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Hey Doc!: The Battle of Okinawa As Remembered by a Marine Corpsman
An amazing story of perseverance and everyday courage. This is the wartime memories of a Marine Corpsman who served in Company B, of the 6th Battalion of the 4th Regiment. He saw 100 days of continuous combat during the Battle of Okinawa, including the Battle for Sugar Loaf, and was part of the landing force that was headed to Japan when the atomic bomb dropped. These were recorded after 60 years of reflection, and are presented to honor all veterans.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 8, 2021
The Doc that was there all the time.
I enjoy reading the first hand account of a person who was right therein the fight.It was the worst of the worst. The Doc's were there no matter what.
I enjoy reading the first hand account of a person who was right therein the fight.It was the worst of the worst. The Doc's were there no matter what.
June 9, 2021
Selfless
Ed Wells has given us insight into his World War Two life as a Corpsman or what Marines call "Doc". He tells of the bravery of the fighting men and the complete selfless dedication the Navy Corpsman had for taking care of their Marines. Wonderful story.
Ed Wells has given us insight into his World War Two life as a Corpsman or what Marines call "Doc". He tells of the bravery of the fighting men and the complete selfless dedication the Navy Corpsman had for taking care of their Marines. Wonderful story.
January 30, 2022
Truthful and honest memoir about the pacific war and the battle for Okinawa. Written from the unique eyes of a corpsman. Well worth the read!
July 15, 2021
This is a somewhat different book about the attack on Okinawa since it is from the viewpoint of a corpsman, a man who gave medical treatment to wounded soldiers while being fired on by the enemy.
A quote I liked was 'Wars are started by old men and carried out by young men.' (By the way, think about it a minute. How many wars have been actually started by women?)
During the battle there were not only injured soldiers but also injured civilians (some 15,000) so he and the other corpsmen were quite busy. An example of just how bad the battle was that, in his group there were 260 men on landing. There were 32 left by the end of the fighting.
He of course talks about the kinds of things he needed to do and it's a necessary, but not a pretty, story. When the battle ended on Okinawa he got shipped to Guam and next stop would have been Japan if it had not surrendered before Operation Olympic had taken place.
Basically it brings the horror of war and the braver of the American corpsmen during the battle.
A quote I liked was 'Wars are started by old men and carried out by young men.' (By the way, think about it a minute. How many wars have been actually started by women?)
During the battle there were not only injured soldiers but also injured civilians (some 15,000) so he and the other corpsmen were quite busy. An example of just how bad the battle was that, in his group there were 260 men on landing. There were 32 left by the end of the fighting.
He of course talks about the kinds of things he needed to do and it's a necessary, but not a pretty, story. When the battle ended on Okinawa he got shipped to Guam and next stop would have been Japan if it had not surrendered before Operation Olympic had taken place.
Basically it brings the horror of war and the braver of the American corpsmen during the battle.
May 30, 2021
Being a hospital corpsman with the Marines in Nam, I can tell the same story. Different names, different country, different time but still the same. War isn't good for either side.distruction can be fixed, death is permanent. I could see in my mind the same injuries described here. They will always be with me. Now our young men and women are dieing in another foreign country Afghanistan. There will be another "Hey Doc" story, different names different country different time but still the same story of death and distruction. Peter Paul and Mary sang a song called Where have all the flowers gone
Bob Dylan said "When will we ever lear
This is a good read. Learn what our troops go through to defend us
Bob Dylan said "When will we ever lear
This is a good read. Learn what our troops go through to defend us
January 10, 2021
Very proud!
I personally served in Vietnam as a Hos
Italcorpsman. After corpsman training in San Diego I also did training for field medical service with the U.S.M.C.,then sent to yokosuka naval hospital and then send to Vietnam to serve on a hospital ship, also spend some time at 3rd Medical Battion with marines.Am very proud that my corpsman brothers and sisters do the job they are ask to do.
I personally served in Vietnam as a Hos
Italcorpsman. After corpsman training in San Diego I also did training for field medical service with the U.S.M.C.,then sent to yokosuka naval hospital and then send to Vietnam to serve on a hospital ship, also spend some time at 3rd Medical Battion with marines.Am very proud that my corpsman brothers and sisters do the job they are ask to do.
July 20, 2021
Great personal war memoir
He tells of his amazing exploits during the battle of Okinawa. His Marines loved him and he them. God speed Mr wells. It is said that one who saves a human life, it's as if he has saved the world. Mr Wells was to save the world several times over !! I read this book to honor my uncle who was shot on May 25, 1945, in action on Okinawa. Maybe Ed patched him up? He survived. Thanks Ed !!
He tells of his amazing exploits during the battle of Okinawa. His Marines loved him and he them. God speed Mr wells. It is said that one who saves a human life, it's as if he has saved the world. Mr Wells was to save the world several times over !! I read this book to honor my uncle who was shot on May 25, 1945, in action on Okinawa. Maybe Ed patched him up? He survived. Thanks Ed !!
May 5, 2024
Interesting but short
The book is interesting in that it was written by the man who lived it in his own words. Details to explain the bigger picture of the war are sparse as are details describing how terrible this campaign was. Thus the 3 star rating. I would suggest it might appeal to someone who wants only a brief overview of the experiences of a WW2 medic. He was an admiral man who at a very young age took on an incredibly dangerous job and did it extremely well.
The book is interesting in that it was written by the man who lived it in his own words. Details to explain the bigger picture of the war are sparse as are details describing how terrible this campaign was. Thus the 3 star rating. I would suggest it might appeal to someone who wants only a brief overview of the experiences of a WW2 medic. He was an admiral man who at a very young age took on an incredibly dangerous job and did it extremely well.
February 1, 2019
An amazing story of courage and faith.He is a true American hero.We should a l l be grateful for his service and his family life example.
It is a pleasure to know his granddaughter and g great granddaughters.I am always awed by the remarkable bravery sown by the military as they do not fail to protect us daily from our enemies.
It is a pleasure to know his granddaughter and g great granddaughters.I am always awed by the remarkable bravery sown by the military as they do not fail to protect us daily from our enemies.
July 22, 2020
This was a very good read, very interesting and informative about Ed's time as a medic in the USMC.
It's written in a way that tells you what happens and how he deals with it. It's not full of blood and guts, but it is told in a way that makes you aware of the horrors of war. Ed's family must be very proud of him, and I'm sure most of the people who new Ed were better for for it.
It's written in a way that tells you what happens and how he deals with it. It's not full of blood and guts, but it is told in a way that makes you aware of the horrors of war. Ed's family must be very proud of him, and I'm sure most of the people who new Ed were better for for it.
April 14, 2021
A noble rating among heroes
A memorable story of a very memorable man and his times. I to was
In the Navy during the Vietnam era. I remember what the medics had to witness during the events they faced daily. Thank GOD for the jobs these noble heroes were obligated to perform and still perform to this day
A memorable story of a very memorable man and his times. I to was
In the Navy during the Vietnam era. I remember what the medics had to witness during the events they faced daily. Thank GOD for the jobs these noble heroes were obligated to perform and still perform to this day
May 30, 2021
Good read.
I found this account of a combat corpsman to be not only interesting but accurate. He brings to life the terrible price of war. His account makes one realize how quickly life moves on and the acts of courage soon forgotten. May we always remember the price paid by our brave warriors.
I found this account of a combat corpsman to be not only interesting but accurate. He brings to life the terrible price of war. His account makes one realize how quickly life moves on and the acts of courage soon forgotten. May we always remember the price paid by our brave warriors.
September 1, 2021
Very Distrubing Combat Memoir.
Ed describes some very macabre style scrnces with death all around on Okinawa for over 3 long months of no holds combat with a vicious enemy who showed no mercy to the Marines and Army troops there. If Ed were in today’s Navy he’d be loaded down with heroes medals to include the big one! Sad…
Ed describes some very macabre style scrnces with death all around on Okinawa for over 3 long months of no holds combat with a vicious enemy who showed no mercy to the Marines and Army troops there. If Ed were in today’s Navy he’d be loaded down with heroes medals to include the big one! Sad…
July 28, 2022
Thank God
For Ed, what a deliftul story.,
I enjoyed a uncle back from the pacific, he had also been in. ww1 . In the band, between he had been a musician, enlisted for 2 as a infantry, came back very effected. Buried in the National cemetery, Tulsa.
Both good men, Oklahoma provided more than its share.
Please pray for those who still help us, enjoy this wonderful country.
For Ed, what a deliftul story.,
I enjoyed a uncle back from the pacific, he had also been in. ww1 . In the band, between he had been a musician, enlisted for 2 as a infantry, came back very effected. Buried in the National cemetery, Tulsa.
Both good men, Oklahoma provided more than its share.
Please pray for those who still help us, enjoy this wonderful country.
October 28, 2022
An informative and succinct read.
This was a good read. Ed's experience as a corpsman in WWII was very readable and gave me a personal idea of what it was like to be a corpsman in combat which was why I chose it to read. I recommend it as a true historical record of a hero carrying out his assignment!
This was a good read. Ed's experience as a corpsman in WWII was very readable and gave me a personal idea of what it was like to be a corpsman in combat which was why I chose it to read. I recommend it as a true historical record of a hero carrying out his assignment!
February 3, 2020
What a story!
What a man as well. This easily read account is written with total humility and a sense of humour in places. In no way is any disrespect shown for the enemy. The world is richer to have had such men fighting for freedom
What a man as well. This easily read account is written with total humility and a sense of humour in places. In no way is any disrespect shown for the enemy. The world is richer to have had such men fighting for freedom
August 6, 2020
Interesting stories of one man’s experience in war. However, there is very little background or context into which these personal vignettes are described.
At $.99 for the e-book however, It certainly easy to decide for yourself if this is the type of book you are looking for.
At $.99 for the e-book however, It certainly easy to decide for yourself if this is the type of book you are looking for.
October 14, 2020
This is an actual case of, "I found this manuscript of my late father... " There are lots of WWII books written about Europe, but in the South Pacific? And about a medic? The pages fly by.
I'm greedy. I wish Mr. Wells had written more books.
I'm greedy. I wish Mr. Wells had written more books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
Good Eyewitness Account of the Pacific War
Enjoyable eyewitness account of World War II in the Pacific. It is a foxhole view of the fighting. A little rough in places as it was written 60 years after the fact, but well worth reading.
Enjoyable eyewitness account of World War II in the Pacific. It is a foxhole view of the fighting. A little rough in places as it was written 60 years after the fact, but well worth reading.
March 30, 2021
Good read but short. Concise personal glimpse of being there. Recommended.
It's only 99 cents. Read it. It's not Pulitzer material but a corpsman's experience during some of the toughest Pacific campaign fighting. No rules of engagement crap here.
It's only 99 cents. Read it. It's not Pulitzer material but a corpsman's experience during some of the toughest Pacific campaign fighting. No rules of engagement crap here.
May 2, 2021
Really good read.
It’s educational to hear the stories of regular people who were part of events bigger than themselves during their lifetimes. Their stories bring it down to a much more relatable Persephone my opinion.
It’s educational to hear the stories of regular people who were part of events bigger than themselves during their lifetimes. Their stories bring it down to a much more relatable Persephone my opinion.
June 19, 2021
Memories of War
This is.. story is an interesting remembrance of the Battle for Okinawa as seen through the eyes of a corpsman. This a different twist as most stories of war as it gives the view of a medic. Very well done
This is.. story is an interesting remembrance of the Battle for Okinawa as seen through the eyes of a corpsman. This a different twist as most stories of war as it gives the view of a medic. Very well done
August 10, 2021
Another of the greatest generation
Each book I read that describes the events of WWII offer us all opportunities to be thankful for the sacrifices and the lives of these great Americans.
Each book I read that describes the events of WWII offer us all opportunities to be thankful for the sacrifices and the lives of these great Americans.
August 29, 2021
Fascinating Account of Combat
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in first hand accounts of battlefield action. These men gave so much for their country. Many gave the ultimate. Their lives.
A well told story by a brave man.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in first hand accounts of battlefield action. These men gave so much for their country. Many gave the ultimate. Their lives.
A well told story by a brave man.
September 5, 2021
Semper Fie
Firsthand accounts are my favorite reads. Military firsthand accounts are my favorite of this genre. Hey Doc! will always be one of my favorites, for I too was a military medic. All thumbs up. Bravo!
Firsthand accounts are my favorite reads. Military firsthand accounts are my favorite of this genre. Hey Doc! will always be one of my favorites, for I too was a military medic. All thumbs up. Bravo!
November 25, 2021
Short n Sweet
Simple reading of a USN Corpsman and his wartime experiences. Finished it in < 1 hour. Not any depth to the story, just his recollections of combat events. And that's ok. God bless these men of the greatest generation.
Simple reading of a USN Corpsman and his wartime experiences. Finished it in < 1 hour. Not any depth to the story, just his recollections of combat events. And that's ok. God bless these men of the greatest generation.
December 21, 2021
Hey Doc
Ed Wells gives a great description of his service as a Marine Corpsman. He humbly tells of his extraordinary heroism in one of the bloodiest battles of the War, Okinawa.
I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in WWII.
Ed Wells gives a great description of his service as a Marine Corpsman. He humbly tells of his extraordinary heroism in one of the bloodiest battles of the War, Okinawa.
I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in WWII.
March 7, 2022
Good short read
This is a fine example of one man’s experience in combat in WWII. It’s a first person account and I expect it contains no embellishments. Ed seems like a good man who deserved that Silver Star.
This is a fine example of one man’s experience in combat in WWII. It’s a first person account and I expect it contains no embellishments. Ed seems like a good man who deserved that Silver Star.
August 22, 2023
Amazing first person experience on Okinawa
"Smiley Wells", his nickname by his outfit, tells his story of the fighting and personal experiences of what it was like serving as a Corpsman during the last fight. In WWII.
"Smiley Wells", his nickname by his outfit, tells his story of the fighting and personal experiences of what it was like serving as a Corpsman during the last fight. In WWII.
June 14, 2025
Semper Fidelis Doc
The Navy’s medics assigned to the Marines are called corpsmen. They are highly respected by marines and will place themselves in peril to treat a wounded or dying marine on the battlefield.
This book is written well and worth reading!
The Navy’s medics assigned to the Marines are called corpsmen. They are highly respected by marines and will place themselves in peril to treat a wounded or dying marine on the battlefield.
This book is written well and worth reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews