Hard Corps: From Gangster to Marine Hero

by Marco Martinez

At the age of seventeen, Marco Martinez was a thug
At the age of twenty-two, he was a hero

Hard Corps tells the story of a young man’s incredible transformation from gun-toting gang member to recipient of the Navy Cross, the second-highest honor a U.S. Marine can receive. Gritty, riveting, and ultimately inspiring, Hard Corps captures the “ooh-rah” spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps and the grueling life on the front lines.

Genres: Military Fiction, Biography, Nonfiction, War, Biography Memoir, Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-titled book, it begins with a warning:”If profanity offends you, consider yourself warned. A Marine memoir without profanity is like a rifle without ammo. This book is locked and loaded.” Indeed. Written with a touch of humor and some graphic description, it is the honest, raw, story of a youth’s transition from gangsta style thug to authentic Marine Hero. And while I cannot relate at all to the profanity, the slang, the music, or the street life chosen by this young man, I am moved by the choice he ultimately made to reform his life in the discipline of the U.S. Marine Corps. Hard Corps has a touch of the same flavor (though from a Latino perspective) of Zell (Governor of Georgia) Miller’s excellent book “Corps Values” minus of course the gentle language and southern style. Both books are a vote for a mandatory National Service Program for all youth (in my opinion). Marco Martinez went from street hood to hero and is a recipient of the Navy Cross. He is currently on tour with the Vets for Freedom American Heroes, and this is why I read the book…out of gratitude for the sacrifices he made for himself, for his family, for his Marine brothers, for America.

http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/

http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/02_...

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have to admire a guy who writes his life story and he's only 24. He certainly is a hero. I have to admire his courage not only on the battlefield but also in telling us about his life with all its blemishes. You see the good, bad, and the ugly in this young man's life. It's a heartfelt tale filled with wisdom, immaturity, and some ranting. The only aspect of this book that disturbed me was the hazing. Hazing is not good leadership. It's hard to believe the son of an Army Ranger could get off track and take the wrong path. But it happens. Thanks to a teacher who saw in him the good he was put back on the right path. But Marco also sensed he was destined for something else. He made the change. Ten years after writing this book Marco is now the Veterans Services Officer for Orange County California helping his former brothers and sisters in arms.

[Tdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good unedited account of what a Marine's experience is. I do not agree with all the author's viewpoints, but I respect his background and why he sees things the way he does. This would be a great book for anyone considering entering the military.

[Gavin Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.

[Elizabeth Bienas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most accurate accounts of the USMC and the war that I've read. My husband is a former USMC tanker/OIF Vet so a lot of this really hit home for me and was relateable. If you don't like profanity then this isn't for you. There is no sugar-coating of anything in this book which makes it so great.

Martinez's story is really inspiring, but he's humble as hell like most of the Marine's I've ever met.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being married to one 2/5 Marine who lost his battle with PTSD and am now in a relationship with another one, this book was very hard to read. The two men I have loved most in my life were in these same battles. It is a well written book about a man just doing his job and becoming a hero in the process. It shows the discipline of the Marine Corps and how it can change a person's life for the better.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool book that is much better than Jarhead (which, by the way, this author hates). While this book is a quick read, it makes you think about the life of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in a hole new light. I recommend this book to anyone who has not been in the military and/or does not understand why young men are signing up to go to war.

[Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real heart-warming story of a urban kid who went from a negative lifestyle to someone who turned himself around and made a positive difference for himself and those he served alongside. A story of courage and commitment that younger kids might be able to identify with and with luck emulate. A true hero.

[Micah Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

(239 pages)
An inspiring book that shows the life of a modern day warrior. The book follows a young man who makes the transformation of a lifetime. There has been so much war in the world as of today and it would bring the outsider into the lives and psyche of Marines and Soldiers.. something not many know.

[Michael Richards]

Read first 3 chapters. Was decent but definately a hard core Marine. Hes going to be 70 and still be a bulldog. I did not get a chance to read when he was in combat. Ill have to pick back up another time.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most detailed look behind the Corps, and what this individual Marine did to become "one of the few!"

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good and gave me a different insight in to what the troops are going through in Iraq.

[Tim Severance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book from start to finish about a young punk gangster making the decision to be a man and do something right with his life.

[Phillip Grendzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book, highly recommend as long as you aren't easily offended by vulger language and violence