Just got mine a few days ago and I am 100% pleased with my purchase, worth every penny. In the book it gives a detailed picture of an average soldier from basically every battle in the Pacific (Makin Raiders to Occupational Soldiers) and a detailed caption on every piece of gear/clothing they wore.

I'm a WWII reenactor and was interested in doing a paramarine impression for fun but had no idea what they wore from internet findings. In the book it had 3 pictures with paramarines and passages to go with them. Highly suggest this book.

Gordon Rottman has written another fine book, this time covering the organization, uniforms and weapons of the Marine Corp during WWII. Whilst not a history of the Marines themselves, this book has a lot of information for the learned and not so learned reader. As with all of Osprey's books, it is especially useful for the modeler, with the excellent choice of photos, accompanied by Mike Chappell's great artwork. The book explains the difference in the Marines weapons in comparison with those of the Army, and why these differences occur. Not being a Marine myself, I found the book most useful in understanding the special needs of the Marine Corp, and the methods used to address these special needs. Naturally, most of the book relates to the infantry class of weapon, and the rifle was first and foremost. I didn't realize the high standard of marksmanship the Marines demanded of it's infantry.

Also covered are the other types of weapons used by the Marines in the Pacific war, and the reasons they were used. Owing to the jungle terrain, banzai attacks and night action, automatic weapons became prevalent. The use of flame throwers, bazookas and satchel charges for the clearing of bunkers and caves is covered. Unlike the US Army's experience in Europe and Africa against massed German armour, Japanese tanks caused a minimal threat for the Marines, and they used their anti-tank weapons more often in direct fire against enemy positions. Unlike in Germany, the Marines faced more problems with Japanese air attacks, and consequently light and medium flak was more often used by the Marines in the Pacific theatre. Also covered is the Marine artillery, as well as the use of armour to defeat fixed strongpoints, especially with tank mounted flame throwers. The use of .30 calibre is also covered, along with the tactics used by the Marines in their arduous island hopping campaign in the Pacific. The information on the organization of the Corp is welcome, as is the background on their uniforms and personal equipment.

A top read!

I was on active duty in the Marines from 1975 to 1979--History and Traditions was a large block of basic training at MCRD San Diego. World War Two made the modern Marine Corps, and battles such as Iwo Jima still justify the Corps existance today. Osprey's "US Marine Corps 1941-45" is quite informative--I have a large number of history books and official and unofficial manuals on the Marine Corps. I wanted this book to help me build small WWII Marine Corps units in minature for display and to develop accurate war games--Osprey didn't disappoint. I did note that on page 9 the line and block charts showed 1965 organizations, but I know from personal experience that the official manuals have errors in them and the rest of the book made up for this typo. First, the detail on Marine units from Defense Battalions to Raider Battalions was amazing in such a thin volume. The "ordinary" rifle regiments and BLTs were not neglected. The period photos showed rare pieces of gear in action, and the famous Opsrey color plates proved valuable for detailing my minature Marine collection. Where there are Marines, the Navy isn't far behind, and this slim book had color plates of Corpsmen, SeaBees, and the crew of landing craft. Unique Marine weapons were also pictured--the M1903A1 rifle with Unertl telescopic sight, Johnson Light Machine Gun, the Reising submachine gun--and the British-designed Boys .55 caliber anti-tank rifle. Order of battle information, too? Unit histories as well? The information is a balance between covering most of the subjects and covering those subjects in depth. I would have liked a book list in the back, but the index is handy. I recommend getting "US World war II Amphibious Tactics, Army and Marine Corps, Pacific Theater," also by Osprey, as a companion volume to this book.

This book is well worth the time and money for those interested in the Story of the USMC. This team of Mr. Rottman & Mr. Chappell has produced a good book about the Marines and the Corps most glorious times in its proud history. It is very clear to me that both of these Gentlemen have a lot respect for one of America's toughest units and it shows.