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No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor: A memoir of a Mortuary Affairs Marine
An autobiographical account of one US Marine Reservists tours as a Mortuary Affairs Marine. His story begins in 2002 as an everyday postal letter carrier in Springfield, Ohio when he gets the call to muster. In the next three years, his life is thrust onto the world stage as an active participant in combat. His unique experiences as an MA (Mortuary Affairs) Marine puts him and his fellow teammates directly into the path of war. Told in first person view, the read what it was like to witness a despotic regime crumble, walk the streets of terrorist held cities on foot patrols, go on Search and Recovery missions to recover the fallen off of the battlefields, and feel the sting of loss of a friend to the harsh realities of war. These are the stories that are never spoken, by a Marine who was there, to return the fallen home with honor.
543 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2017
66 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 9, 2018
No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor by GYSGT L. CHRISTIAN BUSSLER USMCR (RET)
Chris:
This book was mentioned on the Melody Burns radio show – 1300 am, Albany NY one day as I was listening in my car. Since this was all that I heard, I’m not sure if the author had been a guest on the show or not. Presumably he was. If Melody recommends a book, I make every effort to track it down and read it for myself. I was not disappointed by this one.
While very graphic in places, be assured that the author is not just filling space with these scenes. They are necessary for the reader to really appreciate the traumatic experiences that our service men and women are exposed to on a daily basis. Horrifying and gut wrenching.
Four letter words usually offend me, but in this book, I felt each and every one was justified.
Most people, even if they are news buffs, have NOT ONE clue what actually being (there) in the war on terror is really all about – the horror, the fear, the atrociousness, the squalor, the horrible living conditions, the loneliness of being away from ones family, the anxiety of each mission. They don’t realize that when an RPG or bomb blows up a tank or Humvee filled with people that everything and everyone is blown to smithereens – those who recover the remains risk their lives to retrieve whatever there is to retrieve.
Although, I thought I was quite well informed about the horrible combats that were happening in these war zones, I’m ashamed to admit that until I read this book I find I was really naive. It really opened my eyes to the atrocities as well as the love for their fellow service people and the sensitivity toward those “Angels” who were sent home.
A very good read and very informative.
God Bless each and every one of you fighting to protect America.
Sincerely,
Janice Bowdish
Chris:
This book was mentioned on the Melody Burns radio show – 1300 am, Albany NY one day as I was listening in my car. Since this was all that I heard, I’m not sure if the author had been a guest on the show or not. Presumably he was. If Melody recommends a book, I make every effort to track it down and read it for myself. I was not disappointed by this one.
While very graphic in places, be assured that the author is not just filling space with these scenes. They are necessary for the reader to really appreciate the traumatic experiences that our service men and women are exposed to on a daily basis. Horrifying and gut wrenching.
Four letter words usually offend me, but in this book, I felt each and every one was justified.
Most people, even if they are news buffs, have NOT ONE clue what actually being (there) in the war on terror is really all about – the horror, the fear, the atrociousness, the squalor, the horrible living conditions, the loneliness of being away from ones family, the anxiety of each mission. They don’t realize that when an RPG or bomb blows up a tank or Humvee filled with people that everything and everyone is blown to smithereens – those who recover the remains risk their lives to retrieve whatever there is to retrieve.
Although, I thought I was quite well informed about the horrible combats that were happening in these war zones, I’m ashamed to admit that until I read this book I find I was really naive. It really opened my eyes to the atrocities as well as the love for their fellow service people and the sensitivity toward those “Angels” who were sent home.
A very good read and very informative.
God Bless each and every one of you fighting to protect America.
Sincerely,
Janice Bowdish
December 18, 2019
Simply the best
No the genre of book I'd normally read. This is a true gem. Well written with heart breaking honesty and integrity and great respect. I hope that the family of the Angels read this and know how their loved ones were cared for. This book is brilliant!!
No the genre of book I'd normally read. This is a true gem. Well written with heart breaking honesty and integrity and great respect. I hope that the family of the Angels read this and know how their loved ones were cared for. This book is brilliant!!
Read
March 17, 2019This book is a masterpiece of war literature. Written like all the great war stories, I was captivated by your expressive choice of words and the thoroughness of the writing. Fair warning, this book is sin no way an easy read. This is the most difficult book I have ever read, but I am more from the experience. This book really hit home for me everything a servicemember does for this country, and bolstered a sense of patriotism I wasn't expecting. Thank you so much for your service and especially for doing this extremely difficult job which, before I read this book, I had no idea of the toll this role takes.
Thank you for your service GySgt,
Jordan
Thank you for your service GySgt,
Jordan
August 30, 2019
I read a lot of books, specially war related and I have to say, this book stands out.
It is not only written in a very engaging and honest way, the story is gripping.
You will have a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed so much (the tea tent chapter hit home with me as am in Scotland, so I could just picture the thick Scottish accent, hilarious!) and also cried at several points in the narrative.
It really touches the fibres of your heart and makes you realise the huge of sacrifice and struggle our armed forces.
It is an elegant, poignant and respectful account of what happens when our heroes turn into angels. A must read.
I really with the best to Christian and his battle with PTSD, thank you for sharing your story.
It is not only written in a very engaging and honest way, the story is gripping.
You will have a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed so much (the tea tent chapter hit home with me as am in Scotland, so I could just picture the thick Scottish accent, hilarious!) and also cried at several points in the narrative.
It really touches the fibres of your heart and makes you realise the huge of sacrifice and struggle our armed forces.
It is an elegant, poignant and respectful account of what happens when our heroes turn into angels. A must read.
I really with the best to Christian and his battle with PTSD, thank you for sharing your story.
March 12, 2019
This book should be required reading for ALL citizens of the United States. I was initially interested in this book because I grew up in close proximity to the part of Ohio that the author and his unit were from. My time in the hopper known as the US Military was the late 60's so it was definitely a different time and place. That being said, the respect, honor and devotion to duty that Sgt. Bussler and his crew demonstrated and applied should set a standard that all military members should aspire to. The job itself and the emotional trauma these people and many others like them are subjected to is almost beyond human comprehension. But they still do their jobs and overcome all adversity. This book lays out in all the gory detail, the price of freedom. We can only thank God that this country still has people willing to do it. Thank you, Sgt. Bussler for your service and for putting into words on paper just what we subject a small percentage of our population to live.
September 7, 2019
I appreciated the way GySgt Bussler told the stories from his deployments and work in mortuary affairs. It provided an honest, intense look at deployment and the “angels” he and his team recovered and sent home. I had a greater respect upon reading at the end how the writer used telling his stories as a way to bring some healing to his PTSD wounds.
March 10, 2019
Great story very well written- will become a Classic
Reading this biography was an emotional and intellectual wonder that I intend to re-read when I need to renew my hope and faith in our future. Written with honesty, knowledge, and respect, for me it stands with the books of E. Sledge and Robert Leckie in its insight into the emotions and daily tasks of combat troops in Iraq. I cried; I laughed, and came to care for the men and women who are the heart of this book.
The writing flows easily and clearly, and is a must read for those serving, retired, considering a career, and those who desire to learn something of those who go in harms way, and the price they pay. Thank you, GSgt for your service, and for creating this gift to readers. I count this read as one of my deepest learning experiences.
God Bless,
Dirk P de Vries
Lt., Canadian Armed Forces, 1969-1977
Reading this biography was an emotional and intellectual wonder that I intend to re-read when I need to renew my hope and faith in our future. Written with honesty, knowledge, and respect, for me it stands with the books of E. Sledge and Robert Leckie in its insight into the emotions and daily tasks of combat troops in Iraq. I cried; I laughed, and came to care for the men and women who are the heart of this book.
The writing flows easily and clearly, and is a must read for those serving, retired, considering a career, and those who desire to learn something of those who go in harms way, and the price they pay. Thank you, GSgt for your service, and for creating this gift to readers. I count this read as one of my deepest learning experiences.
God Bless,
Dirk P de Vries
Lt., Canadian Armed Forces, 1969-1977
November 27, 2017
Thank you for your service!
Excellent book. Thank you for your service and for an inside look into the tough job you had to do and the selfless dedication to all our troops.
Excellent book. Thank you for your service and for an inside look into the tough job you had to do and the selfless dedication to all our troops.
October 18, 2017
No Tougher Duty” is an autobiography by Christian Bussler about his coming to terms as a United States Marine in Iraq. As part of a special unit, he deals with the lives of each soldier in the aftermath of the heaviest fighting during the occupation. Under the blinding sights and piercing sounds of a country torn asunder, he quietly wrestles against a familiar enemy. As he questions himself in the deafness of night, the author quilts a tale of the soldier bond with each other in the face of mayhem.
Like his father before him, Bussler is a Marine waiting to inscribe his emotions and thoughts into history. He is aware of his family’s sacrifice during the first Iraq war, but he is not enlisting solely because of his father’s footsteps. As he travels with the company’s spearheading into enemy territory, the author witnesses a brutal landscape fighting back the incursion with sand and fog. Bussler may not be aware of the landscape’s literary connection to Joseph Conrad’s reactive Africa, but his company was on alert for hours on end, wary of Iraqi guards in the sandstorm. The feeling of hopelessness pulls him close to his company, and the chance an enemy round shredding his men founds an existential connection between soldiers for life. Staying together in that moment means more to Bussler than fame and glory, and it establishes the theme for the rest of the novel.
As Bussler serves two more tours in Iraq, the fellowship of his men is put to the test by enemies old and new. The second trip, which puts Bussler into another expedition across a dam into enemy strongholds, pits his men against wary allies and potential enemies. Now in command of his men, Bussler must practice statecraft in order to keep the peace and his men away from indiscriminate, Azerbaijan bullets. He is not happy about the situation, especially when he suffers a significant wound that whisks him away from protecting his men to protecting his behind against military bureaucracy. Major Hagerty is Bussler’s do-nothing superior who may convene a court-martial should the major have his way. He interrogates Bussler on his conduct, in particular with the treatment of his men’s remains. Without understanding that he is obligated to properly care and transition fallen soldiers back home as a mortuary officer, Hagerty risks the indignation of a subordinate, and the discoloration of his face. Bussler sees this job description as tantamount and especially personal; anyone who caricatures his sending off a brother in arms will see the physicality he reserves for Iraqis.
But the greater adversary, ever elusive, has yet and should be of worthy focus. Although Bussler sees and deals with everyday in the bodies of his men, Death and his pale horse remains close by, waiting for his close encounter should Hagerty ever gets out of the way. As it is another fitting analogy, Bussler’s relationship with Death should be further explored in a second edition of “No Tougher Duty.”
Like his father before him, Bussler is a Marine waiting to inscribe his emotions and thoughts into history. He is aware of his family’s sacrifice during the first Iraq war, but he is not enlisting solely because of his father’s footsteps. As he travels with the company’s spearheading into enemy territory, the author witnesses a brutal landscape fighting back the incursion with sand and fog. Bussler may not be aware of the landscape’s literary connection to Joseph Conrad’s reactive Africa, but his company was on alert for hours on end, wary of Iraqi guards in the sandstorm. The feeling of hopelessness pulls him close to his company, and the chance an enemy round shredding his men founds an existential connection between soldiers for life. Staying together in that moment means more to Bussler than fame and glory, and it establishes the theme for the rest of the novel.
As Bussler serves two more tours in Iraq, the fellowship of his men is put to the test by enemies old and new. The second trip, which puts Bussler into another expedition across a dam into enemy strongholds, pits his men against wary allies and potential enemies. Now in command of his men, Bussler must practice statecraft in order to keep the peace and his men away from indiscriminate, Azerbaijan bullets. He is not happy about the situation, especially when he suffers a significant wound that whisks him away from protecting his men to protecting his behind against military bureaucracy. Major Hagerty is Bussler’s do-nothing superior who may convene a court-martial should the major have his way. He interrogates Bussler on his conduct, in particular with the treatment of his men’s remains. Without understanding that he is obligated to properly care and transition fallen soldiers back home as a mortuary officer, Hagerty risks the indignation of a subordinate, and the discoloration of his face. Bussler sees this job description as tantamount and especially personal; anyone who caricatures his sending off a brother in arms will see the physicality he reserves for Iraqis.
But the greater adversary, ever elusive, has yet and should be of worthy focus. Although Bussler sees and deals with everyday in the bodies of his men, Death and his pale horse remains close by, waiting for his close encounter should Hagerty ever gets out of the way. As it is another fitting analogy, Bussler’s relationship with Death should be further explored in a second edition of “No Tougher Duty.”
September 5, 2017
This book was written by a Marine who served in the mortuary affairs unit where his primary job was to recover the bodies of fallen service members and prepare them for transportation back to the United States. He describes what it was like to answer the call of duty, everything from receiving the news unexpectedly to the dangers of combat, as well as the camaraderie (and resentment) that develops in small units, the utter horror of recovering fallen service members, and the dismay of working on someone you knew.
The author's descriptives of the scenes and actions are superb, thus creating an emotionally evoking tale of the traumas of war and the strength to rise above them. While the subject matter is rough, the author creates enough distance to allow the reader to continue unscathed. This is not the narcissistic writing of a glory hound, rather it seems as though the author's mission is an attempt to honor those who've served and those who've died. While he writes humbly, he deserves far more honor and respect than he is willing to acknowledge.
The author's descriptives of the scenes and actions are superb, thus creating an emotionally evoking tale of the traumas of war and the strength to rise above them. While the subject matter is rough, the author creates enough distance to allow the reader to continue unscathed. This is not the narcissistic writing of a glory hound, rather it seems as though the author's mission is an attempt to honor those who've served and those who've died. While he writes humbly, he deserves far more honor and respect than he is willing to acknowledge.
October 9, 2017
No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honour
It is easy to hear about the war as a civilian and look away disinterested. It may even be effortless to assume it is a job like any other leaving family and friends at home while one goes to seat away in war zones. With the training, anyone can do it. Right? Wrong. We have heard possible every military story conceivable. However, there is a side that we rarely ever get to see or hear. The true unadulterated view from the inside. The side that is uncensored. In ‘No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honour’, Chrsitian Bussler takes us on a tour of the life of a Marine Reservist. One whose job description is to retrieve fallen comrades and prepare the bodies for eviction back to the US for burial. Everyone who has a job would like to have work to do every day. It is not the case for Mortuary Affairs Marines. If they are working, it means they have lost a member of the family. It is incredibly difficult but they are not to bring grief to the job. The MAs may not be out there winning the war but they take good care of those who put forth the final measure of devotion. This book is a profound dedication to them.
This is an autobiographical account of the Mortuary Affairs Marine life. The author takes the reader through the harrowing ordeals. From The call to action to the battle ridden areas they call home when on duty. The book goes into in depth details of what the job entails. The author does a good job of giving vivid descriptions of the landscape and situation therein. From the comfort of the couch, the tension and heat jump right out of the page into the living room. The author talks about the sacrifices required to be a member of the defense forces in a way that renews the reader’s appreciation for them. The positivity and bravery when faced with their own mortality is both devastating and motivating. These people leave their lives behind to fight for freedom. That something that seems so damningly mundane could be so hard to achieve is astounding. The narration in this book is effortlessly flowing.
The author forgets to explain some military jargon but that only goes further to authenticate the military experience for the reader. There are some spellings and grammatical errors but those take nothing from the value of the book. The reader might not be able to put it down after they are done. They will also think about it for weeks after reading it. The subject is heavy but the author does a good of not devastating the reader too much.
Unlike most glory seeking stories in the market, this book is a genuine dedication to people who give up their lives for the sake of patriotism. It is a must-read for anyone who deems himself or herself a patriot. It gets 5 out of 5 every day for the quality of writing and subject.
It is easy to hear about the war as a civilian and look away disinterested. It may even be effortless to assume it is a job like any other leaving family and friends at home while one goes to seat away in war zones. With the training, anyone can do it. Right? Wrong. We have heard possible every military story conceivable. However, there is a side that we rarely ever get to see or hear. The true unadulterated view from the inside. The side that is uncensored. In ‘No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honour’, Chrsitian Bussler takes us on a tour of the life of a Marine Reservist. One whose job description is to retrieve fallen comrades and prepare the bodies for eviction back to the US for burial. Everyone who has a job would like to have work to do every day. It is not the case for Mortuary Affairs Marines. If they are working, it means they have lost a member of the family. It is incredibly difficult but they are not to bring grief to the job. The MAs may not be out there winning the war but they take good care of those who put forth the final measure of devotion. This book is a profound dedication to them.
This is an autobiographical account of the Mortuary Affairs Marine life. The author takes the reader through the harrowing ordeals. From The call to action to the battle ridden areas they call home when on duty. The book goes into in depth details of what the job entails. The author does a good job of giving vivid descriptions of the landscape and situation therein. From the comfort of the couch, the tension and heat jump right out of the page into the living room. The author talks about the sacrifices required to be a member of the defense forces in a way that renews the reader’s appreciation for them. The positivity and bravery when faced with their own mortality is both devastating and motivating. These people leave their lives behind to fight for freedom. That something that seems so damningly mundane could be so hard to achieve is astounding. The narration in this book is effortlessly flowing.
The author forgets to explain some military jargon but that only goes further to authenticate the military experience for the reader. There are some spellings and grammatical errors but those take nothing from the value of the book. The reader might not be able to put it down after they are done. They will also think about it for weeks after reading it. The subject is heavy but the author does a good of not devastating the reader too much.
Unlike most glory seeking stories in the market, this book is a genuine dedication to people who give up their lives for the sake of patriotism. It is a must-read for anyone who deems himself or herself a patriot. It gets 5 out of 5 every day for the quality of writing and subject.
July 19, 2021
In civilian life, he was a postman delivering the daily mail. When called to serve, he became the man who made sure the fallen heroes were transported home to their families. No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor, by Gunnery Sergeant L Christian Bussler, is a behind-the-scenes look at the duty of a Mortuary Affairs (MA) Marine...
Official OnlineBookClub review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I received a review copy from OnlineBookClub.org. My opinions are my own.
Official OnlineBookClub review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I received a review copy from OnlineBookClub.org. My opinions are my own.
May 18, 2019
There are some books that you read that stay with you for a long time after you closed the cover, and No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor: A memoir of a Mortuary Affairs Marine is one of those books. Author Christian Bussler is very connected to the US military. Not only did he serve but he was also raised a USA Air Force army brat, moving from base to base while his father was serving. This means that he has a glimpse behind the experience of being in active duty as well as having a family member in active duty. This double experience is an important factor to the topic of this book as his role in the military was to retrieve the bodies of fallen soldiers and send them back home to their families to be honored. Facing the danger himself while knowing how important it is to bring the men and women back to their loved ones. The honestly and straightforward language the Bussler uses in this book made the emotions raw and relatable. I also liked that while the subject matter itself can be hard to read due to its very nature, Bussler is also able to share humor and hope in his writing. Bussler clearly has a knack for storytelling as he was able to understand how to pace the story, let the reader get to know his characters and balance the heavy emotions with the lighter ones. I was very impressed with this, and it really made the story that much easier to share because it was so engaging. This is certainly worth five stars and is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs. It is a tough subject, so beware of that when going in, but Bussler’s ability to communicate his experience through the written word is truly beautiful and well worth the read.
Read
July 8, 2020MWSA Review
No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor: A Memoir of a Mortuary Affairs Marine by GySgt L. Christian Bussler (Ret.) is a memoir covering the Marine Reservist author’s three deployments in Iraq. Each deployment is given separate billing, resulting in three parts to the book.
Part One details Bussler’s first deployment to Iraq in 2003 at the tip of the spear. It covers the time from notification that he is being activated to the time he returns home. Volunteering for a second deployment in 2004, Bussler returns to Iraq (Part Two), where he is subsequently wounded in action. Part Three details the third deployment for which Bussler volunteered in 2005. In this deployment, Bussler more fully explains the job of the Mortuary Affairs military specialty. His best writing can be seen in his relationship to the angels (deceased service members) he prepares for transit back home to the United States. This portion of the book is breathtakingly vulnerable and intensely emotional, displaying a deep thought process that was compelling and insightful.
The author is adept at setting the scene and describing events, so much so that sometimes the reader feels he is there in the blistering heat, amid the uncertainty, frustration, and grief. Included photos help to set the scene and convey the deep respect the author has for those who have died in combat. A final proofread would have caught many of the errors I noted in this otherwise stellar work.
Review by Betsy Beard (July 2020)
No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor: A Memoir of a Mortuary Affairs Marine by GySgt L. Christian Bussler (Ret.) is a memoir covering the Marine Reservist author’s three deployments in Iraq. Each deployment is given separate billing, resulting in three parts to the book.
Part One details Bussler’s first deployment to Iraq in 2003 at the tip of the spear. It covers the time from notification that he is being activated to the time he returns home. Volunteering for a second deployment in 2004, Bussler returns to Iraq (Part Two), where he is subsequently wounded in action. Part Three details the third deployment for which Bussler volunteered in 2005. In this deployment, Bussler more fully explains the job of the Mortuary Affairs military specialty. His best writing can be seen in his relationship to the angels (deceased service members) he prepares for transit back home to the United States. This portion of the book is breathtakingly vulnerable and intensely emotional, displaying a deep thought process that was compelling and insightful.
The author is adept at setting the scene and describing events, so much so that sometimes the reader feels he is there in the blistering heat, amid the uncertainty, frustration, and grief. Included photos help to set the scene and convey the deep respect the author has for those who have died in combat. A final proofread would have caught many of the errors I noted in this otherwise stellar work.
Review by Betsy Beard (July 2020)
March 28, 2020
A Beautiful and Touching Account
GySgt Busslers interview on the Jocko Podcast led me to this book. His interview was beautiful, honest, and heart wrenching. The book was even more so. I have never lost sight of the fact that we have been at war since 2001. I have kept up with casualty reports, news, and first hand accord coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning. This is a new story to me. A new way of looking at the cost of war and the value of life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper appreciation for the lives of our service members as well as what happens to them when they are killed. God bless the military of the United States and our allies.
GySgt Busslers interview on the Jocko Podcast led me to this book. His interview was beautiful, honest, and heart wrenching. The book was even more so. I have never lost sight of the fact that we have been at war since 2001. I have kept up with casualty reports, news, and first hand accord coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning. This is a new story to me. A new way of looking at the cost of war and the value of life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper appreciation for the lives of our service members as well as what happens to them when they are killed. God bless the military of the United States and our allies.
Read
December 13, 2020Brutally honest memoir, and this subject matter may not be for everyone.
A salute to this author and everyone mentioned in this book. Thank you for your service and untold sacrifices in the name of freedom. RIP to every soldier who lost their life , I for one will never forget the Iraq War. This book will touch every emotion and then some. What these team members went through to recover remains is incredible. The experiences of Mortuary Affairs is tough duty and told with respect for those angels they were tasked with recovering.
A salute to this author and everyone mentioned in this book. Thank you for your service and untold sacrifices in the name of freedom. RIP to every soldier who lost their life , I for one will never forget the Iraq War. This book will touch every emotion and then some. What these team members went through to recover remains is incredible. The experiences of Mortuary Affairs is tough duty and told with respect for those angels they were tasked with recovering.
June 28, 2020
Touching story a great read.
For anyone wanting to get a touch of what troops endure while on overseas deployment. This writing will take you up and down while making you feel a need to turn the page. I never even thought of there being a mortuary affairs and am so glad I found this book that tells the tale of an honorable and emotionally tough form of service. I'm truly at a loss to be able to form what emotions and how deep of thoughts I was given here.
For anyone wanting to get a touch of what troops endure while on overseas deployment. This writing will take you up and down while making you feel a need to turn the page. I never even thought of there being a mortuary affairs and am so glad I found this book that tells the tale of an honorable and emotionally tough form of service. I'm truly at a loss to be able to form what emotions and how deep of thoughts I was given here.
August 16, 2021
Interesting Subject...not many like it!
This is the first book on OIF/OEF that I have read. The book is a plethora of information. It is well written and once started it is hard to put down. Reverence and respect for the " angels " is deeply touching. The pathos and pain ring true through the book...you can visualize the "angels" when the MA team begins to process each new case. Get it and read it. You won''t be sorry!
Corvette Maniac
This is the first book on OIF/OEF that I have read. The book is a plethora of information. It is well written and once started it is hard to put down. Reverence and respect for the " angels " is deeply touching. The pathos and pain ring true through the book...you can visualize the "angels" when the MA team begins to process each new case. Get it and read it. You won''t be sorry!
Corvette Maniac
March 19, 2019
We are proud to announce that NO TOUGHER DUTY, NO GREATER HONORE: A memoir of a Mortuary Affairs Marine by GySgt L. Christian Bussler is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
May 1, 2020
Wow
Great book! SGT Bussler’s detailed account of went through is so raw and honest. It puts into perspective everything our service men and women sacrifice for our country.
Great book! SGT Bussler’s detailed account of went through is so raw and honest. It puts into perspective everything our service men and women sacrifice for our country.
March 20, 2021
A book that ever American needs to read.
January 4, 2021
It seems that today, most of America has become desensitized to what is happening in the Global War on Terrorism. Our military members go off to serve our nation and, tragically, some become statistics on the evening news. However, there is a story behind each of those warriors who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
We, as Americans, should never forget those who had died. This book will wake you up to the realities of war and those who recover and care for them after death. The loss of our servicemen and women is hard, but this book (as hinted by its title) reveals that some of the toughest parts come after death; i.e., preparing the fallen (angels as they were called) for their return back home to the United States.
Gunny Bussler's journey is not for the faint of heart, but reading it will make you understand the realities of this war. I cried through parts and had to lay the book down and get away from it all for a while. However convenient for me, Gunny Bussler could not get away from the job at hand. He and his Marines had a job to do, and he puts you are right there beside him while he and his team are recovering fallen servicemen. Even though Gunny Bussler did not know these men, you can feel the love and compassion that he had for them and their families. He may not have known them personally in life, but through his actions, one can tell that he will remember every angel he cared for.
This book is not entirely about sadness and death. Gunny Bussler brings to light a fair share of humor and much cursing; something that is innate Marines in combat. This book is so well written it puts you right there with him during these deployments; the sights, the smells, the people he meets, the yearning to call home, getting wounded during his second tour, and then —you get to meet 'the Major.'
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by war. It gives insight into the lives of the Marines who do the toughest job in the Marine Corps, the first step in bringing the remains of our servicemen and women home. I strongly believe that this book should be on every Marine's reading list, and every reporter's too. Excellent job, Gunnery Sergeant Bussler! I congratulate you on being able to tell such a personal story. Semper Fi!
We, as Americans, should never forget those who had died. This book will wake you up to the realities of war and those who recover and care for them after death. The loss of our servicemen and women is hard, but this book (as hinted by its title) reveals that some of the toughest parts come after death; i.e., preparing the fallen (angels as they were called) for their return back home to the United States.
Gunny Bussler's journey is not for the faint of heart, but reading it will make you understand the realities of this war. I cried through parts and had to lay the book down and get away from it all for a while. However convenient for me, Gunny Bussler could not get away from the job at hand. He and his Marines had a job to do, and he puts you are right there beside him while he and his team are recovering fallen servicemen. Even though Gunny Bussler did not know these men, you can feel the love and compassion that he had for them and their families. He may not have known them personally in life, but through his actions, one can tell that he will remember every angel he cared for.
This book is not entirely about sadness and death. Gunny Bussler brings to light a fair share of humor and much cursing; something that is innate Marines in combat. This book is so well written it puts you right there with him during these deployments; the sights, the smells, the people he meets, the yearning to call home, getting wounded during his second tour, and then —you get to meet 'the Major.'
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by war. It gives insight into the lives of the Marines who do the toughest job in the Marine Corps, the first step in bringing the remains of our servicemen and women home. I strongly believe that this book should be on every Marine's reading list, and every reporter's too. Excellent job, Gunnery Sergeant Bussler! I congratulate you on being able to tell such a personal story. Semper Fi!
January 10, 2021
This is a true gem of wartime experiences told from a very unique perspective that I don’t think I have ever heard of before learning before this book. The author’s descriptions and style makes it very easy to visualize the beauty of his surroundings, the brutal nature of his job, and his deep emotional sense that is very rare in military books. This is a must read for those wanting to learn about the military and the many sacrifices that they make to keep us free. Without reservations, 5/5
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