I'm Staying With My Boys...: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone, USMC

by Jim Proser

A first-hand account of one of America's greatest heroes, Sergeant John Basilone, who earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic defense of Henderson airfield, Guadalcanal, turning the tide of World War II. Sgt. Basilone narrates his own story from aimless youth into clear-eyed warrior, undefeated light-heavyweight boxer and nationally revered war hero. Disdaining fame and safety, he returned to battle. He was killed at Iwo Jima defending “his boys”--the young Marines he loved. Original.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, World War II, Biography, Nonfiction, War, Military History

354 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

I dropped out of high school, disdained college and paid no attention to the prominent connections my father had in the entertainment industry. I was determined to survive, or not, simply by my natural grit, work ethic, talent and luck. I failed a lot. I succeeded occasionally and I'm proud of those achievements. I do regret, at this late point in my life, that I always chose the hard way of the lone wolf. I realize now that I was an angry young man with something, or everything, to prove.

My regrets I hope will be the seeds of a greater understanding that I can convey to young people considering a similar path. Writing is the greatest job in the world but everybody doesn't have to start from zero like I did. The world will see your light, you just have to keep the flame inside you burning brightly. Be prepared to accept a life of failure without becoming resigned to it. You will succeed in small ways and occasionally in large ones if you're lucky. The work is the same. Be a writer. Temper the steel in your soul and keep your hand of friendship open to everyone, even friends you haven't earned.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

m Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone, USMC by Jim Proser with Jerry Cutter was a letdown. Sgt. Basilone is a great soldier and I learned a lot about him but I hated the book.

I picked up this book because it had a high rating and I knew this year, I should pay homage to my graduate advisor (Goldy). Donald Goldstein helped to write so many books about World War II. His work with Gordan Prange and Katherine V. Dillon has some of the best documented work about the World War II when you are talking about the fights against the Japanese. They wrote At Dawn We Slept, God’s Samurai, December 1941: Tvewle Days that Began a World War and others. Goldy is right it’s too easy to focus on the Holocaust and you lose the larger picture especially at the time, it was about fighting the Japanese (who were most commonly referred to as Dirty Japs). We forget that US citizens were imprisoned for the mere fact they were of Japanese and Asian dissent. We entered the war due to the Japanese bombing Pearl Harbor. Plus we had some of our largest battles in places like The Miracle of Midway, Iwo Jima and Gaudalcanal. So this year, I want to see read more about the parts of World War II not related to the Holocaust (except some books that are about the OSS).

This book drove me nuts. I’m sorry but a first person narrative with lots of internal thought is not appropriate for a biography especially when Sgt Basilone died in battle. This is the first time I had to check the genre a couple of times hoping it was misclassified by Amazon. It read like historical fiction. In fact, if it would have been called historical fiction then the book would have been fine. It would have allowed using your best guess at what was going through his mind (especially during battle) without seeming like he was making it all up.

Then I read the citations, hoping that there was a diary or something along those lines. I was sorely disappointed. The book was under-research in many ways. While it had the help of Basilone’s family, there was little to really see believe what was being said as being Baslione’s mental state. It only had thirteen books in the bibliography and one was self-published (which according to academic standard is a second tier research book). I won’t lie, I was hoping Goldy would have been cited. But I can't believe that it was allowed to be published with so few resources. I am one who does read the bibliographies even for my historical fiction. I like knowing how much faith I can put into the book as being an expert especially when I'm doubting the writer.

The other thing that drove me absolutely nuts was the organization to the book. At first, it made perfect sense to flashback to childhood. But it should have been done only once and there shouldn’t have been done when talking about events from the same trip to Manila. The constant back and forth seemed random and then ended suddenly once it got to Gaudalcanal, it stuck to a constant time line. I would have loved to restructure the book.

In the end, I hated the book when it’s billed as a biography. It was not written in an appropriate manner which you can take for fact. If it was done as historical fiction, it would have been a much better book ( I would struggle with the organization but it would have been a lot better). Billing matters. Being honest with the reader matters (just like taking the time to edit a book properly matters).I enjoyed learning about Sgt. Basilone’s life, the book itself was pretty bad.

[Jim Proser · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author, I won't review this book but the comments about it. Overall, as is apparent in the 4.52 star rating, most people are very happy with the book. However, there are those who object, rather strenuously, to my use of the first person in telling the story of a man I didn't know personally and a well-known hero at that. A man who served with Sgt. Basilone and was a writer himself, Capt. Bill Lansford USMC, was very positive about my choice. Bill understood that dramatic license applies to any subject that a writer is brave enough to attempt, even one about a nationally recognized hero. Secondly, another Marine, Col. Ken Jordan, was so enthusiastic that someone was at least writing the story of Sgt. Basilone, that he encouraged me to write the introduction of the book and address this issue head-on. Thank you Col. Jordan. You will never know how close I was to giving up when you invited me for lunch that long-ago day in San Diego. Thirdly, the Marine Corps Commandant that year of 2010, James T. Conway thought enough of the book to include it in his professional reading list for all Marines. It has remained there for many years. And finally, Sgt. Basilone's brother Carlo and sister Gladys approved of my manuscript with high praise. Apparently I came at least close to the mark.

Perhaps those who consider me impudent are right. It was certainly outrageous that I, who never served in the military, would presume to speak in the voice of this timeless hero. However, I make no apology. The important thing is that my version of the story about this man sheds some light on his life of selflessness, courage and commitment. My hope is that more, particularly young Marines, read the story of Sgt. Basilone and strive to emulate him.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading 50% of this book, I decided to just skip to the last chapter. My biggest issue with I'm Staying with My Boys is that it is written in the first person even though this is not an autobiography. There is also no evidence that Basilone kept a journal or diary, which makes this (to me) read more like historical fiction than an actual biography. I was really interested in learning about Sgt. Basilone's life, specifically his time in the service and his tragic death, but unfortunately I felt this book dragged.

[Max Cantor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so difficult to talk or write or even think about media about war. I can't tolerate most of it; I have long believed that serious subjects are best considered with lightness and humor, but war--specifically, the story of the soldiers--has always felt different to me. Perhaps it is because any depiction of World War II that does not include the grotesque and unnerving transformation from man to warrior seems disingenuous to me. Any such portrayal puts us at risk of being entertained by war without considering every part of it, and that is very dangerous.

"I'm Staying with My Boys" is so clear and honest that reading it was a religious experience. More than just the record of a brutal conflict, it is also the compelling and tragic story of Sergeant John Basilone. Any person who has ever reflected on their life and wondered if they are pointed in the right direction can connect to Sgt. Basilone; throughout the biography, he struggles mightily to do right by God, himself, his family, his country, and his fellow human beings.

Further commentary feels strangely inappropriate. When presented with a picture of someone's very soul, what is there to say? "I'm Staying with My Boys" is humbling, funny, terrifying and inspiring. Everyone should read it.

[Samuel Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm disgusted with the writer. As a US Marine reading this story made me sick to my stomach, because its just that, a story. Jim Poser should be ashamed. He fictionalized an iconic war hero to sell a story and not fact. He went as far as to make up deep thoughts as if he was actually John Basilone. Hes never even met the man. Unfortunately the real hero was not fairly literate and didn't record most of his thoughts and feelings. The writer exploited this and made up his own story and is misleading the public. It was to damn good of a story, but it needs to be recognized as that. This is a fiction book and nothing else. Do not be mistaken the acts recorded in the book did occur for the most part as this blood thirsty war hero and his team fended of waves of Japanese onslaught. He was a Marine's Marine and needs to be remembered as so.

[Wayne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I liked the background provided about Sgt Basilone and his personal, non-war related life. As with war stories, there are some hard parts to read. Quite pleased I read the book and recommend it.

[Taylor Burrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book is a pretty straightforward account of the Pacific campaign through the one man perspective of John Basilone, a congressional medal of honor recipient. It is written through a first person perspective so I can see where some people take issue with a first person biography that isn't actually an autobiography. However, it also happens to be on the Marine commandant's reading list and for good reason.

A lot of the book revolves around what happened through the course of his lifetime and not just his battle time. So, even though a loose analysis of the book may criticize how impossible it is to know what Manila John was thinking at a given timr during battle, that really isn't the important takeaway from the book.

I even find that much of the book is very relatable. Marines still like all the same things as they ever did: cursing, drinking, fighting, popping some caps, and just generally being together (with certain ~7 month limitations). We even still look to Lewis Puller for heroic guidance just as John did.

Another event speaks to me even more clearly to the relevance to today's Corps: Recently, at an event in ~2014 of which my unit took part, we encountered Dakota Meyer, another recipient of the medal of honor. As far as I know events of combat were never even discussed (as was also Basilone's preference in this book), and he was simply happy to be back with other Marines and not in a spotlight. Likewise, both seemed to feel like there was a shared deservedness of honors with their unit.

Thus, this book is less about how Sgt Basilone felt during the one chapter of battle description (if this was what you read the book for, I recommend his award citation instead; it's much shorter) as much as it was about how Basilone demonstrated our core leadership traits selflessness/unselfishness (as well as courage and all the others) all the way to the end.

That said, I'm sure his family really appreciates a book casting him in a light reminiscent of his life rather than his time during two battles as is demonstrable by Carlo Basilone's comment about the book itself claiming that students should learn and study from this book.

[Jim Proser · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author, I won't review this book but the comments about it. Overall, as is apparent in the 4.10 star rating, most people are happy with the book. However, there are those who object, rather strenuously, to my use of the first person in telling the story of a man I didn't know personally and a well-known hero at that.

A man who served with Sgt. Basilone and was a writer himself, Capt. Bill Lansford USMC, was very positive about my choice. Bill understood that dramatic license applies to any subject that a writer is brave enough to attempt, even one about a nationally recognized hero. Secondly, a younger Marine, Col. Ken Jordan, was so enthusiastic that someone was at least writing the story of Sgt. Basilone, that he encouraged me to write the introduction of the book and address this issue head-on. Thank you Col. Jordan. You will never know how close I was to giving up when you invited me for lunch that long-ago day in San Diego.

Thirdly, the Marine Corps Commandant that year of 2010, James T. Conway thought enough of the book to include it in his professional reading list for all Marines. It has remained there for many years. And finally, Sgt. Basilone's brother Carlo and sister Gladys approved of my manuscript with high praise. Apparently I came at least close to the mark.

Perhaps those who consider me impudent are right. It was certainly outrageous that I, who never served in the military, would presume to speak in the voice of this timeless hero. However, I make no apology. The important thing is that my version of this man's story sheds some light on his life of selflessness, courage and commitment. My hope is that more, particularly young Marines, read the story of Sgt. Basilone and strive to emulate him.

[John Hohman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim really shows how addicting it can be leading bloodthirsty teenage misfits in the application of violence. It's a hard habit to kick, just ask Johnny B.

[Richard Buro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short version first . . .

A good biography should first look at the research conducted on the part of the author to insure that the facts were clearly presented, verified, and received by the community most concerned with the published result. In this case, Mr. Jim Proser (Goodreads Author) stands in as one of the most savvy of editors, writers, and producers of a work that will be scrutinized by the toughest reviewers in the world about this biography -- yes, the United States Marine Corps. Sgt. Basilone was a major character in the HBO miniseries "The Pacific," and Mr. Proser's work is a solid representation of the facts. feats. and experiences of Sgt. Basilone.

Mr. Proser's work is well researched with clear attention to use of verified sources, events, and accomplishments of "Manila John" with clear focus on his exploits in the War in the Pacific as conducted by the United States Marine Corps, primarily by the US Marines 1/7 on Guadalcanal and the the 1/5 on Iwo Jima. Sergeant Basilone passed on Iwo Jima in the explosion of an enemy mortar round fired into his machine gun position.

Upon completing this work, it was clear to me that the story as presented was supported by the United States Marine Corps and the Basilone family. With those venues of support, the reader should be more than satisfied. "Manila John" was awarded the Medal of Honor for his exploits at Guadalcanal and the Navy Cross for his leadership and service at Iwo Jima, in addition to numerous other medals and recognitions. His wife, brother, sister, mom and dad were his survivors, and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. It was one excellent read!!

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly a biography and in reality delved far too much into historical fiction.

While I believe the people being interviewed had the best intentions at heart, second and third hand hearsay is not history.

On the plus side though, good to see that the true horrors of the battle on the canal were not overlooked, the malaria, the food, the living conditions, apparently the US didn’t subscribe to the Napoleonic code that an army travels on its stomach.

The PTSD, which was rarely spoken of by returning soldiers is also apparent.

The last thing is Basilone apparently understanding that he wears the Medal for all those who didn’t come back....a common theme I hear spoken of openly by MOH recipients, from current conflicts. It was a different era in WWII, but it would have been more appropriate if in his thousands of speeches he said it aloud more than once

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overall story was interesting. But I found it strange and occasionally annoying that the author (who never personally met John Basilone considering he died in WWII) thought it was a good idea to write in a first-person narrative. It made the book feel more like an historical fiction than a WWII biography.

[Tanner Hoard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book for the Machine Gunner, the best job in the Marine Corps. Or any history buff. Details and stories about Chesty were really great too. I had chills several times during this book.

[Jack 28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good rip John

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Basilone served in the Army in the Philippine during the 1930s before coming home and re-enlisting in the Marines. He fought on Guadalcanal where his heroism and the Medal of Honor, meant that his next assignment was stateside helping sell war bonds. He repeatedly tried to return to the fighting and was killed on Iwo Jima on the first day the marines stormed up the beaches.

Why I started this book: Love listening to the recommended Professional Reading titles and I always put them on hold when I find them.... then it's just a matter of waiting my turn.

Why I finished it: Fascinating book until half-way thru when I realized that it was written first person as a biography (NOT autobiography). I started researching and was very easy (google) to find that Basilone left very little written record and that this book is based on an embarrassingly short list of references and the help of the family. Which is too bad because "Manila John" deserves to have his story told... TRUTHFULLY, and not just as his family wants to remember him.

[Abby Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this book. it did help me feel closer to and better understand this American Hero. I think the reason Basilone has stuck in the American consciousness so long is not because he was any more heroic than any other Marine (he would agree with me on that), but because he ended up in the public eye, gave up a life of fame, glamor, and ease to get back in the war, and then died. The war had more heroes than a grateful nation could keep up. Basilone became a name and face we could hold onto.

As far as this book was concerned, I did struggle a bit with the 1st Person narrative. The author worked with Basilone's family to capture his heart, mind, and voice, but a part of me still wanted to label it historical fiction even if it was really light on the fiction.

Parts of the book dragged, especially when Basilone was a lost kid unsure of what to do with his life. It was repetitive.

All the military parts, the battle scenes, and especially the last third of the book were well done. I loved every moment with Chesty Puller. There were certainly tears near the end.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life story of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone, one of the Marines featured in HBO's "The Pacific." Basilone grew up in New Jersey in a large Italian family and he spent his early years searching for his purpose in life. He found that purpose when the joined the Marines in 1940. The service was his home and his new family. He won the Medal on Bloody Ridge in Guadalcanal and was one of the few of his machine gun platoon who made it out alive. Sent back to the States to head up the War Bond drives as "America's Hero," he is uncomfortable in the role. He finally demands to be sent back to the war and he is reassigned to another machine gun platoon in the 5th Marines. His unit is one of the first wave in the invasion of Iwo Jima. John survives the landing but is killed by a mortar shell leading reinforcements taking the air strip on the island. He wins a posthumous Navy Cross. It is a well-written story with a lot of details about life in America before and during the War.

[Justin Steiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a great book told in an unsuspecting but engaging way. The book is told from the perspective of Basilone, which makes you feel like you're alongside with him. I'm sure plenty of research went into making the book, but I took some parts with a grain of salt knowing that his exact thoughts or words couldn't be known.
The book covers his time as a kid looking for his calling, in the Army, in Guadalcanal, touring with stars, and leading up to Iwo Jima. The story of his unit at Iwo Jima is broken up into chronological sections placed throughout the book, which does a good job to break up some very monotonous parts, such as when the author took a LONG time to talk about how John felt as a kid looking for his calling and his time on the war bond tour. The sections of the book about Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima are by far the most engaging and well written.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Basilone is one of the most legendary US Marines and his story is full of excellence. However my reason for giving this book only 3 out of 5 stars is because I often felt that the author writing from the first person perspective was off-putting. While I am sure he did a lot of research to try to understand what Basilone was thinking throughout his life, it’s hard not to feel that he could just be making things up for the purpose of telling a story.

The highlights of the book of course are the telling of Basilone’s confirmed military performance. I just am not a fan of the author pretending to be Basilone since only John could really say what he was thinking at certain moments. Thus I feel that this biography should’ve been written from a typical third person perspective. Overall a great read, just not a fan of the first person storytelling.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've been waiting a long time to read "I'm Staying With My Boys" and was excited to start. Unfortunately, it was a letdown from the beginning because of the writing style. This biography, not autobiography, this biography is written in the first person. The presumptuous take that the author could know Basilone's every thought did not work for me. I think the author would have been better served writing an historical novel about John Basilone where I'd certainly be willing to give him more leeway. Again, others might like this style (obvious, giving the high rating), but it did not work for me. Maybe I'll seek out James Brady's biography on John Basilone, one of our most highly decorated heroes in the United States.

[Sam Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best

Anyone who draws inspiration from a well -told war story and heroism will feel a swell of pride from reading this account of John Basilone's evolution as a Marine warrior against the Japanese in the Pacific theatre of WWII. The narrative is told from both first and third person perspectives as seamlessly as a well-tailored suit to take the reader from soul searching years of growing up to the blood soaked battlefields of Guadalcanal. You also get to meet Chesty Puller up close and personal. This is one of the best told war stories you are likely to find.

[Ertuğrul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the struggle of a man who wanted to be a warrior in his heart but was continuously gaslighted to live an ordinary life, although he knew once he had a taste of the battlefield that he could not spend his days while his mates were fighting in another continent.

I would suggest reading this book before watching "The Pacific" unlike most of us who probably have watched the TV show first. It reads a tad bit like a novel fiction in some parts, that is why I am rating it a four instead of five stars.

[Jack P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm staying with my boys is about John Basilone an American hero who received the metal of honor during the war in the Pacific. Basilone grew up in a small New Jersey town. His father wanted him to stay at home and work the family business. However, Basilone enlisted in the Us Army and was stationed in the Philippines during the late 1930s just before World War 2 started. Soon after Basilone returned home, World War 2 broke out. John was reluctant to go back, but nonetheless he enlisted in the Marines to fight the Japanese. Im staying with my boys is about the horrors of War, PTSD, and the life of th everyday marine in World War 2.

[Josh Hovance · Rating 3 out of 5]

FINALLY finished this. TBS has really affected how much time I can dedicate to pleasure reading. John Basilone was an American hero, and he showed that a Medal of Honor doesn’t represent your actions, but those of the men who didn’t come back. There’s also some great stories about Chesty in this book which are worth reading about too. Im sure I would have enjoyed this more if I read it all within 2 weeks or so opposed to 2 months:(

[Gregg Puluka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great honor for our hometown hero. Growing up here in Bridgewater, I had to leave to understand what a big deal Basilone is. Now we all appreciate his time, hard work and sacrifice with the annual parade, stamp issue and this text.

Say what you will about the writing style and flow, I am happy to see a great story told about a life well lived.

[CF Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard book

I knew about Sgt Basilone before I ever joined the Marine Corps. This book taught me about the man behind the stories...and a glimpse of the horrors of the Canal. One line stands out..”We’d gone through twenty-six thousand rounds.” For a former 0302, that tells the story of the true horror and the gallantry of all those men that night on Guadalcanal. Simper Fi!

[Amy Newman · Rating 1 out of 5]

John Basilone is truly an amazing man, but I would not recommend this biography of him. For some completely undiscernable reason, the author writes the book in the first-person. While the book was authorized by the family, even they wouldn't know what their son/brother/husband was thinking and feeling. This is a definite skip.

[ashley sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

And he did

A young man having trouble finding himself struggled to do just that in a most spectacular way - his way, to become a major inspiration to many service members who learned so much from him. His adult life could have been one of ease but he chose the road less traveled to become a major icon during and after WWII.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utterly disappointed with this book. It was clearly a fantasized attempt by the author and family to pitch a bio-pic. As soon as it turned into a first person recollection INSIDE the head of John Basilone on the day that he died, it turned into a work of fiction and not even a particularly well structured one.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told as Basilone had spoken every word

I loved the way this was written, as Basilone himself. The writing is first class ! My only problem is that it jumped around quite a bit, which I normally enjoy, but this seemed to interfere with the continuity of his life !
Otherwise I thought it was outstanding and a true memorial to a very special person.