United States Marines in World War II' is a meticulously curated anthology that presents a comprehensive and multifaceted look at the pivotal role the U.S. Marines played during one of the most significant periods in world history. The collection spans a wide range of literary styles, from firsthand accounts and rigorous historical analyses to deeply personal narratives, offering readers a holistic view of the Marines experiences. These works, rich in diversity and historical significance, shed light on the bravery, strategies, and daily realities faced by the Marines, providing unparalleled insights into the broader scope of the wars impact on individuals, communities, and the trajectory of global conflict. The authors and editors, each a distinguished historian or veteran with profound ties to the Marine Corps Historical Center, bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the anthology. Their collective backgrounds encompass a broad spectrum of expertise in military history, strategy, and the human aspect of warfare, aligning with and enriching the central theme of the Marines' integral role in World War II. The anthology, thus, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of historical, cultural, and personal narratives that define the Marines' legacy. This anthology is not merely a historical record but an invitation to understand the depth and breadth of the United States Marines experience in World War II. It is an essential read for anyone interested in military history, offering an intricate exploration of the strategies, hardships, and human spirit that characterized the Marines' contribution to the war effort. Through its collective approach, the book fosters a dialogue between the diverse voices and perspectives of its contributors, enriching the readers comprehension of the war and the indomitable spirit of those who served. 'United States Marines in World War II' offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped a critical chapter of world history.

In 'Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu', Gordon D. Gayle sheds light on a battle that has largely been forgotten, but should rank among the bloodiest battles fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Despite being told it would be a quick and easy fight, US Marines fought and bled for the small coral island of Peleliu, which had negligible strategic value. The book explores the controversial battle, highlighting the high casualty rate, changing nature of Japanese tactics, and the valor and courage displayed by the Marines. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Pacific War and the sacrifices made by those who fought in it.

As the Marines ran into the shore of the coral reefed island of Peleliu in their landing craft the Japanese artillery that wreathed the landing beach of Peleliu gave them little confidence in the words of their commander General Rupertus that the operation would be hard but short with minimal casualties; what lay ahead would be what was known as “the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines”. Contains 70 photos and 23 maps and charts. “Many factors combined to make the assault on Peleliu one of the least understood operations of World War II. Yet it was one of the most vicious and stubbornly contested, and nowhere was the fighting efficiency of the U.S. Marine more convincingly demonstrated. At Peleliu the enemy proved that he had profited from his bitter experiences of earlier operations. He applied intelligently the lessons we had taught him in the Solomons, Gilberts, Marshalls, and Marianas. At Peleliu the enemy made no suicidal banzai charges to hasten the decision; he carefully concealed his plans and dispositions. He nursed from his inferior strength the last ounce of resistance and delay, to extract the maximum cost from his conquerers. In these respects Peleliu differed significantly from previous campaigns and set the pattern for things to come: Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Because the operation protracted itself over a period of nearly two and a half months, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the strategic objective was accomplished within the first week: neutralization of the entire Palaus group, and with this, securing of the Philippines approaches.”-C. B. CATES, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.

This Band of Brothers for the Pacific is the gut-wrenching and ultimately triumphant story of the Marines' most ferocious—yet largely forgotten—battle of World War II. Between September 15 and October 15, 1944, the First Marine Division suffered more than 6,500 casualties fighting on a hellish little coral island in the Pacific. Peleliu was the setting for one of the most savage struggles of modern times, a true killing ground that has been all but forgotten—until now. Drawing on interviews with Peleliu veterans, Bill Sloan's gripping narrative seamlessly weaves together the experiences of the men who were there, producing a vivid and unflinching tableau of the twenty-four-hour-a-day nightmare of Peleliu. Emotionally moving and gripping in its depictions of combat, Brotherhood of Heroes rescues the Corps's bloodiest battle from obscurity and does honor to the Marines who fought it.

An exploration of the actions and fate of the First Marine Division during the invasion of the Pacific island of Peleliu in September 1944.