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Alligator Marines, the United States Marine Corps' 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion in WW II
Second edition, this book has been updated, re-edited, and additional illustrations by the barefoot Marine have been included. This is a book about the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, World War II, three tiny pacific islands, and the story of the 'young men' who became 'legendary men' fighting for their mothers and fathers, flag and country, you and me. It is the real story of Iwo Jima.
Undoubtedly you know the story of Iwo Jima and have seen Joe Rosenthal's photo of the six heroes who raised the flag over Mount Suribachi. The battle for the volcano was an epic in itself, the capture of Suribachi becoming a legend in the long and varied history of the United States Marine Corps. What you haven't read about, however, is the story behind the legend, the story of the barefoot Marine who won't call himself a hero but never-the-less is. It is the story of my Dad who by 18 was already a veteran of Saipan and Tinian and then drove an Amtrac with the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion as they went ashore on Iwo.
The story is about heroes, coming of age, and facing the enemy. It is both tragic and humorous; it is the telling of the tale of Don Marshall, proud to number himself among those amphibians of the 5th who wore the eagle, globe, and anchor--an Alligator Marine!
Undoubtedly you know the story of Iwo Jima and have seen Joe Rosenthal's photo of the six heroes who raised the flag over Mount Suribachi. The battle for the volcano was an epic in itself, the capture of Suribachi becoming a legend in the long and varied history of the United States Marine Corps. What you haven't read about, however, is the story behind the legend, the story of the barefoot Marine who won't call himself a hero but never-the-less is. It is the story of my Dad who by 18 was already a veteran of Saipan and Tinian and then drove an Amtrac with the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion as they went ashore on Iwo.
The story is about heroes, coming of age, and facing the enemy. It is both tragic and humorous; it is the telling of the tale of Don Marshall, proud to number himself among those amphibians of the 5th who wore the eagle, globe, and anchor--an Alligator Marine!
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 6, 2019
Memories, come flooding back. Camp Del Mar was my first duty assignment after initial infantry training. I had no idea what an Amtrac was or why the marines thought I was a good candidate for this assignment. Then I'm had to figure out what Yat Has ment? But I wouldn't trade a minute of my time with the Tracs for anything else in the Corps. Asked for a tour on the rock and got it. Big surprise, when I got to Naha. Was assigned to Third Tank Bn. at the new "Camp Hansen" , an old Japanese air strip with squad tents on both sides of the strip and no mess hall. Didn't last long before we had Quanset huts to call our own. One tank bn. ,and a motor pool, a gym, a movie 🎥 theater and slop chute, barber shop,tank park. Kim only had a couple of bars and we were Ishikawa raiders for the next year and half. Most memorable incident was the division loading up and heading for the Panama canal to prepare for the invasion of Cuba because of the missile crisis.
December 18, 2024
what a great story
This book wasn’t what I had expected. I wanted a straight history of an Marine LVT unit and this is more of a memoir. Still, it is an outstanding work. I will admit I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a day and I expect to read it again. If you are interested in one Marine’s experiences in the Pacific war, this book should be on your list.
This book wasn’t what I had expected. I wanted a straight history of an Marine LVT unit and this is more of a memoir. Still, it is an outstanding work. I will admit I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a day and I expect to read it again. If you are interested in one Marine’s experiences in the Pacific war, this book should be on your list.
August 25, 2018
Sometimes all it takes to make a great book is just a collection of memories and the sketches that go with them. The author uses the sketches to tie in his memories and the transcripts of radio transmissions to put you in the action.
September 25, 2018
I liked the book it sounds like the Corps I was in too, great memories and a lot of bull too. Enjoyed the memories !!!!
September 30, 2021
Proof that Marines can have a wild side
Never ending string of irreverent events that he author lived through as a Marine in the Pacific. A side of war that you normally do not see.
Never ending string of irreverent events that he author lived through as a Marine in the Pacific. A side of war that you normally do not see.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews