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The Reminiscences of a Marine
Although there have been many men who have left their mark on the United States Marine Corps, few have created such a lasting impression as John Archer Lejeune.
There is no doubt that the modern Marine Corps can trace its roots to Major General Lejeune. He was a skilled soldier, a visionary, and a leader of uncommon talent whose decisions, guidance and foresight are still being felt by today's Marines.
The Reminiscences of a Marine is an autobiography by this unusual man. Written in a more flowery language, popular when the book was first published (1930), MajGen Lejeune's book offers a fascinating glimpse into the private world of this turn-of-the-century Marine.
From his early childhood days in Louisiana, shortly after the Civil War, all the way to the Commandant's house at 8th and "I" Streets in Washington, D.C., Reminiscences delves not only into the life of the man, but more interestingly, into the places and events in which he found himself.
With each step upward in his 39-year career, General Lejeune tells of the Country and the Corps from the viewpoint of a man privileged to observe from a unique advantage. Even as a young lieutenant, Lejeune was often in the middle of, or on the periphery, of the great happenings of his time. More often than not, in his later career, he was the focal point of these happenings as his leadership of the Second U.S. Army Division of the American Expeditionary Force during World War 1 demonstrates.
The preface of the book is new and was written by General Lemuel C. Shepherd, himself a former Commandant of the Marine Corps, who, as a captain, served as Lejeune's aide. When asked in a November 1982 Leatherneck Magazine interview what the "real" General Lejeune was like, General Shepherd said, "He was more like a father to us all; he was truly a great leader."
Reminiscences provides the reader with a close and often personal look at this great Marine and the book is more than worth the price invested.
There is no doubt that the modern Marine Corps can trace its roots to Major General Lejeune. He was a skilled soldier, a visionary, and a leader of uncommon talent whose decisions, guidance and foresight are still being felt by today's Marines.
The Reminiscences of a Marine is an autobiography by this unusual man. Written in a more flowery language, popular when the book was first published (1930), MajGen Lejeune's book offers a fascinating glimpse into the private world of this turn-of-the-century Marine.
From his early childhood days in Louisiana, shortly after the Civil War, all the way to the Commandant's house at 8th and "I" Streets in Washington, D.C., Reminiscences delves not only into the life of the man, but more interestingly, into the places and events in which he found himself.
With each step upward in his 39-year career, General Lejeune tells of the Country and the Corps from the viewpoint of a man privileged to observe from a unique advantage. Even as a young lieutenant, Lejeune was often in the middle of, or on the periphery, of the great happenings of his time. More often than not, in his later career, he was the focal point of these happenings as his leadership of the Second U.S. Army Division of the American Expeditionary Force during World War 1 demonstrates.
The preface of the book is new and was written by General Lemuel C. Shepherd, himself a former Commandant of the Marine Corps, who, as a captain, served as Lejeune's aide. When asked in a November 1982 Leatherneck Magazine interview what the "real" General Lejeune was like, General Shepherd said, "He was more like a father to us all; he was truly a great leader."
Reminiscences provides the reader with a close and often personal look at this great Marine and the book is more than worth the price invested.
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First published September 1, 1930
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 5, 2017
I'd like to thank Sapere Books for the opportunity to review this book.
This was simply not to my taste. It reminds me of Robinson Crusoe, when basically every day is the same entry in his journal: I walked the beach; I ate some fruit; I built a shelter, etc. Well this is basically the same thing except on a battleship... or a cruiser. I'm not certain what I expected considering he was such an early Marine. He just had no flair for the dramatic so it was a bit mundane. Anyone interested in the early days of the USMC this is probably a go-to book.
This was simply not to my taste. It reminds me of Robinson Crusoe, when basically every day is the same entry in his journal: I walked the beach; I ate some fruit; I built a shelter, etc. Well this is basically the same thing except on a battleship... or a cruiser. I'm not certain what I expected considering he was such an early Marine. He just had no flair for the dramatic so it was a bit mundane. Anyone interested in the early days of the USMC this is probably a go-to book.
October 8, 2020
"The key to combat effectiveness is unity — an esprit that characterizes itself in complete, irrevocable, mutual trust. Now my infantry trusts my artillery and engineers, and my artillery and engineers know this so they will go through hell itself before they let down the infantry. My infantry believe that with such support they are invincible-and they are.
John A Lejeune
The Reminiscences of a Marine by Major General John A. Lejeune is an autobiography of a United States Marine and 13th Commandant. The Marine Corps' history has been filled with boisterous leaders and heroes. In his address as Commandant of the Marine Corps (1921), he notes that Marines have been fighting for America (or American interests*) 90 of America's 146 years. Much is forgotten about America involvement overseas in times of peace. Little is remembered of interventions in Chile, creating Panama, China, and Latin America in general.
Lejeune lived in interesting times. He secured a position in Annapolis and received a naval commission. He then spent two years on naval ships after graduating where he was introduced to Marines serving on naval ships. He was impressed with their work and esprit de corps. A senior naval officer who put the young Lejeune in charge of a squad of Marines with the advice and recommendation of not micromanaging them. He was told to give his orders to the sergeant and step back. Noncommissioned officers in the Marines supervise the troops. Lejeune was again impressed. When his time came to chose his path in the navy, he chose Marines rather than the engineers. He actually had to fight the system that wanted him to become an engineer.
Lejeune served on the USS Cincinnati during the Spanish-American War and later on the USS Massachusetts. Where there was trouble he seemed to find his way there. In his writing is easy to read and although he writes of accomplishments there is an absence of the usual Marine bravado instead there is a deeper professionalism. During World War I, he was recognized by the French government as a strategist and leader, earning the Legion of Honor, and the Croix de Guerre.
To most Marines, Lejeune is remembered for establishing the tradition of the Marine Corps Birthday recognizing all Marines past and present and home to the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune. Lejeune was instrumental in transitioning the Marines from naval infantry into a professional fighting force, although still under the navy. He founded the Marine Corps Institute and Marine Corps schools. Lejeune was a quiet professional who served two terms as Commandant of the Marine Corps. He retired on on the 154th Marine Corps Birthday (1929) and accepted a position as superintendent of Virginia Military Institute. He retired in 1937 and died in 1942. In his autobiography, he covers over forty years as a Marine and service to the United States. Even in the title of his autobiography is titled "Marine" instead of his own name. Well written and an informative history of a man whose life was service.
*my interjection
John A Lejeune
The Reminiscences of a Marine by Major General John A. Lejeune is an autobiography of a United States Marine and 13th Commandant. The Marine Corps' history has been filled with boisterous leaders and heroes. In his address as Commandant of the Marine Corps (1921), he notes that Marines have been fighting for America (or American interests*) 90 of America's 146 years. Much is forgotten about America involvement overseas in times of peace. Little is remembered of interventions in Chile, creating Panama, China, and Latin America in general.
Lejeune lived in interesting times. He secured a position in Annapolis and received a naval commission. He then spent two years on naval ships after graduating where he was introduced to Marines serving on naval ships. He was impressed with their work and esprit de corps. A senior naval officer who put the young Lejeune in charge of a squad of Marines with the advice and recommendation of not micromanaging them. He was told to give his orders to the sergeant and step back. Noncommissioned officers in the Marines supervise the troops. Lejeune was again impressed. When his time came to chose his path in the navy, he chose Marines rather than the engineers. He actually had to fight the system that wanted him to become an engineer.
Lejeune served on the USS Cincinnati during the Spanish-American War and later on the USS Massachusetts. Where there was trouble he seemed to find his way there. In his writing is easy to read and although he writes of accomplishments there is an absence of the usual Marine bravado instead there is a deeper professionalism. During World War I, he was recognized by the French government as a strategist and leader, earning the Legion of Honor, and the Croix de Guerre.
To most Marines, Lejeune is remembered for establishing the tradition of the Marine Corps Birthday recognizing all Marines past and present and home to the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune. Lejeune was instrumental in transitioning the Marines from naval infantry into a professional fighting force, although still under the navy. He founded the Marine Corps Institute and Marine Corps schools. Lejeune was a quiet professional who served two terms as Commandant of the Marine Corps. He retired on on the 154th Marine Corps Birthday (1929) and accepted a position as superintendent of Virginia Military Institute. He retired in 1937 and died in 1942. In his autobiography, he covers over forty years as a Marine and service to the United States. Even in the title of his autobiography is titled "Marine" instead of his own name. Well written and an informative history of a man whose life was service.
*my interjection
December 15, 2017
"There is no rancor in my soul toward any man, and it is my earnest hope that no word I have written will cause any one pain."
John A. Lejeune
Little worry of that since in Lejeune's world view - at least as presented in this book - everyone he meets is reasonable, honorable, and always works toward the greater good. Practically without exception. That benevolent demeanor of his might strike some as odd since it comes from a man with more than forty years of military service but he maintains that tone of universal goodwill throughout this lengthy book. Unfortunately those traits make for a better friend than they do a memoir writer. In addition to what some might call an un-Marine like attitude toward his fellow men, Lejeune also has the tendency to provide too much detail. If he visits relatives, everyone gets mentioned. At a party or other social event you can expect to be told the names of every guest.
But I don't want to give the impression that this book is without value since I greatly enjoyed parts of it. Lejeune's description of a hurricane in Samoa in 1889 is incredible and, in addition to meeting with practically every significant American military leader of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he also encountered a diverse group of celebrities ranging from a sickly Robert Louis Stevenson to a young and healthy Franklin Roosevelt to the beautiful Elsie Janis ("the sweetheart of the AEF").
A good portion of the book is devoted to his service during the First World War. Since he refers to that conflict as "the purest and most self-sacrificing war in the history of mankind" you should not expect a scathing denunciation of Allied military tactics. Instead he praises a number of French war leaders and raves about the record of the 2nd Infantry Division which he commanded for several months during some of the American Army's fiercest battles. He can't even bring himself to criticize the Germans they were fighting against! And after the Armistice he commanded part of the Rhineland occupation forces.
"(E)verything turned out for the best, as it usually does in the service if one makes the best of the situation."
John A. Lejeune
Probably not a philosophy a large percent of military veterans would agree with but it worked for Lejeune. In the post WWI era he was appointed Commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps for multiple terms. Definitely one of those rare occasions when a nice guy finished first.
John A. Lejeune
Little worry of that since in Lejeune's world view - at least as presented in this book - everyone he meets is reasonable, honorable, and always works toward the greater good. Practically without exception. That benevolent demeanor of his might strike some as odd since it comes from a man with more than forty years of military service but he maintains that tone of universal goodwill throughout this lengthy book. Unfortunately those traits make for a better friend than they do a memoir writer. In addition to what some might call an un-Marine like attitude toward his fellow men, Lejeune also has the tendency to provide too much detail. If he visits relatives, everyone gets mentioned. At a party or other social event you can expect to be told the names of every guest.
But I don't want to give the impression that this book is without value since I greatly enjoyed parts of it. Lejeune's description of a hurricane in Samoa in 1889 is incredible and, in addition to meeting with practically every significant American military leader of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he also encountered a diverse group of celebrities ranging from a sickly Robert Louis Stevenson to a young and healthy Franklin Roosevelt to the beautiful Elsie Janis ("the sweetheart of the AEF").
A good portion of the book is devoted to his service during the First World War. Since he refers to that conflict as "the purest and most self-sacrificing war in the history of mankind" you should not expect a scathing denunciation of Allied military tactics. Instead he praises a number of French war leaders and raves about the record of the 2nd Infantry Division which he commanded for several months during some of the American Army's fiercest battles. He can't even bring himself to criticize the Germans they were fighting against! And after the Armistice he commanded part of the Rhineland occupation forces.
"(E)verything turned out for the best, as it usually does in the service if one makes the best of the situation."
John A. Lejeune
Probably not a philosophy a large percent of military veterans would agree with but it worked for Lejeune. In the post WWI era he was appointed Commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps for multiple terms. Definitely one of those rare occasions when a nice guy finished first.
December 9, 2017
Full Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an unbiased review.
Pretty detailed account of the life of John LeJeune. The only thing I knew about him was the name – there are many things in the Marine Corps named LeJeune, including one of the main training camps. But of the person behind it? Nothing.
It turns out that even to this day, LeJeune is considered to be the Marine’s Marine. Almost 40 years in the Marine's including 8+ years as it's Commander he was a constant presence and advocate for the Corps. His service included many of the small incursions that the Marine's were sent to (The Philippines, Haiti) and a couple of the larger efforts (Cuba during the War with Spain) and WWI. He seemed to be always on the peripheral of the fighting up to WWI, and he made sure he got a front-line command during the year of active Marine duty. And what a year it was, as the Marine's lead the push on the Western Front through some incredible battles, most notably St. Mihiel.
He was an effective leader, focusing on training and strategy. Constantly prepping his troops, they weren't thrown into battle like most of the allies did during WWI. His attention was on tight control of his artillery and infantry, and focused on the rolling thunder - creeping artillery fire with the troops following as close behind as possible. He was a kind leader - focusing on the needs of the men and working to minimize injuries.
The book is long - lots of detail of his entire life, but it's well written for a amateur writer and easy to read and follow. You'll notice his positive tone about most everything - and I'm sure that pervaded his life. Published originally around 1930, it does not include the coming Nazi threat and rise of Germany that the WWI veterans hoped would have been solved.
Pretty detailed account of the life of John LeJeune. The only thing I knew about him was the name – there are many things in the Marine Corps named LeJeune, including one of the main training camps. But of the person behind it? Nothing.
It turns out that even to this day, LeJeune is considered to be the Marine’s Marine. Almost 40 years in the Marine's including 8+ years as it's Commander he was a constant presence and advocate for the Corps. His service included many of the small incursions that the Marine's were sent to (The Philippines, Haiti) and a couple of the larger efforts (Cuba during the War with Spain) and WWI. He seemed to be always on the peripheral of the fighting up to WWI, and he made sure he got a front-line command during the year of active Marine duty. And what a year it was, as the Marine's lead the push on the Western Front through some incredible battles, most notably St. Mihiel.
He was an effective leader, focusing on training and strategy. Constantly prepping his troops, they weren't thrown into battle like most of the allies did during WWI. His attention was on tight control of his artillery and infantry, and focused on the rolling thunder - creeping artillery fire with the troops following as close behind as possible. He was a kind leader - focusing on the needs of the men and working to minimize injuries.
The book is long - lots of detail of his entire life, but it's well written for a amateur writer and easy to read and follow. You'll notice his positive tone about most everything - and I'm sure that pervaded his life. Published originally around 1930, it does not include the coming Nazi threat and rise of Germany that the WWI veterans hoped would have been solved.
December 9, 2017
Published originally in 1930, The Reminisces of a Marine is the account of the life of John A. LeJeune, who served for eight years as the Commandant of the Marine Corps. LeJeune’s story of his childhood, growing up in the turbulent years immediately after the Civil War in reconstruction-era Louisiana, and his career, first as a naval officer and finally as a U.S. Marine.
LeJeune’s account, while intensely personal, also highlights many of the pivotal events of world and American history of the period; notably the Spanish-American War, the period of heavy American involvement in Latin America, China, and the Philippines; and the horrific trench warfare of World War I in Europe. He also outlines the history of the Marine Corps in the 20th century, and the pivotal role he played in making it a quasi-independent part of the Department of the Navy.
With knowledge of world events since 1930, something that LeJeune, from his vantage point would not have, one can also see the foreshadowing of many triumphs and tribulations that persist down to the present day. From the often troubled relationships we have with our southern neighbors, a residue of the years of American occupation and involvement in internal affairs, to the prickly familial relationship with the Philippines.
This book should be read by anyone interested in a personal look at America during the period between the end of the Civil War and the conclusion of World War I, as the United States reestablished itself as a world power.
I received a free copy of this book. I give the author a posthumous four stars.
LeJeune’s account, while intensely personal, also highlights many of the pivotal events of world and American history of the period; notably the Spanish-American War, the period of heavy American involvement in Latin America, China, and the Philippines; and the horrific trench warfare of World War I in Europe. He also outlines the history of the Marine Corps in the 20th century, and the pivotal role he played in making it a quasi-independent part of the Department of the Navy.
With knowledge of world events since 1930, something that LeJeune, from his vantage point would not have, one can also see the foreshadowing of many triumphs and tribulations that persist down to the present day. From the often troubled relationships we have with our southern neighbors, a residue of the years of American occupation and involvement in internal affairs, to the prickly familial relationship with the Philippines.
This book should be read by anyone interested in a personal look at America during the period between the end of the Civil War and the conclusion of World War I, as the United States reestablished itself as a world power.
I received a free copy of this book. I give the author a posthumous four stars.
April 3, 2019
A memoir of the author, Major General John Lejeune, USMC, covering his military career from the 1880's into the 1920's. He offers interesting accounts and perspectives of a military officer of the missions and activities of the American expeditionary forces at various hot spots in the Americas and around the world at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Ten of the twenty-three chapters cover the U.S. involvement in WWI, and eight of those while he was commander of the U.S. 2nd Division. While he was an excellent planner and administrator, during times of deployment he preferred to be in the field with his men rather than in a state-side assignment. The physical and spiritual well-being of his men was always a high priority of his during conflict and in return the men gave him their loyalty, honor and respect. During WWI, the 2nd Division was one of the most effective and highly decorated of the U.S. forces. Major General Lejeune completed his career with two tours as Commandant of the Marine Corps and finally as head of the Virginia Military Institute.
The book is well written and flows from beginning to end without side trips or back-tracking. While the accounts of the engagements in France during WWI summarize the events well, this reader, being unfamiliar with military organization and with the geography of France, Belgium and Luxembourg, often had difficulty forming a mental picture of what was being described. Maps or diagrams would have been helpful.
The book is well written and flows from beginning to end without side trips or back-tracking. While the accounts of the engagements in France during WWI summarize the events well, this reader, being unfamiliar with military organization and with the geography of France, Belgium and Luxembourg, often had difficulty forming a mental picture of what was being described. Maps or diagrams would have been helpful.
July 11, 2018
Best Military Biography I Ever Read
Every American should read this book. It gives a first-hand telling of what it took to become a leader of leaders of Marines. No showboating. No self pity for sacrifices he made. But tales of desire to serve and the determination to provide insights into the man who was determined to serve his country. He tells on his unyielding was to serve where his talents and visions could yield greatest benefit.
The World War experiences of the Marines he led are non stop. But so were the battles the men in the trenches fought.
This is a fascinating book. Enjoy it and remember it as you remove your hat the next time our flag goes past in a parade.
Every American should read this book. It gives a first-hand telling of what it took to become a leader of leaders of Marines. No showboating. No self pity for sacrifices he made. But tales of desire to serve and the determination to provide insights into the man who was determined to serve his country. He tells on his unyielding was to serve where his talents and visions could yield greatest benefit.
The World War experiences of the Marines he led are non stop. But so were the battles the men in the trenches fought.
This is a fascinating book. Enjoy it and remember it as you remove your hat the next time our flag goes past in a parade.
Read
April 8, 2021"I do not believe in so-called militarism anymore than I believe in so-called pacifism. Both are fallacious; both lead to destruction."
Nothing like Robinson Crusoe, as the value of the content here is that a great man is sharing his life experiences. The first half of the book is dedicated to his early life; a chapter on his childhood, then his life at The Naval Academy, his experiences as a cadet, he gets married and some of his deployments to parts of Latin America before the start of The First World War. The latter half of the book is dedicated to describing his experiences in WWI. The chapters describing the battles of WWI are the longest of the book and for history buffs they should be an absolute delight as he goes into great detail. For those without the prior knowledge, these descriptions might mostly come off as rather dry play-by-play of events such 'general so-and-so went here and did such-and-such' but these passages are balanced out with interesting personal anecdotes as well as philosophical musings about man's nature, leadership qualities etc.
"...normal man is so constituted that his mind refuses to dwell on morbid ideas, but is ever buoyant, active, and intent on performing the duties assigned him. His thoughts, therefore, turn constantly to the future and do not dwell on the tragedies, the suffering, or the horror of the past."
While certainly not by any means an outstanding classic of its genre or subject, it is extremely well-written, and for anyone with even the slightest interest in this subject matter, it comes with an unreserved recommendation. The prose is smooth and clear, there are a number of places where The General provides descriptions of people and events which are most likely otherwise lost. While still just a Naval Cadet, he meets Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa, not long before Stevenson passed away, and in a paragraph gives his impressions of him. How many other written accounts of RLS in Samoa even are there? Lejeune joined The Corps while it was still just a mostly inconsequential element of the Navy. At that time, Marines were living off Navy scraps and billeting in whatever drab accommodations they could get on Naval bases stateside. Lejeune was possibly the most significant single member whose influence helped to turn The Corps' into the indispensable military asset it is today, which is why the first large, permanent Marine Corps base bears his name.
Nothing like Robinson Crusoe, as the value of the content here is that a great man is sharing his life experiences. The first half of the book is dedicated to his early life; a chapter on his childhood, then his life at The Naval Academy, his experiences as a cadet, he gets married and some of his deployments to parts of Latin America before the start of The First World War. The latter half of the book is dedicated to describing his experiences in WWI. The chapters describing the battles of WWI are the longest of the book and for history buffs they should be an absolute delight as he goes into great detail. For those without the prior knowledge, these descriptions might mostly come off as rather dry play-by-play of events such 'general so-and-so went here and did such-and-such' but these passages are balanced out with interesting personal anecdotes as well as philosophical musings about man's nature, leadership qualities etc.
"...normal man is so constituted that his mind refuses to dwell on morbid ideas, but is ever buoyant, active, and intent on performing the duties assigned him. His thoughts, therefore, turn constantly to the future and do not dwell on the tragedies, the suffering, or the horror of the past."
While certainly not by any means an outstanding classic of its genre or subject, it is extremely well-written, and for anyone with even the slightest interest in this subject matter, it comes with an unreserved recommendation. The prose is smooth and clear, there are a number of places where The General provides descriptions of people and events which are most likely otherwise lost. While still just a Naval Cadet, he meets Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa, not long before Stevenson passed away, and in a paragraph gives his impressions of him. How many other written accounts of RLS in Samoa even are there? Lejeune joined The Corps while it was still just a mostly inconsequential element of the Navy. At that time, Marines were living off Navy scraps and billeting in whatever drab accommodations they could get on Naval bases stateside. Lejeune was possibly the most significant single member whose influence helped to turn The Corps' into the indispensable military asset it is today, which is why the first large, permanent Marine Corps base bears his name.
August 19, 2017
I was happy to find this book because the name of the author intrigued me. Let's face it, only a US Marine would know why the East Coast training facility is named Camp Lejeune, and I never thought to ask any of the deputies or even my grandson. Yeah, I'm a history geek.
It starts out with a bit of family history, then ramps up after college when he joins the Corps, serves in the Spanish American War, and really gets tough during WWI. Besides being a history, it is also clearly a model for an effective leader, and needs to be read by military officers as well as those in private industry.
It was originally published in 1930.
It starts out with a bit of family history, then ramps up after college when he joins the Corps, serves in the Spanish American War, and really gets tough during WWI. Besides being a history, it is also clearly a model for an effective leader, and needs to be read by military officers as well as those in private industry.
It was originally published in 1930.
January 9, 2018
Good info but really dry at times
He wrote of his experiences very well but to much info but he wanted to give credit to those who deserved it rightfully so. I'm glad he took the time to record the events as he saw them and he researched well. I now know the history of Marines in ww1..
He wrote of his experiences very well but to much info but he wanted to give credit to those who deserved it rightfully so. I'm glad he took the time to record the events as he saw them and he researched well. I now know the history of Marines in ww1..
September 9, 2017
A legend in his own time, thoughtful, honorable, courageous, e
I enjoyed this man and this book. Would to GOD we had more men of this calibre in our time. You will not regret reading this book.
I enjoyed this man and this book. Would to GOD we had more men of this calibre in our time. You will not regret reading this book.
December 24, 2017
Inspiring personal account
Clearly a figure who guided the development of the Marines during the early formative days leading up to and including World War I. Hindered by the absence of maps to accompany the description of engagements in France by the military units.
Clearly a figure who guided the development of the Marines during the early formative days leading up to and including World War I. Hindered by the absence of maps to accompany the description of engagements in France by the military units.
March 27, 2018
Great read A man of real character and integrity
encapulates important period. In growth of our Corps, Gen Lejuene was responsible for incinitiating policies and plans advancing our Corps forward May GOD BE with you General.
encapulates important period. In growth of our Corps, Gen Lejuene was responsible for incinitiating policies and plans advancing our Corps forward May GOD BE with you General.
December 14, 2021
Unique insight of war and peace
There are enough parts of the book to be called mundane and boring and yet there were unique pearls of wisdom and insight within them awaiting my discovery- this was a unique look at the the service life of a Marine without demeaning thoughts.
There are enough parts of the book to be called mundane and boring and yet there were unique pearls of wisdom and insight within them awaiting my discovery- this was a unique look at the the service life of a Marine without demeaning thoughts.
August 20, 2023
Has some good stuff in it, but also long boring patches. The section where Lejeune struggles to survive a shipwreck is really dramatic reading, but then he goes on to bore you for scores of pages afterwards. Someone needs to release an edited-down version of this book.
September 11, 2017
Outstanding personal history of WW1 battles.
I never knew I would learn so much from this book. I could not put it down it was s fascinating.
I never knew I would learn so much from this book. I could not put it down it was s fascinating.
April 28, 2018
Great !
I gave it 4 stars .. Because of a few long chapters. But a great story of historical man and service to his country.
I gave it 4 stars .. Because of a few long chapters. But a great story of historical man and service to his country.
December 1, 2018
Semper Fi
Great read , I learned a lot About the Marine Corps of WW I and great Marine. Set the standards we try to stand up to.
Great read , I learned a lot About the Marine Corps of WW I and great Marine. Set the standards we try to stand up to.
December 5, 2018
Fellow marine
It was a great look into one of the Marine Corps great generals. He has been a hero of mine for years.
It was a great look into one of the Marine Corps great generals. He has been a hero of mine for years.
May 7, 2023
Must read for any Marine past, present, or future. Incredible story and insight from the Marine’s Marine!
December 9, 2017
This is General John A. Lejeune's autobiography. It was a very good book. He was a very good man. He got along with Army and Navy officers and was able to do a lot of good for the Marine Corps. He travelled to a lot of different places and saw a lot of different things. He was one of the greatest Marines ever.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews