In Many a Strife: General Gerald C. Thomas and the U.S. Marine Corps 1917-1956

by Allan Reed Millett

This book chronicles the career of the man who helped shape the Marine Corps in the twentieth century by transforming them into a highly effective amphibious assault force and Cold War force-in-readiness.

Genres: History

512 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

A specialist in the history of American military policy and twentieth century wars and military institutions, Allan R. Millett is professor emeritus at The Ohio State University, where he taught form 1969 until his retirement in 2005.

Reviews

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography of Marine Corps General Gerald Thomas covers his life and discusses the wars and conflicts that he was involved in during his long career. It gives the perspective of Marine Corps history from the perspective of high ranking officers. One drawback with the book is the small font size.

[Bill Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book and very informative. It covers a Marine General that many people don't know of because he was more behind the scenes. He fought at Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, and Korea. He was also involved in shaping the USMC before, during and after WW2 and Korea. It also covers the infighting between the Army, Navy and Marines. But the most interesting part is the infighting between the "Guadalcanal Gang" and the "2nd Division Gang" also others that just didn't like each other. After reading 11 Autobiographies and Biographies about Marine Generals, it is interesting that the amount of fighting between the 3 Services is about the same as the infighting among the Marines. I highly recommend this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An out standing biography on a little known Marine General who served in WWI, WWII, and Korea as well as in China, Haiti, and Central America. He was at the forefront of the expansion and reorganization of Headquarters Marine Corps and the Corps over all response during WWII, and Commanded the 1st Marine Division after its fighting withdrawal back to the sea from the Chosen Reservoir during Korean War. Certainly one of the most important general officers of the US Marine Corps long history.

[Matthew Galadyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently written book on a truly incredible Marine leader. A skilled staff officer as much as an inspiring leader General Thomas is rarely spoken of in the same praises of noted Marine Corps greats. This book sets the record straight. In Many a Strife brings to light a Marine Corps legend who can teach us all about commandership, innovation, dedication, and grit.

[Marshall Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best biography of a Marine that I’ve ever read. While it covers Thomas’ service in three wars, it also acts as an inside history of the Marine Corps from 1917 to 1956. It was fascinating for me, a Marine, to read about these famous Marines and their personal relationships, info usually ignored in standard histories of the Corps.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A throughly researched work. General (4 stars), Gerald Thomas is a little known Marine officer that had many forward thinking ideas for the Marines in 3 wars. Especially his battles to keep the Martine Corps remaining a separate military organization after WWII. Outstandi ng story.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies of a Marine officer I have ever read. Very detailed and scholarly. Gerald Thomas served as, among other assignments, the Chief of Staff for General Vandegrift on Guadalcanal in World War II and as the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division during the second year in Korea, taking over from OP Smith. Those parts for me were the most compelling parts of the books, although I also enjoyed reading about how Gerald Thomas developed his concept of what he was capable of and how much responsibility he could handle as he was promoted during the early years of his career. It was interesting to read along as this officer developed his self-image of what it meant to be a professional. I would put this book right at the top rank of American military biographies, along with D'Este's book on Patton.