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Guam: The Battle for an American Island in World War II
In this sequel to his epic Saipan, James Hallas tells the dramatic story of the battle for Guam in World War II, the next stage of the United States’ pivotal campaign for the Mariana Islands—and the beginning of the end for the Japanese Empire.
In December 1941, Japan captured Guam, the largest island of the Marianas archipelago and an American territory since 1898, and turned it into a naval and air base, a supply dump, and a massive prison for the native Chamorros. After a long, bloody drive back across the Pacific, the United States was ready to retake Guam in the summer of 1944, not only to liberate the island, but to secure its harbor and airstrip, both vitally important for mounting an aggressive attack against the Japanese home islands.
Saipan came first in Operation Forager, the campaign to take the Marianas, and as that battle bogged down in vicious combat, the invasion of Guam was delayed—until July 21, 1944, when, after one of the Pacific War’s longest and most devastating bombardments, U.S. Marines and Army soldiers trudged ashore, spearheaded by frogmen who pierced Japanese defenses. Guam was a hellish place for a war, and for two and a half weeks, American fighting men battled a tenacious enemy on sandy beaches, in jungles, mountains, ravines, caves, and swamps, in sweltering humidity and frequent downpours. The Japanese fought to the last man, at first mounting well-organized attacks and in the end relying on suicidal charges—in places inflicting up to 50 percent casualties on American units. Major operations ended on August 10, but mopping up continued until the end of the war, and the last Japanese holdout did not surrender until 1972.
James Hallas reconstructs the full panorama of the Battle of Guam. In its comprehensiveness, attention to detail, scope of research, and intimate focus on the men who fought and won the battle, this will stand as the definitive history of the battle for years to come.
In December 1941, Japan captured Guam, the largest island of the Marianas archipelago and an American territory since 1898, and turned it into a naval and air base, a supply dump, and a massive prison for the native Chamorros. After a long, bloody drive back across the Pacific, the United States was ready to retake Guam in the summer of 1944, not only to liberate the island, but to secure its harbor and airstrip, both vitally important for mounting an aggressive attack against the Japanese home islands.
Saipan came first in Operation Forager, the campaign to take the Marianas, and as that battle bogged down in vicious combat, the invasion of Guam was delayed—until July 21, 1944, when, after one of the Pacific War’s longest and most devastating bombardments, U.S. Marines and Army soldiers trudged ashore, spearheaded by frogmen who pierced Japanese defenses. Guam was a hellish place for a war, and for two and a half weeks, American fighting men battled a tenacious enemy on sandy beaches, in jungles, mountains, ravines, caves, and swamps, in sweltering humidity and frequent downpours. The Japanese fought to the last man, at first mounting well-organized attacks and in the end relying on suicidal charges—in places inflicting up to 50 percent casualties on American units. Major operations ended on August 10, but mopping up continued until the end of the war, and the last Japanese holdout did not surrender until 1972.
James Hallas reconstructs the full panorama of the Battle of Guam. In its comprehensiveness, attention to detail, scope of research, and intimate focus on the men who fought and won the battle, this will stand as the definitive history of the battle for years to come.
- GenresHistoryWorld War II
600 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 8, 2025
(Publication date: March 18, 2025)
GUAM: THE BATTLE FOR AN AMERICAN ISLAND IN WORLD WAR II by James H. Hallas is a sequel to 'Saipan: The Battle That Doomed Japan in World War II.' Both books can be read as standalones, but in tandem, they provide a broader understanding of American and Japanese military strategy.
The Japanese viewed the Marianas—Guam and Saipan—as a vital defensive line, not least because planes from these islands could easily reach targets within Japan. The orders to the defendants of both islands were similar: fight till the last man. That's where the similarities end. Saipan had been Japanese territory before the war, with Japanese nationals as the majority of the population. Local Chamorros supported the conquerors. Guam had been an American territory, and technically local Chamorros were America's subjects though lacked basic civil rights. Nevertheless, they considered themselves Americans. The American landing on Saipan came as a surprise to the Japanese, and thus, many defensive installations hadn't been completed; Guam divisions calculated not only when but where the landings would be, throwing all their efforts into the construction of beach defenses. On Guam, Americans used a risky strategy of landing simultaneously on two points, far apart from each other.
