Once a Legend: "Red Mike" Edson of the Marine Raiders

by Jon T. Hoffman

Traces the life and career of the Marine Corps general, recounts his accomplishments in World War II, and describes his life after leaving the service

Genres: History, Military History, Biography

464 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1994

About the author

USMCR Lieutenant Colonel Jon T. Hoffman

Reviews

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good bio of "Red Mike" Edson of Edson's Raiders and Edson Ridge on Guadalcanal. This book contained the most info I have found to date on the Marines involvement in Nicaragua in the interwar years. Red Mike led the patrols into the bush chasing Augusto Sandino later using the experience to help write the Marine handbook on small war tactics. After WWII Edson lead the charge to save the USMC from the chopping block in postwar cutbacks, costing his career and possible rise to Commandant of the Marine Corps. Recommended.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book, a little lengthy in the political part of the unification. Many of the "Heroes" of World War II were kind of knocked off the pedestals that I had them on by this book.

Many of Edson's warnings about the Unification of our military and Command structure are valid, and seemingly maybe even happening today.

I was surprised about the problems and history of the Marine Corps War Memorial statue in Arlington. Edson did get it completed, it would have been a shame to not complete it. It is a incredible monument. That it creation was run by the MCL was a surprise.

The shoddy investigation of his death is a crime. That it happened in 1955 to a top military person is unforgivable! No autopsy? Sounds like someone wanted to sweep it under the rug, or worse!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presiden Franklin Roosevelt was intrigued by the British commandos and when World War II broke out expressed his desire for such units. The Marine Corps responded by creating two Raider battalions. "Red Mike" Edson was given command of one. This work is the story of his life as well as a story of the Marine Corps from 1912 though World War II. It is well written and worth reading.

[Matt Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Marines need to know about Edson, one of our lesser-known heroes. Also, this book gives a good view of the Marine Corps in the formative interwar years as well as the existential threat faced following WW II.