything bad. That is just my impression. It may very well have been that it was just too hard in any number of ways, for Mr. McEnery to write about it or think about it prior to now. I have to respect that. I want to say again that I appreciate Mr. McEnery did for our country and I appreciate the fact that he took the time to do this and share his memories with the rest of us. Thank you Mr. McEnery.
I don't want to be negative but here is my impression of the book. In a lot of areas I think the co-author, Bill Sloan, did research on the battles and specifics of what happened. In those cases it was more like a narrative on the battle. The best parts of the book were where it was apparent Mr. McEnery was relaying his own experiences. Unfortunately that was probably less than half of the book. While I appreciate what Mr. McEnery has done and that he got in print his memories I am sure it would have felt much more like we were there if this had been written 40 years ago....or at least closer to the time.
Like I said though, I hate to say anything bad. That is just my impression. It may very well have been that it was just too hard in any number of ways, for Mr. McEnery to write about it or think about it prior to now. I have to respect that. I want to say again that I appreciate Mr. McEnery did for our country and I appreciate the fact that he took the time to do this and share his memories with the rest of us. Thank you Mr. McEnery.
June 10, 2015
I would give this 4.5 stars if I could. Jim's account of the Pacific theater in WWII is fantastic. He retells his story in a believable way, it doesn't hurt that the story itself is very interesting. My only complaint would be the occasional shift in voice indicative of his ghost writer. The book has several places where you can tell his writer convinced him to change wording and other places where he obviously held fast to his way of saying it. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two, but the change in tone is still perceptible. An excellent read none the less.
December 27, 2015
Such a good book. First hand account of a Marine's career that took him to Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu which were some of the worst fighting a person could live through. It's very easy to feel as though you're sitting there listening to him as you read this. It never comes across as bragging. As he states, he wrote this book because he doesn't want Americans of the 21st century to forget what happened...he wants the memory of those tragic times and terrible places to live forever. It was an honor to read this man's story. You should read it too.
October 11, 2016
Truly an Incredible Journey
This is the story of an American Hero. He slogged through the Hell of Guadalcanal, Pelelieu, and Glouster in the Pacific in WWII, and lived to write about his experience. His selflessness, as well as his devotion to duty must NEVER be forgotten. All-too- soon heroes like Jim McInery won't be around to tell Americans their stories, and so it will be only books like this one which will tell the stories like this one of The Greatest Generation.
This is the story of an American Hero. He slogged through the Hell of Guadalcanal, Pelelieu, and Glouster in the Pacific in WWII, and lived to write about his experience. His selflessness, as well as his devotion to duty must NEVER be forgotten. All-too- soon heroes like Jim McInery won't be around to tell Americans their stories, and so it will be only books like this one which will tell the stories like this one of The Greatest Generation.
December 16, 2016
An interesting first person account of the terrible conditions Marines in the WWII Pacific campaign had to deal with. Bill Sloan tells it the way he saw it without glorification or pontification. He describes the horrors without being too graphic or dwelling on them. I've read several books by other former marines who were in the same division and this one dovetails with them nicely while adding another viewpoint.
January 5, 2014
Lean fast reading account of a USMC infantryman who served in the Island hopping battles in the Pacific. This book had enough background to give you a feeling he was more than just a Marine and who he was and where he came from. It's always good to find a WWII first hand account, sadly there will be a day in the near future where that's not going to be possible.
December 30, 2012
McEnery was in the same unit as Eugene Sledge, author of With the Old Breed. I think Sledge's book was a tad better, but this one is quite good as well. While Sledge didn't join the unit until preparations were being made for Peleliu, McEnery began earlier and fought on Guadalcanal and Gloucester.
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June 25, 2015Just like listening to a grandpa tell stories of what happened in a war. The book makes me really want to get my grandpa's marine records, it's quite possible they fought together and my grandpa went through literally the exact same thing.
July 22, 2016
Awesome Read from someone there
This book is the real deal and paints a vivid portrait of the war in the Pacific. Mr. McEnery writes about life in the Corps from personal experience.
This book is the real deal and paints a vivid portrait of the war in the Pacific. Mr. McEnery writes about life in the Corps from personal experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews