The assaults in the Pacific during WWII by the US Marines resulted in some of the fiercest and bloodiest campaigns of WWII. These men fought against an enemy that was, to say the least, fanatical in their belief that they should do all they could to destroy their enemy. Despite the horrendous loss of life, especially on the Japanese side, it as America's superiority in weaponry and tactics that eventually won the day for the Allies.

Segue into a commentary about combat photographers. Unlike the Germans, who had combat photographers in with units throughout the war, this was not really the case for the US. As a result, there is little actual combat material until the middle of 1943. Those people who were with units, were embedded (as we now say) civilian photographers who often were unable to handle combat situations. It was also considered to be in bad form to show the horrors of war to the American population at large. This changed when President FDR felt that the American public had a right to know just how things were on the front lines.

Author Eric Hammel has gone through the archives of photos taken of US Marine engagements during the war and chosen a select number of images that he feels are the best as showing these men in all manor of situations. Photos were taken at Bougainville, Saipan, Tarawa, Peleliu, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal to name a few. The book is in sections such as Beach Assault, In the Jungle, Supporting Arms, In the Attack, Stress and Tension, and At Ease. Each photograph has on its preceding page, a section enlarged from the main image. All of the photos get right to the point of the subject and many are quite unforgettable.

It all makes for an excellent photo compilation of battle in the Pacific. A book that you will go through time and time again.

October 2011

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