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Finding His Own Way: A Marine Novel
On the eve of World War II, Dylan Rafferty is a troubled young man who runs afoul of the law and is given the choice of either the county jail or the U.S. Marine Corps. Dylan chooses the Marines, whereupon he begins a journey that will dramatically change the trajectory of his life. As the war unfolds, Dylan joins the 2nd Marine Division in time enough to participate in the invasion of Tarawa where, through the exigencies of war, he suddenly finds himself in a role as a small-unit leader.
Dylan also sees action in the battles at Saipan and Okinawa. He suffers wounds, loses buddies, and does his part in the brutal, bloody Pacific war.
Along the way, Dylan finds a Marine officer who takes an interest in him, and who mentors and challenges him into becoming a better Marine. That same officer convinces Dylan that he can grow and achieve far more than he otherwise thought possible.
Finding His Own Way is an inspiring story of a young man who discovers much about himself in the dire circumstances of war, together with the support of his fellow Marines and a young lady back home. Dylan thus joins a long line of Rafferty men who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country.
Dylan also sees action in the battles at Saipan and Okinawa. He suffers wounds, loses buddies, and does his part in the brutal, bloody Pacific war.
Along the way, Dylan finds a Marine officer who takes an interest in him, and who mentors and challenges him into becoming a better Marine. That same officer convinces Dylan that he can grow and achieve far more than he otherwise thought possible.
Finding His Own Way is an inspiring story of a young man who discovers much about himself in the dire circumstances of war, together with the support of his fellow Marines and a young lady back home. Dylan thus joins a long line of Rafferty men who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country.
283 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
About the author
Gerald Gillis
8 books50 followersGerald Gillis is a native Georgian who grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur. He received his BBA from the University of Georgia and his MBA from the University of Tampa.
Immediately upon completing undergraduate school, Gerald spent three years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After military service, he spent the majority of his business career in the medical-devices industry where he held executive-level positions in a variety of roles. Gerald was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions over the span of his business career, and gained significant international experience.
Gerald became a full-time novelist in 2009. He has authored five novels: Finding His Own Way (Mills Street Publishing, 2025), That Deadly Space (Mills Street Publishing, 2017), Dare Not Blink (Navigator Books, 2012), Shall Never See So Much (Booklocker, 2010), and Bent, But Not Broken (Sandlapper, 1986). He has also authored an eBook entitled Paige’s Laws of Business (Navigator Books, 2013). His books have been recognized with multiple awards.
In addition to his writing, Gerald speaks on a range of topics, to include leadership, service, and business ethics. His blogs have been well-received and highly viewed. Gerald has been interviewed on numerous radio and television shows and has spoken to business and civic organizations, schools, churches, and military associations. His engaging keynote presentations are filled with intelligence, humor, and passion.
Gerald is married and the father of three grown children. He and his wife continue to reside in the Atlanta area.
Immediately upon completing undergraduate school, Gerald spent three years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After military service, he spent the majority of his business career in the medical-devices industry where he held executive-level positions in a variety of roles. Gerald was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions over the span of his business career, and gained significant international experience.
Gerald became a full-time novelist in 2009. He has authored five novels: Finding His Own Way (Mills Street Publishing, 2025), That Deadly Space (Mills Street Publishing, 2017), Dare Not Blink (Navigator Books, 2012), Shall Never See So Much (Booklocker, 2010), and Bent, But Not Broken (Sandlapper, 1986). He has also authored an eBook entitled Paige’s Laws of Business (Navigator Books, 2013). His books have been recognized with multiple awards.
In addition to his writing, Gerald speaks on a range of topics, to include leadership, service, and business ethics. His blogs have been well-received and highly viewed. Gerald has been interviewed on numerous radio and television shows and has spoken to business and civic organizations, schools, churches, and military associations. His engaging keynote presentations are filled with intelligence, humor, and passion.
Gerald is married and the father of three grown children. He and his wife continue to reside in the Atlanta area.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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June 26, 2025MWSA Review
Gerald Gillis' Finding His Own Way is a bloody, realistic novel about a young Virginia boy who finds himself and his path in the Marine Corps.
A ne'er-do-well in high school, Dylan Rafferty didn't get along with rules or his father. After one too many run-ins with the law, a judge gives Dylan a choice: jail or the Marines. Though his USMC time got off to a rocky start, it wasn't too long before Dylan proved himself in combat and learned valuable life lessons. But would he survive the war and live long enough to use them?
The author captures Pacific Island combat in vivid detail and spares nothing when describing the horrors of combat against the Japanese. The conflict in Dylan as he struggles to maintain his humanity is interesting and treated very well, and the ending of the book ties things up nicely, leaving the reader wanting to hear more about a character they have grown to love.
Fans of military fiction, World War 2 stories, Marine stories, or just good historical fiction will appreciate this book.
Review by Rob Ballister (June 2025)
Gerald Gillis' Finding His Own Way is a bloody, realistic novel about a young Virginia boy who finds himself and his path in the Marine Corps.
A ne'er-do-well in high school, Dylan Rafferty didn't get along with rules or his father. After one too many run-ins with the law, a judge gives Dylan a choice: jail or the Marines. Though his USMC time got off to a rocky start, it wasn't too long before Dylan proved himself in combat and learned valuable life lessons. But would he survive the war and live long enough to use them?
The author captures Pacific Island combat in vivid detail and spares nothing when describing the horrors of combat against the Japanese. The conflict in Dylan as he struggles to maintain his humanity is interesting and treated very well, and the ending of the book ties things up nicely, leaving the reader wanting to hear more about a character they have grown to love.
Fans of military fiction, World War 2 stories, Marine stories, or just good historical fiction will appreciate this book.
Review by Rob Ballister (June 2025)
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June 23, 2025Read and scored as part of the Military Writers' Society of America 2025 award season. See mwsadispatches.com for more details.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews