History of U. S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II Vol. III: Central Pacific Drive

History Of U.S. Marine Corps Operations In World War II #3

by Henry I. Shaw Jr., Bernard C. Nalty, Edwin T. Turnbladh

The series of Central Pacific operations that began at Tarawa in November 1943 marked a period of steadily increasing momentum in our drive toward the Japanese home islands. To a great extent, these operations were periods of trial---and occasionally of error---when our amphibious striking force, the Fifth Fleet and the V Amphibious Corps, tested and proved the basic soundness of the doctrine, tactics, and techniques developed by the Navy and Marine Corps in the years before the World War II. This was a time of innovation too, when new weapons, improved methods of fire support, and organizational developments all played a large part in our victories. The lessons learned in the Gilberts, reaffirmed and applied with increasing effect in the Marshalls and Marianas, were of priceless value in shortening the war.

Genres: Military Fiction

704 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2013

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tome is a reprint of the 1960's era History of US Marine Corps Operations in World War II volume on the offensive through Micronesia: the landings in the Gilberts, the Marshalls and the Marianas. While the operations and amphibious techniques are thoroughly covered, the narrative, as in most official histories, is rather dry. Nonetheless, I would have to say that this book is an essential part of any bibliography on the American war effort in the Pacific in WWII. Where US Army units participated in these battles, they are given their full credit. The authors also delve into the complicated and occasionally difficult command relationships, the evolving techniques of amphibious tactics and logistics, and the underlying strategic issues. The Holland Smith/Ralph Smith blow-up on Saipan is treated in a matter of fact manner - one almost wishes for touch of partisanship here! The black and white maps are adequate while the photographs, which are photocopied from the original, are undistict and blury.

All in all, a good official history but not what one would call a ripping good read.

[John Budish]

Monograph of war in Pacific 1944-145

Complete and comprehensive factual narrative of the final phase of WW2 in the South Pacific theater.
Long but great history. A must read if your interested in this phase of WW2.

[David Cates · Rating 3 out of 5]

good information but hard reading due to style.