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Twenty-Two on Peleliu: Four Pacific Campaigns with the Corps
A memoir of a tough childhood--and tough combat--by an "adventurous, lively, outspoken, opinionated" WWII Marine veteran (Columbus Dispatch).
On September 15, 1944, the US First Marine Division landed on a small island in the Central Pacific called Peleliu as a prelude to the liberation of the Philippines. Among the first wave of Marines that hit the beach that day was twenty-two-year-old George Peto.
Growing up on an Ohio farm, George always preferred being outdoors and exploring. This made school a challenge, but his hunting, fishing, and trapping skills helped put food on his family's table. As a poor teenager living in a rough area, he got into regular brawls, and he found holding down a job hard because of his wanderlust. After working out west with the CCC, he decided that joining the Marines offered him the opportunity for adventure, plus three square meals a day--so he and his brother joined the Corps in 1941, just a few months before Pearl Harbor.
Following boot camp and training, he was initially assigned to various guard units until he was shipped out to the Pacific and assigned to the 1st Marines. His first combat experience was the landing at Finschhaven, followed by Cape Gloucester. Then as a Forward Observer, he went ashore in one of the lead amtracs at Peleliu and saw fierce fighting for a week before the regiment was relieved due to massive casualties. Six months later, his division became the immediate reserve for the initial landing on Okinawa. They encountered no resistance when they came ashore, but would go on to fight on Okinawa for over six months.
This is the wild and remarkable story of an "Old Breed" Marine--his youth in the Great Depression, his training and combat in the Pacific, and his life after the war, told in his own words.
On September 15, 1944, the US First Marine Division landed on a small island in the Central Pacific called Peleliu as a prelude to the liberation of the Philippines. Among the first wave of Marines that hit the beach that day was twenty-two-year-old George Peto.
Growing up on an Ohio farm, George always preferred being outdoors and exploring. This made school a challenge, but his hunting, fishing, and trapping skills helped put food on his family's table. As a poor teenager living in a rough area, he got into regular brawls, and he found holding down a job hard because of his wanderlust. After working out west with the CCC, he decided that joining the Marines offered him the opportunity for adventure, plus three square meals a day--so he and his brother joined the Corps in 1941, just a few months before Pearl Harbor.
Following boot camp and training, he was initially assigned to various guard units until he was shipped out to the Pacific and assigned to the 1st Marines. His first combat experience was the landing at Finschhaven, followed by Cape Gloucester. Then as a Forward Observer, he went ashore in one of the lead amtracs at Peleliu and saw fierce fighting for a week before the regiment was relieved due to massive casualties. Six months later, his division became the immediate reserve for the initial landing on Okinawa. They encountered no resistance when they came ashore, but would go on to fight on Okinawa for over six months.
This is the wild and remarkable story of an "Old Breed" Marine--his youth in the Great Depression, his training and combat in the Pacific, and his life after the war, told in his own words.
553 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 13, 2018
Fairly Interesting memoir of one Marine’s experiences during World War 2. A better job editing this book would have improved it greatly. Some of the stories are repeated and the chronology jumps around a lot, especially before the war. Most useful for someone wanting to know what it was like in Peleliu and Okinawa.
April 2, 2023
I was skeptical at first when I began to read this account. It was written not too many years ago by an aspiring writer based on interviews, also not too long ago, with Sgt (retd) George Peto, USMC. Embellishment seemed rife, and reconstructed conversations were, well, reconstructed and best guess. But as I continued to read those thoughts faded away. One has to look beyond the descriptions (which were invariably compelling) to the bigger picture of America's island-hopping campaign and the absolute hell those Marines and soldiers went through. Here the descriptions were vivid, and gripping. Real-life, in the words of a man who had been there (there being Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa with 1st Marine Div; Peto speaks of being in four campaigns but he didn't join the Div until after Guadalcanal so I'm not sure what he means by that - it isn't described). Peto was a soldier's soldier. He came from humble origins, growing up in Ohio in the depression, and he screwed up more often than not, enduring at least two courts martial. But at base he was a good soldier and an excellent mortar fire controller in combat. He is quick to describe (through the author) his shortcomings as well as his strengths. One can't help but root for him. He survived the war unwounded but scarred in other ways (plus some disability through near-misses and concussion). Uniquely, the book goes on to lay out his rather interesting life post-war, and not merely in an afterword or epilogue. Other than his varied jobs and ultimately career, he was an avid spokesman for veterans and a reunion organizer. He lived a long and prosperous life, passing away in 2016 at the age of 93. The "22" in the title refers to his 22nd birthday while in combat on Peleliu in 1944. Here is yet another instance of a man, among millions, who did magnificent things for his country, a real hero in my books, and lived to assist in writing a remarkable memoir that all can enjoy for many years to come. He lives on, thank goodness.
April 11, 2025
This is arguably the best account I have encountered of Pacific Theater experiences. The book meticulously details George's life, from his Depression-era childhood through Parris Island and the 1st Marine Division's numerous campaigns. I found the descriptions of his postwar experiences and those of his fellow Marines particularly compelling. The superior writing style and level of detail, compared to Sledge and Leckie's works, make this a truly exceptional read. It is an essential addition to any collection focusing on the Pacific campaign of World War II. May George Peto rest in peace; his service and dedication to preserving his story are deeply appreciated.
November 16, 2018
Almost Fictitious
George Peto was a rare exception to the rule. It was almost unbelievable that a marine who was in the campaigns that George Peto was in could walk away at the end of the war within a single trip to the hospital but George Peto managed to do it.
His courage in the face of certain death was remarkable to say the least. His account of these years is a testament to his courage and is just another story about why his is remembered as the Greatest Generation.
George Peto was a rare exception to the rule. It was almost unbelievable that a marine who was in the campaigns that George Peto was in could walk away at the end of the war within a single trip to the hospital but George Peto managed to do it.
His courage in the face of certain death was remarkable to say the least. His account of these years is a testament to his courage and is just another story about why his is remembered as the Greatest Generation.
November 27, 2021
This excellent eyewitness account of WWII combat in four campaigns across the Pacific Theater transports the reader to the battlefront. The book spends some time on George Peto’s backstory, giving perspective and context to his life and preparation for what was to follow. Then, once he is deployed to the South Pacific, the storyline charges ahead. The reader can almost feel the concussions of the artillery barrages; swelter in the humidity; hear the slurp of mud as they trudge through the jungles; sense the fear, grief, and thrill these Marines experienced.
This book provides a front-row seat to an essential period of our history, told by someone who has no agenda, no axe to grind, no designs on glory or recognition - just a Marine who wants those who follow to know the reality of what happened. He desires that his fallen buddies be remembered for their sacrifice. The book is fun, fascinating, informative, most importantly, inspirational.
There were typos aplenty, but the narrative was so compelling that the reader can quickly overlook them and continue w/ the story.
The after-war section, the postscript, and the epilogue all provide informative updates that help clarify the aftermath of the war and what these men did when they returned home. The endnotes provided by co-author Peter Margaritis gave additional insights; clarifications of the meaning terms, abbreviations, and slang; context for some events; confirmation of the amazing details from Peto’s exceptional memory; updates on later accomplishments or developments in the lives of minor characters; and some “rest of the story” tidbits that added to the narrative.
I highly recommend this book to every American. It will fill those who love our country w/ pride and gratitude. And for those who take this country for granted, hopefully it will awaken an appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our nation and our freedoms.
This book provides a front-row seat to an essential period of our history, told by someone who has no agenda, no axe to grind, no designs on glory or recognition - just a Marine who wants those who follow to know the reality of what happened. He desires that his fallen buddies be remembered for their sacrifice. The book is fun, fascinating, informative, most importantly, inspirational.
There were typos aplenty, but the narrative was so compelling that the reader can quickly overlook them and continue w/ the story.
The after-war section, the postscript, and the epilogue all provide informative updates that help clarify the aftermath of the war and what these men did when they returned home. The endnotes provided by co-author Peter Margaritis gave additional insights; clarifications of the meaning terms, abbreviations, and slang; context for some events; confirmation of the amazing details from Peto’s exceptional memory; updates on later accomplishments or developments in the lives of minor characters; and some “rest of the story” tidbits that added to the narrative.
I highly recommend this book to every American. It will fill those who love our country w/ pride and gratitude. And for those who take this country for granted, hopefully it will awaken an appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our nation and our freedoms.
August 7, 2023
Started listening in audiobook format but gave up prior to any combat descriptions. Terrific stories that Peto has probably told many times over the years, but the level of detail is too high to have great credibility for a personal memoir published 70 years after the fact. Not doubting for a minute the “truth” of the stories, just that they seem to be told “as remembered” and some details are just plain wrong (e.g., Peto recounts a negligent discharge incident specifically involving an M1 Garand, but the incident was from before Pearl Harbor, and the Marines didn’t start issuing M1’s until 1942 at the earliest—they were still fighting with 03-A3 bolt-actions in Guadalcanal). So enjoy it for the good storytelling, but I can’t tell how well it might correspond to what actually happened in these campaigns. That said, perhaps I’m missing footnotes and citations in the audio version—if they’re there I would be willing to give this book another try.
November 26, 2017
Well-written and researched.
I read this to learn more about the Marines and Parris Island's boot camp, where my father was a drill instructor. Just skimmed the battle portions.
Notes:
Old Breed were those who joined the Marines as regulars, not reserves, prior to WWII.
13...hauled water for elephants at 12 or 13
14...elephants throwing dung balls
24...during the Depression many teenagers went off on their own, to alleviate parents' burden.
29...joined the CCC at 15, "modified" his birth cert to meet age requirements
38...1939 SF World's Fair
45...Marines looked after each other.
68...GI DI from PI: General Issue drill instructor from Parris Island
105... AWOL for 30 days, declared a deserter, one of the severest charges, punishable in wartime by firing squad.
106...Chesty Puller, the quintessential Marine ... 5 Navy crosses
430...Tecumseh's death song.
I read this to learn more about the Marines and Parris Island's boot camp, where my father was a drill instructor. Just skimmed the battle portions.
Notes:
Old Breed were those who joined the Marines as regulars, not reserves, prior to WWII.
13...hauled water for elephants at 12 or 13
14...elephants throwing dung balls
24...during the Depression many teenagers went off on their own, to alleviate parents' burden.
29...joined the CCC at 15, "modified" his birth cert to meet age requirements
38...1939 SF World's Fair
45...Marines looked after each other.
68...GI DI from PI: General Issue drill instructor from Parris Island
105... AWOL for 30 days, declared a deserter, one of the severest charges, punishable in wartime by firing squad.
106...Chesty Puller, the quintessential Marine ... 5 Navy crosses
430...Tecumseh's death song.
December 24, 2018
Marine ops in the Pacific
A view of warfare from the eyes of a Marine in the SW theater who survived a number of landings. His story unfolds as a poor boy in Ohio during the Depression and encompasses his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He joins the Marines prior to World War II to get paid and see the world. An engrossing tale of his multiple campaigns, primarily as a forward observer for his mortar squad. He describes his anguish over losing many good friends. The book concludes with an epilogue describing his life after the war and that of his remaining friends. If you are a fan of these types of books, this is well worth your time.
A view of warfare from the eyes of a Marine in the SW theater who survived a number of landings. His story unfolds as a poor boy in Ohio during the Depression and encompasses his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He joins the Marines prior to World War II to get paid and see the world. An engrossing tale of his multiple campaigns, primarily as a forward observer for his mortar squad. He describes his anguish over losing many good friends. The book concludes with an epilogue describing his life after the war and that of his remaining friends. If you are a fan of these types of books, this is well worth your time.
November 4, 2018
There is nothing like a first hand account of what it was like being in combat and in this case an expert eye for description of the battle fields. Because George was a forward observer, he took in a distant look of action going on as well as combat close up in describing attacking pillboxes and stopping banzai charges within yards of his foxhole. War is not fun and reading this should give the reader reasons to respect the workings of government to take on opponents instead of dealing with allies to keep the peace.
November 10, 2022
A journey
I wanted to give this book with 3 stars but with respect to a personalized memoir. So, I bumped it to 4 stars instead. I think this memoir was pretty good with so,e background of what it was like pre-ww2 life. Then see his journey from civilian life to marines. Eventually into combats where things getting intensified by then. It was a different beast back then. I respect that…and he didn’t talk too much about war afterward until this memoir.
I wanted to give this book with 3 stars but with respect to a personalized memoir. So, I bumped it to 4 stars instead. I think this memoir was pretty good with so,e background of what it was like pre-ww2 life. Then see his journey from civilian life to marines. Eventually into combats where things getting intensified by then. It was a different beast back then. I respect that…and he didn’t talk too much about war afterward until this memoir.
October 26, 2018
Damn good read
Usually memoirs written with the help of a professional writer slant too heavily towards the 3rd party view. This was excellently written, well documented, and an addicting page turner. Most modern day citizens have no clue the debt we owe these heroes. John S. Knight, USN Retired.
Usually memoirs written with the help of a professional writer slant too heavily towards the 3rd party view. This was excellently written, well documented, and an addicting page turner. Most modern day citizens have no clue the debt we owe these heroes. John S. Knight, USN Retired.
February 6, 2019
Pacific War
The war according to George Peto. An outstanding account of one ordinary man's extraordinary experiences in the Pacific theater of WWII. Most of WWII was fought by people who led ordinary Amerian lives but forced to do unimaginable things. George was one of these men
Highly recommended reading.
The war according to George Peto. An outstanding account of one ordinary man's extraordinary experiences in the Pacific theater of WWII. Most of WWII was fought by people who led ordinary Amerian lives but forced to do unimaginable things. George was one of these men
Highly recommended reading.
March 8, 2019
Twenty Two on Peleliu
Just finished 22 on Peleliu. It's a personal memoir of George Peto. I was very very impressed by his detailed recollection of the battles in Peleliu and Okinawa. Amazingly he survived both intense conflicts without any injury and subsequently lived to be 93 years old. I highly recommend it.
Just finished 22 on Peleliu. It's a personal memoir of George Peto. I was very very impressed by his detailed recollection of the battles in Peleliu and Okinawa. Amazingly he survived both intense conflicts without any injury and subsequently lived to be 93 years old. I highly recommend it.
September 24, 2022
Not particularly compelling. Peto comes across as a know-it-all who always thought he was smarter and braver than everyone around him. His disrespect for the Marines and soldiers serving around him -- including his embarrassing bigotry towards the Navajo Codetalkers -- doesn't reflect on him well.
There are lots of amazing Marine accounts, and this doesn't compare to those of Sledge.
There are lots of amazing Marine accounts, and this doesn't compare to those of Sledge.
October 17, 2018
World war 2 story
This an interesting look back at the Pacific war. The author fought in four Pacific venues. He remembered a grreat deal of detail about his service and is able to describe it well.
This an interesting look back at the Pacific war. The author fought in four Pacific venues. He remembered a grreat deal of detail about his service and is able to describe it well.
October 18, 2018
Semper Go to an old Corp Marine
Detailed life story that doesn't glorify the war but describes it as a genuine combat Marine lived it a drinking fighting scared but get up and do what you were trained to do.
Detailed life story that doesn't glorify the war but describes it as a genuine combat Marine lived it a drinking fighting scared but get up and do what you were trained to do.
December 3, 2018
Outstanding personal account of the Pacific war
A great read telling the life story of an ordinary guy who found himself in the USMC in WW2. A beautiful account of those harrowing years
A great read telling the life story of an ordinary guy who found himself in the USMC in WW2. A beautiful account of those harrowing years
April 3, 2019
WWII story of combat by USMC
A great memoir told by USMC Sgt George Peto. This book is good in blunt language and details the horror of hand to hand combat. The life of combat soldiers is haunting and terrifying. Highly recommend this book for WWII historians.
A great memoir told by USMC Sgt George Peto. This book is good in blunt language and details the horror of hand to hand combat. The life of combat soldiers is haunting and terrifying. Highly recommend this book for WWII historians.
April 4, 2019
This was a terrific story!
Twenty two on
peleliu was well written and quite exciting as well. It was impressive how well George remembered so much of the Marine life fighting that war A near miracle he lived through it. Terrific book to read!
Twenty two on
peleliu was well written and quite exciting as well. It was impressive how well George remembered so much of the Marine life fighting that war A near miracle he lived through it. Terrific book to read!
May 2, 2019
Follow George Peto on his life journey that included life altering battles in the campaigns in the Pacific. A well written and readable account of his life. The foot notes are valuable for those that are not familiar with the military and this period of our history.
March 22, 2020
Damn good reading.
Being a long time reader of the story of our fighting in the Pacific it was a great find to find the memories of a marine who loved through some of the most brout
Being a long time reader of the story of our fighting in the Pacific it was a great find to find the memories of a marine who loved through some of the most brout
April 13, 2021
Excellent first hand account of George Peto's World War II adventures through four campaigns with the 1st Marines, including Peleliu. The account puts you at fox-hole level for the horrific fighting on the islands of the Pacific.
November 1, 2025
interesting, but too much filler…
The book could be 1/3 less what with so many asides. Very interesting first person observations though. How did he recall names, dates specific incidents after 70 odd years?
The book could be 1/3 less what with so many asides. Very interesting first person observations though. How did he recall names, dates specific incidents after 70 odd years?
December 17, 2018
The ultimate Marine
This guy was a true hero, and a great example of the saying , "Once a Marine always a Marine".
This guy was a true hero, and a great example of the saying , "Once a Marine always a Marine".
December 23, 2018
Excellent personal account of a front line Marine in the Pacific Theater.
August 21, 2021
God blessed George Peto
He epitomizes the Great Generation. A mans man, a Marine. Sniper Fi Sarg. A must read. Well written. A page turner.
He epitomizes the Great Generation. A mans man, a Marine. Sniper Fi Sarg. A must read. Well written. A page turner.
August 31, 2023
Guess I wasn’t done with WW2 history after all…
What a bloke George Peto is. Lived a life my generation can’t comprehend.
What a bloke George Peto is. Lived a life my generation can’t comprehend.
November 4, 2024
very good book
Very emotional and realistic thank you guys for writing this book I’m sorry about Peto passing away and. Respect him to my fullest ability.
Very emotional and realistic thank you guys for writing this book I’m sorry about Peto passing away and. Respect him to my fullest ability.
January 29, 2026
great book
George Peto tells it like it was. The horror of WWII in the Pacific, losing friends in battle and all the other horrors.
George Peto tells it like it was. The horror of WWII in the Pacific, losing friends in battle and all the other horrors.
May 29, 2026
Great inspiring book
As a Brother Marine I found this book very interesting and really enjoyed reading about a Old Breed Marine Brother
As a Brother Marine I found this book very interesting and really enjoyed reading about a Old Breed Marine Brother
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews