American Spartans
The US Marines: A Combat History from Iwo Jima to Iraq

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book. At first I thought it a bit jingoistic. Every conceivable superlative was used-over and over again-to describe the Marines, their men, their leaders, their training and their philosophy. It seemed to be a P.R. piece for the MarInes. But then it......more

This is an overview of the battles that the Marine Corp has fought since Iwo Jima to the beginning of Operation Freedom; battles fought with enemies and with Congress over budgets. This book documents the ebb and flow of public support and understanding of the Marine Corp and its methods. Why I start......more

I didn't love it. It is one of those books I wish I could like because the subject matter should be interesting to me. I took a few months to finish it because I hate not finishing books. I think the main reason I struggled with it was because it came off as almost "cheerleading" the Marine Corps. I......more

A sweeping history of the formation and development of the United States Marines. Key engagement details are included with action from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East wars. I was educated and enlightened. I was honored to read this book and learn the history of our elite fighting......more

So that's what was going on behind the battlefield and on the battlefield. The author mixes combat and between the wars stories to keep you reading. I learned a few things.......more