Recommended Reads

Title of Book

Author

Brief Overview of the Book

Order Information/Comments

Pacific Theater

History

c1957

Walter Lord

Walter Lord did extensive research on the Battle of Pearl Harbor.  He had 577 first hand accounts including exclusive interviews with members of the Japanese attacking force.  He uncovered facts that had never before been published.

This is the most comprehensive account I have read on the Battle of Pearl Harbor.

Pacific Theater

Autobiography

c. 2006

In Manila Bay Sunset Bill relates his story from his entry into the military to his rescue at the end of the war.   He participated in the first mass  flight of B17s over the Pacific Ocean  to his assignment at Clark Field. Shortly after his arrival the Japanese gained control of the Philippines. Bill survived the Bataan Death March, was transported on a "hell ship" to Manchuria, China where he was a slave laborer until the end of the war. 

Billy Templeton gives a glimpse into the horrific life of American  POWs captured and tortured by the Japanese in the Philippians.  Manila Bay Sunset is a heart wrenching, emotional, eye opening, must read book. Ev

Billy Templeton passed away on 22 DEC 09 (check out the TAPS page for details)

Pacific Theater

Biography

c. 2001

Hampton Sides

Ghost Soldiers tells of the heroic rescue by 121 Rangers of 513 POWs, captured in the Philippines and placed in a prison camp near the city of Cabanatuan.  It tells of the endurance of the prisoners (some survivors of the Bataan Death March) and their strong will to live.  The daring rescue took place with a race against time.  The Japanese army was killing all American POWs as they retreated from an advancing American Army.

Sides gives a different view of prison life.  The rescue took place toward the end of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.  It is a high interest book. Ev

Pacific  Theater

Biography

c. 2005

Ron Greer & Mike Wicks

Ron wrote of his father's experiences (S/Sgt Herbert L. Greer) as a radio opera6tor during WWII.  S/Sgt Greer flew in 28 bombing missions over Japan, at the heart of a B-29 Super Fortress.

S/Sgt Herbert Greer passed away in 2008.  He had kept a daily diary of flights from Guam for the missions over Japan.  Ron wrote the book from his father's diary accounts and his recollections of events.    It is a fascinating book to read.  Ev

Pacific Theater

Autobiography

c. 1989

a

This is  a true story of an outstanding, courageous, underage veteran, who joined the Marine Corp at the age of 14.  It is a story of his experiences in the horrific conditions the American military faced in the Battle of Iwo Jima.  His bravery won him a Silver Star, a Purple Heart and 2 Presidential Citations.

$6.50 +$1.50 shipping = $8.00

Jack Brannon was a close friend of Anthony and  attended many of the Iwo Jima reunions with him.  Jack said "Tony passed away Jan 20, 1995, 30 days before the Iwo 50th anniversary.  He was to be the guest speaker at the Atlanta 50th".  As I read this book I felt as if I were in the battle with Anthony.  Ev

Pacific Theater

Historical Novel

Winner of the Gold Medal for Historical Fiction

c.

Faulkner's book is a fictionalized account of the Battle of Suribachi.  It is  based on her  father's real life experiences in the battle for Iwo Jima.  It makes the difficult struggle come alive as the soldiers on both sides  fight for control of this strategic island.

JoyceKFaulkner@gmail.com Joyce's book can be ordered online, or if you want a signed copy you can order it from her at the above email address. It is also available at www.amazon.com 

I highly recommend this book.  Ev

Pacific Theater

Autobiography

Best seller in France

c1972

Ryuji Nagatsuka

This is the first published inside story of the suicide squads of WWII.  Nagatsuka volunteered to become a Kamikaze.  It tells of his training, his feelings, his family and gives insight to the WWII culture of Japan.

This book gives insight into why so many young Japanese  men were willing to commit suicide as Kamikaze pilots.  It is informative  and gives insight as to why so many young Japanese men volunteered to become Kamikazes.  Ev

Pacific Theater

Biography

c2010

Pat McGrath Avery

This is a unique story of an all girl band that performed for our troops on a Pacific Tour with the U.S.O.  It tells a little about each performer, their experiences and their bravery as they headed into the war zones.  They not only entertained the troops with their music, but visited hospitals and served in the chow lines at the mess halls.   

Pacific Theater

Autobiography

c1997

Maj. Gen. Charles W. Sweeney

Maj. gen. Sweeney was a part of both the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombing missions.  His book tells about the training, the problems and the secrecy that surrounded the use of the atomic bombs in Japan.

War's End was written to preserve the facts of America's Last Atomic Mission.  It gives insight into the rational that called for the use of the Atomic Bomb.  It is well worth reading.  Ev

Europe and Pacific Theaters

History

This is a Landmark Book  c1963

Commander Edmund L Castillo

The Seabees played an important role in winning World War II.  The Seabees are a part of the Navy.  MacArthur remarked "The only trouble with your Seabees is that I do not have enough of them."

This is an easy read, informative account of the training and operations of the Seabees in World War II and their work in peace times after the war.

Europe and Pacific Theaters

History

This is a Landmark Book c1961

Robert Loomis

Europe Theater

History

This is a Landmark Book c1956

Bruce Bliven, Jr