Book excerpt: From the initial rigors of Parris Island to actual combat conditions at Guadalcanal—here is an enlisted man’s true, firsthand account of what it was like to be a Marine during World War II. Here are the fears, the moments of triumph and joy, the gamut of emotions in those facing danger and death on the battlefield. Here is the true story of a long, cruel, holding operation...fought with too little equipment and too few men. Avoiding overdose horror themes, bedroom scenes, and needless profanity, T. Grady Gallant reveals the innermost thoughts and experiences of a band of rough and rugged men—the men of the First Division, Fleet Marine Force, who invaded Guadalcanal and won for America her first land victory of World War II. “A great book”—Leon Uris “A fine, rare book”—Burke Davis “A book all Marines will enjoy”—Robert Sherrod