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Book Review

Pacific Warriors Author:  Eric Hammel      Publisher:  Zenith Press           The U.S. Marines in World War II: A Pictorial Tribute      “A powerfully written history … Eric Hammel has demonstrated again his genius for bringing the past to life in language that is both understandable and digestible. He accompanies his magnificent prose with many never-before-published photographs of Marines in action during the war. The result is a history masterpiece … A must-read for future generations of Marines. For those who fought the battles, endured the suffering and paid the price, this book is a tribute to their honor, glory and steadfast devotion to duty.” Leatherneck Magazine (September 2005 issue) “A new work by noted historian Eric Hammel … [His] expertise comes through in Pacific Warriors via a surprisingly detailed narrative … The text is bracketed by 300 high-quality photographs, many of which are published for the first time … Pacific Warriors is worthy of the legacy that it seeks to honor. Eric Hammel’s polished perspective as a military historian is both appropriate and timely. Poignantly written and illustrated, Marines will not be disappointed with his work.” Marine Corps Gazette (September 2005 issue) From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, and more recently from the jungles of Vietnam to the killing fields of Iraq, America’s "soldiers of the sea" have fought their country’s battles with famed valor, skill, and perseverance in the face of long odds. But where did the U.S. Marines earn their reputation as being the "first to fight?" It was on the South Pacific Island of Guadalcanal. There, on August 7, 1942, the 1st Marine Division stormed ashore to begin one of the most difficult and brutal campaigns of military history—and an unbroken string of victories staged across the Pacific.   __________________________