If you read Walter Lord's classical works on Pearl Harbor and Titanic, you would have a pre-knowledge of James H. Hallas's approach to the material. Shown from different points of view, that of Americans and Japanese, the battle gets a human face. The reader sees the individual combatants, some fearful, some recklessly courageous; all in the grips of blind fate. Seen from this perspective, it's hard to comprehend how any strategic planning can be done, considering the thousands of possibilities and accidents that might or might not happen. Still, military historians view the landing on Guam as a textbook example: veni, vidi, vici. The stories of George Tweed, an American who had hidden in caves before Americans returned, and Japanese stragglers who survived for decades in the jungles after the war's end, give the whole Guam story a fairytale-like quality.
Battle for Guam, Guamanian Chamorros, tortured/raped/killed indiscriminately by Japanese, and American Marines/GIs should be remembered.
I received an advance review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My review of SAIPAN
GUAM: THE BATTLE FOR AN AMERICAN ISLAND IN WORLD WAR II by James H. Hallas is a sequel to 'Saipan: The Battle That Doomed Japan in World War II.' Both books can be read as standalones, but in tandem, they provide a broader understanding of American and Japanese military strategy.
The Japanese viewed the Marianas—Guam and Saipan—as a vital defensive line, not least because planes from these islands could easily reach targets within Japan. The orders to the defendants of both islands were similar: fight till the last man. That's where the similarities end. Saipan had been Japanese territory before the war, with Japanese nationals as the majority of the population. Local Chamorros supported the conquerors. Guam had been an American territory, and technically local Chamorros were America's subjects though lacked basic civil rights. Nevertheless, they considered themselves Americans. The American landing on Saipan came as a surprise to the Japanese, and thus, many defensive installations hadn't been completed; Guam divisions calculated not only when but where the landings would be, throwing all their efforts into the construction of beach defenses. On Guam, Americans used a risky strategy of landing simultaneously on two points, far apart from each other.
If you read Walter Lord's classical works on Pearl Harbor and Titanic, you would have a pre-knowledge of James H. Hallas's approach to the material. Shown from different points of view, that of Americans and Japanese, the battle gets a human face. The reader sees the individual combatants, some fearful, some recklessly courageous; all in the grips of blind fate. Seen from this perspective, it's hard to comprehend how any strategic planning can be done, considering the thousands of possibilities and accidents that might or might not happen. Still, military historians view the landing on Guam as a textbook example: veni, vidi, vici. The stories of George Tweed, an American who had hidden in caves before Americans returned, and Japanese stragglers who survived for decades in the jungles after the war's end, give the whole Guam story a fairytale-like quality.
Battle for Guam, Guamanian Chamorros, tortured/raped/killed indiscriminately by Japanese, and American Marines/GIs should be remembered.
I received an advance review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My review of SAIPAN
July 29, 2025
NetGalley generously provided me with an ARC of "Guam: The Battle for an American Island in World War II" by James H. Hallas. The Kindle edition is 835 pages with a number of photographs and a few maps relevant to the campaign.
James Hallas has once again provided an exceptional combat account of this less talked about Pacific battle. This follows on from his excellent books on Saipan, Peleliu, and Okinawa. For those who have read one of the author's books you know you are going to get an unvarnished and gut-wrenching account of combat.
The author starts off the book which a few chapters on pre-war Guam, the Japanese invasion and then followed on by the years of occupation with accounts of the American POW's and the civilian population.
The guts of the book covers the American effort to retake the island with numerous first-hand accounts from the participants; Marines, soldiers, civilians and the Japanese defenders. It was a pleasant surprise to read so many accounts from the Japanese themselves.
Also provided were a number of accounts of the selfless and brave actions of a number of Marines, Corpsmen, and GIs. Many of these led to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor or Navy Cross. There were many accounts of other brave men who died bravely in the horrific fighting during the campaign but were unrecognized for awards.
The author also made mention of US war dogs used during the campaign. Like this story of a US war dog and his handler, PFC Edmund Topka, who had been badly wounded during a Japanese counterattack:
" .. In the morning Marines found the seriously wounded dog handler lying in a gully near a concrete bridge over the Asan River in the 21st Marine sector. Ten dead Japanese lay sprawled nearby. Lucky, unhurt, was watching over Topka.
The dog allowed a corpsman to tend to his wounded handler, but Topka had been hit too hard. When he died there in the gully, Lucky refused to let anyone come near the body. 'He would not let you in,' recalled PFC Dale Fetzer. 'He would just stand there and bark at you and cry. He was going to guard his master dead or alive. That was his job.' One of the handler finally got a lead over Lucky's head and pulled him away. The dog was later reassigned to another handler but brooded so much over his missing friend that he was sent back to the United States and the family that had loaned him to the war effort."
The author also highlighted the casualties for the fight to retake Guam:
"The Guam campaign was the second costliest of the war to date, though there would be worse - much worse - to come at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. For the moment, Saipan led the list with 11,727 casualties, while there had been a 'mere' 4,420 casualties at Guadalcanal, Losses at Guam, as of General Geiger's announcement on August 10 that organized resistance had ended, totaled 1,741 killed in action or died of wounds, 6,053 wounded in action, and 22 missing in action and presumed dead. The number of known enemy dead was put at 10,984 to date. Civilian deaths during the war are estimated at 1,170, which includes perhaps as many as 600 who were killed or died between W-Day and early August."
Another very interesting aspect of the book was the details provided by the author of the Japanese hold-outs who refused to surrender. Numerous Japanese soldiers were killed or captured years after WW2 had ended. The last Japanese soldier to surrender on Guam was Corporal Shoichi Yokoi, who was discovered/captured in 1972.
Overall this book is an excellent addition to the author's previous books on the Pacific War and anyone who has an interest in this area of history should have a copy of this book in their library.
James Hallas has once again provided an exceptional combat account of this less talked about Pacific battle. This follows on from his excellent books on Saipan, Peleliu, and Okinawa. For those who have read one of the author's books you know you are going to get an unvarnished and gut-wrenching account of combat.
The author starts off the book which a few chapters on pre-war Guam, the Japanese invasion and then followed on by the years of occupation with accounts of the American POW's and the civilian population.
The guts of the book covers the American effort to retake the island with numerous first-hand accounts from the participants; Marines, soldiers, civilians and the Japanese defenders. It was a pleasant surprise to read so many accounts from the Japanese themselves.
Also provided were a number of accounts of the selfless and brave actions of a number of Marines, Corpsmen, and GIs. Many of these led to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor or Navy Cross. There were many accounts of other brave men who died bravely in the horrific fighting during the campaign but were unrecognized for awards.
The author also made mention of US war dogs used during the campaign. Like this story of a US war dog and his handler, PFC Edmund Topka, who had been badly wounded during a Japanese counterattack:
" .. In the morning Marines found the seriously wounded dog handler lying in a gully near a concrete bridge over the Asan River in the 21st Marine sector. Ten dead Japanese lay sprawled nearby. Lucky, unhurt, was watching over Topka.
The dog allowed a corpsman to tend to his wounded handler, but Topka had been hit too hard. When he died there in the gully, Lucky refused to let anyone come near the body. 'He would not let you in,' recalled PFC Dale Fetzer. 'He would just stand there and bark at you and cry. He was going to guard his master dead or alive. That was his job.' One of the handler finally got a lead over Lucky's head and pulled him away. The dog was later reassigned to another handler but brooded so much over his missing friend that he was sent back to the United States and the family that had loaned him to the war effort."
The author also highlighted the casualties for the fight to retake Guam:
"The Guam campaign was the second costliest of the war to date, though there would be worse - much worse - to come at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. For the moment, Saipan led the list with 11,727 casualties, while there had been a 'mere' 4,420 casualties at Guadalcanal, Losses at Guam, as of General Geiger's announcement on August 10 that organized resistance had ended, totaled 1,741 killed in action or died of wounds, 6,053 wounded in action, and 22 missing in action and presumed dead. The number of known enemy dead was put at 10,984 to date. Civilian deaths during the war are estimated at 1,170, which includes perhaps as many as 600 who were killed or died between W-Day and early August."
Another very interesting aspect of the book was the details provided by the author of the Japanese hold-outs who refused to surrender. Numerous Japanese soldiers were killed or captured years after WW2 had ended. The last Japanese soldier to surrender on Guam was Corporal Shoichi Yokoi, who was discovered/captured in 1972.
Overall this book is an excellent addition to the author's previous books on the Pacific War and anyone who has an interest in this area of history should have a copy of this book in their library.
March 24, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for this review.
When it comes to the fighting in the Marianas during World War II, the fighting on Guam seems to end up as mostly a footnote. Captured by the Japanese in the early days after Pearl Harbor, its re-capture by the Americans gets overshadowed by the massive fleet engagement (the Marianas Turkey Shoot) and the vicious fighting on Saipan, not to mention the bitter Army-Marine controversy which arose from that battle.
Author Hallas has worked really hard to shine a spotlight on this less than famous battle, and succeeded brilliantly. Starting with the state of Guam in the days leading up to Pearl Harbor, followed by the Japanese invasion and subsequent rule, Hallas sets the stage for the battle to come. Once the Americans arrive to re-take the island, the book is nearly non-stop in its descriptions of combat. Be warned: much of the combat description is VERY graphic and involves repeated accounts of Japanese and American soldiers being killed in extremely horrible ways. While the battle was not on the same scale as others in the Pacific War, it was no less savage in many ways.
What I like best about this book is that it's told mostly from the perspectives of those who were there: American Marines and soldiers, Japanese soldiers and native Chamorros from Guam. The narrative never gets bogged down and fluctuates from one side to the other during many of the campaign's battles. Given that the Japanese hardly ever surrendered, it was really interesting to see recollections from Japanese survivors. There also is some interesting information on Japanese soldiers who continued to hide out long after the war had ended, as well as some Americans who hid out during the Japanese occupation.
Nice collection of photos and fairly decent amount of maps.
A great book to read if you want to know more about this seldom-discussed battle.
When it comes to the fighting in the Marianas during World War II, the fighting on Guam seems to end up as mostly a footnote. Captured by the Japanese in the early days after Pearl Harbor, its re-capture by the Americans gets overshadowed by the massive fleet engagement (the Marianas Turkey Shoot) and the vicious fighting on Saipan, not to mention the bitter Army-Marine controversy which arose from that battle.
Author Hallas has worked really hard to shine a spotlight on this less than famous battle, and succeeded brilliantly. Starting with the state of Guam in the days leading up to Pearl Harbor, followed by the Japanese invasion and subsequent rule, Hallas sets the stage for the battle to come. Once the Americans arrive to re-take the island, the book is nearly non-stop in its descriptions of combat. Be warned: much of the combat description is VERY graphic and involves repeated accounts of Japanese and American soldiers being killed in extremely horrible ways. While the battle was not on the same scale as others in the Pacific War, it was no less savage in many ways.
What I like best about this book is that it's told mostly from the perspectives of those who were there: American Marines and soldiers, Japanese soldiers and native Chamorros from Guam. The narrative never gets bogged down and fluctuates from one side to the other during many of the campaign's battles. Given that the Japanese hardly ever surrendered, it was really interesting to see recollections from Japanese survivors. There also is some interesting information on Japanese soldiers who continued to hide out long after the war had ended, as well as some Americans who hid out during the Japanese occupation.
Nice collection of photos and fairly decent amount of maps.
A great book to read if you want to know more about this seldom-discussed battle.
May 27, 2025
I have read a lot about the island-hopping campaigns of the US Armed Forces in the Pacific Ocean. Some of the descriptions I have read talk about numbers and individual exploits in a fair amount of detail. I have never read a book quite like this one. Hallas does a fantastic job describing in detail the horrors of the battle to retake this American island. His view is unflinching. This book is definitely not for the squeamish.
It is popular today to look at the deaths at Hiroshima and Nagasaki and demonize the American military. When a book like this comes along those who think the atomic bombs were unnecessary should read this thoroughly. The brutalization of the Guamanians, the executions and the extremes to which the Japanese soldiers went to even when faced with certain defeat should be thought about carefully.
Of particular interested is the time spent on the run by Navy radioman George Tweed. Some have felt that he jeopardized Guamanian lives by not surrendering. It should be remembered; Tweed did not kill the Guamanians. The Japanese did.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Pacific Theatre of World War II.
It is popular today to look at the deaths at Hiroshima and Nagasaki and demonize the American military. When a book like this comes along those who think the atomic bombs were unnecessary should read this thoroughly. The brutalization of the Guamanians, the executions and the extremes to which the Japanese soldiers went to even when faced with certain defeat should be thought about carefully.
Of particular interested is the time spent on the run by Navy radioman George Tweed. Some have felt that he jeopardized Guamanian lives by not surrendering. It should be remembered; Tweed did not kill the Guamanians. The Japanese did.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Pacific Theatre of World War II.
January 7, 2025
An electronic advanced review copy has been provided by the publisher in exchange for a non biased review.
Introduction
"Guam: The Battle for an American Island in World War II" by James H. Hallas is a meticulously researched historical narrative that delves into one of the lesser-discussed but critically significant battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II. As a sequel to Hallas's work on the Battle of Saipan, this book aims to provide readers with a comprehensive account of the strategic and human elements of the Guam campaign. My interest in World War II history, particularly the lesser-known battles, drew me to this book, expecting a detailed and immersive experience.
Summary
James H. Hallas reconstructs the Battle of Guam, which took place in the summer of 1944, as part of the United States' campaign to reclaim the Mariana Islands from Japanese control. The narrative begins with the historical context, setting the stage for the importance of Guam in the broader Pacific strategy, highlighting its role in providing a base for further attacks on Japan.
Hallas details the preparation phases, where he describes the extensive planning and the challenges faced by American forces in coordinating such a large-scale operation across vast ocean distances. The author provides a vivid depiction of the initial assault on July 21, 1944, where the U.S. forces faced fierce resistance from entrenched Japanese defenders. Through firsthand accounts, military records, and personal narratives, Hallas paints a picture of the chaos, bravery, and brutality of the battle.
The narrative continues with the intense fighting that lasted for weeks, detailing the strategic maneuvers, the harsh jungle warfare, and the significant role of naval and air support. Hallas does not shy away from the grim realities of war, discussing the high casualties on both sides, the impact on the local Chamorro population, and the psychological toll on soldiers.
The book also covers the aftermath, where major operations concluded on August 10, but guerrilla warfare and mopping up operations persisted until the war's end, with the last Japanese holdout surrendering in 1972, an astonishing detail that underscores the battle's lasting impact.
Conclusion
"Guam" by James H. Hallas is a compelling addition to the literature on World War II, offering a detailed exploration of a critical yet often overlooked battle. Hallas's ability to weave together military strategy, personal stories, and historical context provides a rich tapestry that educates and engages. However, while the depth of research is commendable, the narrative occasionally gets bogged down in military minutiae, which might overwhelm readers less familiar with military history or tactics. Despite this, the book stands as a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of those involved in the Guam campaign, making it an essential read for enthusiasts of WWII history.
Ratings Breakdown
Historical Accuracy: 5/5 - Hallas's extensive use of primary sources and firsthand accounts ensures a high level of historical fidelity.
Narrative Flow: 3/5 - While the narrative is comprehensive, it sometimes lacks the fluidity needed to keep non-specialist readers fully engaged due to the dense military detail.
Character Development: 4/5 - Through personal stories, Hallas brings out the human aspect of the battle, though the focus remains more on military strategy than individual character arcs.
Engagement: 4/5 - The book is engaging for those interested in military history, less so for general readers due to its specialized content.
Educational Value: 5/5 - It provides significant educational value, shedding light on a pivotal battle in the Pacific War, with extensive context and detailed analysis.
Overall Rating: 4/5 - "Guam" by James H. Hallas is a valuable resource for understanding the strategic and human elements of a crucial WWII battle, recommended for those with a keen interest in military history.
Introduction
"Guam: The Battle for an American Island in World War II" by James H. Hallas is a meticulously researched historical narrative that delves into one of the lesser-discussed but critically significant battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II. As a sequel to Hallas's work on the Battle of Saipan, this book aims to provide readers with a comprehensive account of the strategic and human elements of the Guam campaign. My interest in World War II history, particularly the lesser-known battles, drew me to this book, expecting a detailed and immersive experience.
Summary
James H. Hallas reconstructs the Battle of Guam, which took place in the summer of 1944, as part of the United States' campaign to reclaim the Mariana Islands from Japanese control. The narrative begins with the historical context, setting the stage for the importance of Guam in the broader Pacific strategy, highlighting its role in providing a base for further attacks on Japan.
Hallas details the preparation phases, where he describes the extensive planning and the challenges faced by American forces in coordinating such a large-scale operation across vast ocean distances. The author provides a vivid depiction of the initial assault on July 21, 1944, where the U.S. forces faced fierce resistance from entrenched Japanese defenders. Through firsthand accounts, military records, and personal narratives, Hallas paints a picture of the chaos, bravery, and brutality of the battle.
The narrative continues with the intense fighting that lasted for weeks, detailing the strategic maneuvers, the harsh jungle warfare, and the significant role of naval and air support. Hallas does not shy away from the grim realities of war, discussing the high casualties on both sides, the impact on the local Chamorro population, and the psychological toll on soldiers.
The book also covers the aftermath, where major operations concluded on August 10, but guerrilla warfare and mopping up operations persisted until the war's end, with the last Japanese holdout surrendering in 1972, an astonishing detail that underscores the battle's lasting impact.
Conclusion
"Guam" by James H. Hallas is a compelling addition to the literature on World War II, offering a detailed exploration of a critical yet often overlooked battle. Hallas's ability to weave together military strategy, personal stories, and historical context provides a rich tapestry that educates and engages. However, while the depth of research is commendable, the narrative occasionally gets bogged down in military minutiae, which might overwhelm readers less familiar with military history or tactics. Despite this, the book stands as a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of those involved in the Guam campaign, making it an essential read for enthusiasts of WWII history.
Ratings Breakdown
Historical Accuracy: 5/5 - Hallas's extensive use of primary sources and firsthand accounts ensures a high level of historical fidelity.
Narrative Flow: 3/5 - While the narrative is comprehensive, it sometimes lacks the fluidity needed to keep non-specialist readers fully engaged due to the dense military detail.
Character Development: 4/5 - Through personal stories, Hallas brings out the human aspect of the battle, though the focus remains more on military strategy than individual character arcs.
Engagement: 4/5 - The book is engaging for those interested in military history, less so for general readers due to its specialized content.
Educational Value: 5/5 - It provides significant educational value, shedding light on a pivotal battle in the Pacific War, with extensive context and detailed analysis.
Overall Rating: 4/5 - "Guam" by James H. Hallas is a valuable resource for understanding the strategic and human elements of a crucial WWII battle, recommended for those with a keen interest in military history.
November 15, 2025
This work is primarily a straight military history discussing the military operations on Guam during World War II. The work is chronological, starting from the relatively quick Japanese invasion in late 1941, which some discussions about the Japanese occupation. Yet, the bulk of the work focuses on the US reconquest of the island in 1944. In some respects, Guam doesn’t get the attention of other locations like Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, but it was no less ruthless or brutal. The fighting between the US and Japanese in rather harsh jungle/elevated terrain is not something you would want to personally experience. The work wraps up with the conclusion about what happened immediately after the war, noting how the Chamorians tried to reclaim some semblance of life, albeit back under outside occupiers and the rather interesting side plot of Japanese soldiers that still hid out in the jungle, not surrendering for years. For what the work is and what it conveys, it fulfills is objective. Having spent time on the island, I could understand what some of the impacts were. Kinda wish I had this one long before. Anyway, a worthy read for the military historian.
January 6, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the gifted copy
I liked reading this book. I felt like it had a good amount of information about Guam during wartimes. I am from Guam, born and raised, and there is a lot of history in this book that even I didn't know about. Growing up, there are parts of our history that you don't learn from the schools, for whatever the reason may be. I had always known about the Japanese during the wartimes in Guam, but not during the Americans stay. Overall, I did feel as if it was fairly informative. There were a few parts that made me feel a certain way because I am a native, but time has passed, and we can only work on our present and future. This is something I would have my son read to have a better understanding of where I am from, and part ofthe island's history.
I liked reading this book. I felt like it had a good amount of information about Guam during wartimes. I am from Guam, born and raised, and there is a lot of history in this book that even I didn't know about. Growing up, there are parts of our history that you don't learn from the schools, for whatever the reason may be. I had always known about the Japanese during the wartimes in Guam, but not during the Americans stay. Overall, I did feel as if it was fairly informative. There were a few parts that made me feel a certain way because I am a native, but time has passed, and we can only work on our present and future. This is something I would have my son read to have a better understanding of where I am from, and part ofthe island's history.
April 29, 2025
A well-done novel on the battles for Guam during WW2. The story is well-told and holds a treasure of first-hand accounts, not only from the two warring nations but the civilians who suffered through the attacks and the occupation. The story is full of action and great information. A great read for the historical fan!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 8, 2025
James H. Hallas does for the Battle of Guam in this book what his last book did for the Battle of Saipan. Especially fascinating were the chapters on the native Guamanians during the Japanese occupation.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews