The amazing life of one of the Marine Corps' premier combat leaders in World War II and Korea. Marine Lieutenant General Edward A. Craig served in the Corps from 1917 until 1951. He was one of the "old Corps" Marines, serving in the Banana Wars, World War II where he was commanding officer, 9th Marine Regiment, Bougainville and Guam, and Korea, where he led the "Fire Brigade" which many historians attribute to having saved the Pusan Perimeter, enabling the U.S. and her allies to save South Korea. He was also instrumental in making the amphibious landing at Inchon successful. Craig was considered one of the premier combat leaders in the Marine Corps. Marine historian Dick Camp knew Craig personally and has woven Craig’s own account of his service into context. Craig’s recollections are more than recitations of facts, his account of leading in World War II provides the perspective of a combat leader balancing the mission objectives with responsibility for the men he leads. His account of fighting during the Korean War section provides insight into how unprepared the United States was and how a determined, well-led Marine brigade was able to stop the North Korean advance and prevent them from overrunning South Korea.

Includes more than 40 maps, plans and illustrations. This volume in the official History of the Marine Corps chronicles the part played by United States Marines in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. The race to the Yalu was on. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur’s strategic triumph at Inchon and the subsequent breakout of the U.S. Eighth Army from the Pusan Perimeter and the recapture of Seoul had changed the direction of the war. Only the finishing touches needed to be done to complete the destruction of the North Korean People’s Army. Moving up the east coast was the independent X Corps, commanded by Major General Edward M. Almond, USA. The 1st Marine Division, under Major General Oliver P. Smith, was part of X Corps and had been so since the 15 September 1950 landing at Inchon. After Seoul the 1st Marine Division had reloaded into its amphibious ships and had swung around the Korean peninsula to land at Wonsan on the east coast. The landing on 26 October 1950 met no opposition; the port had been taken from the land side by the resurgent South Korean army. The date was General Smith’s 57th birthday, but he let it pass unnoticed. Two days later he ordered Colonel Homer L. Litzenberg, Jr., 47, to move his 7th Marine Regimental Combat Team north from Wonsan to Hamhung. Smith was then to prepare for an advance to the Manchurian border, 135 miles distant. And so began one of the Marine Corps’ greatest battles—or, as the Corps would call it, the “Chosin Reservoir Campaign.” The Marines called it the “Chosin” Reservoir because that is what their Japanese-based maps called it. The South Koreans, nationalistic sensibilities disturbed, preferred—and, indeed, would come to insist—that it be called the “Changjin” Reservoir.

Includes more than 40 maps, plans and illustrations. This volume in the official History of the Marine Corps chronicles the invasion by United States Marines at Inchon in the initial stages of the Korean War. The Battle of Inchon was an amphibious invasion and battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations. The operation involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels, and led to the recapture of the South Korea capital Seoul two weeks later. The code name for the operation was Operation Chromite. The battle began on 15 September 1950 and ended on 19 September. Through a surprise amphibious assault far from the Pusan Perimeter that UN and South Korean forces were desperately defending, the largely undefended city of Incheon was secured after being bombed by UN forces. The battle ended a string of victories by the invading North Korean People’s Army (NKPA). The subsequent UN recapture of Seoul partially severed NKPA’s supply lines in South Korea. The majority of United Nations ground forces involved were U.S. Marines, commanded by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur of the United States Army. MacArthur was the driving force behind the operation, overcoming the strong misgivings of more cautious generals to a risky assault over extremely unfavorable terrain.

During the early stages of helicopter development, when helicopters were able to lift just slightly more than their own weight, the military services were eagerly seeking to obtain a variety of larger, more useful helicopters. The youthful helicopter industry expressed optimism, although at times unrealistic, in its ability to meet the military requirements. The development of the helicopter program within the Marine Corps was sparked by the foresight and imagination of the officers of the period. While early helicopters provided stepping stones for an orderly progression of the program, the slowness of the technical advances and the periods of financial austerity after World War II and Korea prevented the Marine Corps from developing the vertical envelopment concept as rapidly as desired. The program gained interest and momentum, however, as a result of the success of helicopters in Korea. As Lieutenant General Gerald C. Thomas stated: "Indeed, the helicopter gave clear evidence, from its first tactical employment, that a major advance in combat was at hand." This history, which traces the development of helicopters in the Marine Corps from 1946 to 1962, offers a tribute to the creative vision and planning of a handful of Marine officers who conceived of the vertical assault concept in amphibious operations at a time when suitable aircraft to make it work did not exist. The story of the subsequent struggle to procure and develop those aircraft, to refine a doctrine for their employment, and to familiarize the Marine Corps with their use is an interesting and vital part of modern Marine Corps history. The documentary basis for this monograph was primarily the official records of the Marine Corps and Navy Department, but considerable use was made of interviews and correspondence with key individuals involved in all phases of helicopter development.

Immerse yourself in the harrowing tale of the relentless U.S. Marine assault on the fortified island of Tarawa in Joseph H. Alexander's gripping account, 'Across the Reef', With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Alexander takes readers to the heart of one of World War II's most intense battles. From the strategic planning to the daring amphibious assault, Alexander brings to life the remarkable courage and sacrifice displayed by both the American attackers and the tenacious Japanese defenders. Through firsthand accounts and meticulous attention to detail, the author uncovers the true magnitude of the battle, capturing the immense scale of destruction and heroism.

The first biography of the Marine general who was decorated for bravery in both WWII and Korea, and went on to serve as a commanding general in Vietnam. “Ray Davis was a hardened combat veteran. This was brought home to me one day while visiting a remote Army firebase in the jungle south of Khe Sanh. As the two of us strode along the jungle pathway, Davis suddenly stopped and peered intently into the thick green foliage. I suspected danger, brought my rifle up, and slipped off the safety. After a few moments, the general turned and casually remarked, “Dick, this reminds me of a command post I had on Guadalcanal.” I mumbled, “Yes, sir,” and surreptitiously fingered the safety to the “on” position. “Christ,” I thought in awe, “I was only two years old at the time of Guadalcanal. This is the old man’s third war!”—Dick Camp, from the introduction A native of Georgia, Raymond Davis joined the Marine Corps after university and would go on to serve in three wars and be decorated for gallantry several times including the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chosin where his leadership saved countless American lives. He retired as a four-star general after 33 years in the corps. Dick Camp, Marine veteran and historian, weaves memoirs, first-hand accounts, and his own personal memories of General Davis in this first biography of this archetypal “Old Breed” Marine. “Camp writes an awe-inspiring book of a humble and unsung Marine war hero—a national treasure—who gave his absolute all in the service to his country, the Marine Corps, and his Marines. These facts come across clearly in substantive depth throughout the book. It is historically accurate and crafted in such a way that unmistakably brings Davis’s heroics to light and life for the reader.” —Military Review “A good book told by a competent author; it’s well researched and written. If you’re a Jarhead, it’s a must read.” —The VVA Veteran “A well-crafted biography of an important Marine commander. It illustrates well through Davis’ career the Marine Corps of the mid-Twentieth century.” —Paul Westermeyer, Historian

In 1950, when he commissioned the first edition of The Armed Forces Officer, Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall told its author, S.L.A. Marshall, that "American military officers, of whatever service, should share common ground ethically and morally." In this new edition, the authors methodically explore that common ground, reflecting on the basics of the Profession of Arms, and the officer's special place and distinctive obligations within that profession and especially to the Constitution.

Photo-rich firsthand accounts of the month-long battle in June 1918 that turned the tide of WWI.