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Still a PFC: A Combat Marine in World War II: The Pacific Theater (1942-1945): Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, & Iwo Jima
By choice, chance and God's hand, I survived some extremely trying times in the Marine Corps during World War II. I decided not to get mired in the horrors or waste of war. Tomes have been devoted to this subject. I choose instead to tell of my life as a Private, a grunt if you will, and how this life impacted on me. As a telephone lineman for the United States Marine Corps, I had the greatest opportunity to see more of the combat area than most participants. We traveled to the right flank, left flank, up front and to the rear areas to keep our telephone lines functioning and all our artillery and infantry in constant communications. A Japanese general stated "the American troops' ability to concentrate artillery fire on a given point was a tremendous advantage." As an artilleryman, I am proud we provided this edge. Our front line troops on numerous occasions told me our artillery barrage had "stopped the Japs cold." Our constant goal. I have often been asked, "How did you cope with death as an everyday fact?" I tell of losing eight buddies on one day on Guam. We acknowledged the loss then moved on. "What is past is past." We did not dwell on one or multiple losses. We simply moved on. Yesterday was an age away, this is today, we hope to see tomorrow. Perhaps cruel, but it retained our sanity. Those who stand and wait have not shared this burden. Lest you think I am portraying myself as some kind of hero -- let me remind you, they never asked me if I wanted to go on these combat landings to Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. I was not a hero, but I walked among heroes.
- GenresWorld War IIHistory
288 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2018
463 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 14, 2021
Enjoyable read from a front line Marine
My father was in USAF and we were station on Guam.1951-1953. We rode to school with a armed AP on the bus. I saw the gun in placements I walk and swam in the waters the marine cross. I play in the same jungle. We even uncover a 500 pound bomb at one of the beach we went to.
The jungle fun to plat in it also was easy to get lost in.
Second time 1960-1962they found a Japanese plane the small swap the middle of the capital city.
My father was in USAF and we were station on Guam.1951-1953. We rode to school with a armed AP on the bus. I saw the gun in placements I walk and swam in the waters the marine cross. I play in the same jungle. We even uncover a 500 pound bomb at one of the beach we went to.
The jungle fun to plat in it also was easy to get lost in.
Second time 1960-1962they found a Japanese plane the small swap the middle of the capital city.
October 13, 2021
WWII today is lost to most people, who if they hear or see anything about it is through old black and white films cut together from the war. I watched those ad nauseam back in the 70s and 80s.
Then I chanced upon this book, and everything changed. Instead of distant B&W movies, I had a chance to read what it was really like in the Pacific Theater for a private first class as they landed on Guam, Bouganville, and Iwo Jima.
While the author omitted the blood and guts, he doesn't hide the horror or how it affects those around him. He admits freely that they mourned the dead for a moment before moving on. There wasn't time to do anything else.
The writing style is direct and clear. There aren't any embellishments to make that period in time seem any more or less than it was. They enjoyed life when they were on leave, and they got their work done when needed.
This is something kids in school should be reading, but I know that won't happen. The school board won't allow it, and most kids won't be interested in something from way back when.
It's their loss.
5/5*
Then I chanced upon this book, and everything changed. Instead of distant B&W movies, I had a chance to read what it was really like in the Pacific Theater for a private first class as they landed on Guam, Bouganville, and Iwo Jima.
While the author omitted the blood and guts, he doesn't hide the horror or how it affects those around him. He admits freely that they mourned the dead for a moment before moving on. There wasn't time to do anything else.
The writing style is direct and clear. There aren't any embellishments to make that period in time seem any more or less than it was. They enjoyed life when they were on leave, and they got their work done when needed.
This is something kids in school should be reading, but I know that won't happen. The school board won't allow it, and most kids won't be interested in something from way back when.
It's their loss.
5/5*
August 15, 2022
Combat Marine Pacific WWII
Toned down considerably, but a great, thoughtful and detailed story of Pacific combat action! Mr. Peterson provides great explanations of becoming a Marine through enlistment, training and numerous island invasions in which he and his cast of characters attempt to survive. While combat conditions are described, the author includes some excellent stories about his comrades and interesting incidents (some very humorous). From start to finish, an excellent read. Well done!
Toned down considerably, but a great, thoughtful and detailed story of Pacific combat action! Mr. Peterson provides great explanations of becoming a Marine through enlistment, training and numerous island invasions in which he and his cast of characters attempt to survive. While combat conditions are described, the author includes some excellent stories about his comrades and interesting incidents (some very humorous). From start to finish, an excellent read. Well done!
April 9, 2021
I new Mr. Peterson
Mr.Peterson was a great role model and his experiences in the Pacific is an example of what all the men and women did in the back ground that made the war effort a success. I like the way he tells his story in a matter a fact style that is straight forward just like you were having a beer with him in your favorite drinking hole.If you want to know how a PFC felt on the front lines and what the word SCARD ment, read this book.
Mr.Peterson was a great role model and his experiences in the Pacific is an example of what all the men and women did in the back ground that made the war effort a success. I like the way he tells his story in a matter a fact style that is straight forward just like you were having a beer with him in your favorite drinking hole.If you want to know how a PFC felt on the front lines and what the word SCARD ment, read this book.
May 27, 2021
The brave and the proud
This narrative sheds light not only combat experience but also on the rôle phone communication played in ensuring deadly accurate artillery fire was the back bone of the Marine Corps offensive. The stories were told with good humor and held my interest. It was a unique perspective of a very perceptive person who was “in the thick of it” . It was a very enjoyable read.
This narrative sheds light not only combat experience but also on the rôle phone communication played in ensuring deadly accurate artillery fire was the back bone of the Marine Corps offensive. The stories were told with good humor and held my interest. It was a unique perspective of a very perceptive person who was “in the thick of it” . It was a very enjoyable read.
July 22, 2021
Easy reading a d very interesting.
Another endearing book of WWII . I have known several veterans of the Pacific that have passed. A 6ft 8inch uncle and several local marines that servived the island warfare including Two Jima. Give marines met for breakfast every month in Wilmington, Ohio.
Another endearing book of WWII . I have known several veterans of the Pacific that have passed. A 6ft 8inch uncle and several local marines that servived the island warfare including Two Jima. Give marines met for breakfast every month in Wilmington, Ohio.
November 14, 2021
Life in the Pacific. WW2
An unusual book and very enjoyable. He tells little about his combat experiences and much more about daily life while in combat. He made three combat assaults. Having been in combat during two tours in VN I could appreciate his struggles with boredom, lousy chow and lack of information
An unusual book and very enjoyable. He tells little about his combat experiences and much more about daily life while in combat. He made three combat assaults. Having been in combat during two tours in VN I could appreciate his struggles with boredom, lousy chow and lack of information
January 20, 2025
great book
Great reading hoped to read this book in two days took a little over four sorry for that. Great book what can I say watching the swearing in of Trump and can’t help but thinking of the poor Marines who fought in WW 2 Korea and Vietnam to allow him to become President of this great country. Bless them all!
Great reading hoped to read this book in two days took a little over four sorry for that. Great book what can I say watching the swearing in of Trump and can’t help but thinking of the poor Marines who fought in WW 2 Korea and Vietnam to allow him to become President of this great country. Bless them all!
March 12, 2021
Loved it!
I love to read the personal recollections of men who served. This is one of the few I've read about the Pacific. He seems like a very level-headed man who served with friends from home and men who became friends. I urge you to read this book.
I love to read the personal recollections of men who served. This is one of the few I've read about the Pacific. He seems like a very level-headed man who served with friends from home and men who became friends. I urge you to read this book.
May 9, 2021
A good memoir of a Marine's experiences in the Pacific campaign of WW2. No real complaints or stick out highlights. It's a good read for those interested in the subject, even more so if you've got a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
May 14, 2021
And One He'll Of A Marine
Wonderfully written story of a US Marine serving in World War II. Mr. Peterson blends combat, fear, friendship and bravery to show how brave these men were. Great reading and I recommend this bok to everyone.
Wonderfully written story of a US Marine serving in World War II. Mr. Peterson blends combat, fear, friendship and bravery to show how brave these men were. Great reading and I recommend this bok to everyone.
May 17, 2021
Very nice read
A look at the Pacific War from a combat Marine Private’s perspective is just great. Eugene Peterson makes this an interesting and easy read. His honest way of telling about his feelings, reactions, and the work he did during WWII makes for a great book.
A look at the Pacific War from a combat Marine Private’s perspective is just great. Eugene Peterson makes this an interesting and easy read. His honest way of telling about his feelings, reactions, and the work he did during WWII makes for a great book.
June 15, 2021
Honest memoir
I enjoyed this author’s plain spoken style. He brought home the danger he and his fellow marines endured without hyperbole and nicely conveyed the stoic mindset he and others adopted to fulfill their duties.
I enjoyed this author’s plain spoken style. He brought home the danger he and his fellow marines endured without hyperbole and nicely conveyed the stoic mindset he and others adopted to fulfill their duties.
June 24, 2021
This was a great read. I'm a former Marine and a (different generation, different conflict) combat veteran. Seeing Peterson's reflections on the WW2 Pacific island hopping campaign opened my eyes to the way things were- in a way I had not perceived previously. GREAT read, highly recommended.
July 18, 2021
6 star personal war story
One of the best war stories I've read. You will laugh and cry. Don't miss this one! I intend to buy a hard copy of this book and give it to a friend whose father was a Marine involved in the Guarm campaign during W W2.
One of the best war stories I've read. You will laugh and cry. Don't miss this one! I intend to buy a hard copy of this book and give it to a friend whose father was a Marine involved in the Guarm campaign during W W2.
December 27, 2021
Outstanding book…
I enjoyed reading about the Marines who are/were my hero’s growing up. I too served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. I was able to easily relate and understand PFC Peterson’s story. I’m glad his homecoming was better than mine. Rest In Peace, Marine.
I enjoyed reading about the Marines who are/were my hero’s growing up. I too served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. I was able to easily relate and understand PFC Peterson’s story. I’m glad his homecoming was better than mine. Rest In Peace, Marine.
March 10, 2022
From boot camp to discharge
The accurate life of a combat Marine. A spell binding account of what life is really like in combat and as a Marine. Excellent read if you've been there. Semper Fi.
The accurate life of a combat Marine. A spell binding account of what life is really like in combat and as a Marine. Excellent read if you've been there. Semper Fi.
June 7, 2023
Excellent
Had a uncle ww1 vet. I listed 11, came back after his 3 in the PacificI. Still remember him well, had sent his money home bought property Clairmore Ok area must have been close to 50 when he got back.
Always 1 of my hero. As a kid.
Had a uncle ww1 vet. I listed 11, came back after his 3 in the PacificI. Still remember him well, had sent his money home bought property Clairmore Ok area must have been close to 50 when he got back.
Always 1 of my hero. As a kid.
September 2, 2025
An interesting read
Reading this book was like sitting in a comfortable chair listening to a combat veteran. I appreciate that Mr Peterson took the time in his day to relate his story to others, and I would have liked to thank him in person for his heroic service to our country.
Reading this book was like sitting in a comfortable chair listening to a combat veteran. I appreciate that Mr Peterson took the time in his day to relate his story to others, and I would have liked to thank him in person for his heroic service to our country.
May 19, 2021
The Real Deal
The best books about any historical event are written by those who lived it. That is what makes this one truly special.
The best books about any historical event are written by those who lived it. That is what makes this one truly special.
July 12, 2021
I interesting book
Lots of anecdotes and stories about being a Marine. If you like more than just combat stories this might interest you
Lots of anecdotes and stories about being a Marine. If you like more than just combat stories this might interest you
September 7, 2021
Never Again
This was a very moving firsthand account written by a brave soul, one of the few survivors of Iwo Jima. All thumbs up. Bravo!
This was a very moving firsthand account written by a brave soul, one of the few survivors of Iwo Jima. All thumbs up. Bravo!
September 11, 2021
Review
Great read. I really enjoyed 1st 22nd infantry 4th division Vietnam in 71. Thank you for the great book I really enjoyed
Great read. I really enjoyed 1st 22nd infantry 4th division Vietnam in 71. Thank you for the great book I really enjoyed
November 13, 2021
Iwo
The horrors of war.I would guess one would not forget a moment of battle being you have lived through such horror.
The horrors of war.I would guess one would not forget a moment of battle being you have lived through such horror.
Read
February 28, 2022Excellent reading material.
Did not know about the "wire tenders". I wondered many times how it was done, and my guessing was wrong. Thank you for a good read.
Did not know about the "wire tenders". I wondered many times how it was done, and my guessing was wrong. Thank you for a good read.
July 24, 2022
Still a PFC
Realistic, but not overly graphic version of a young Marines life during 3 battles in the Pacific in WW2. Congrats to PFC Peterson on a well written book!
Realistic, but not overly graphic version of a young Marines life during 3 battles in the Pacific in WW2. Congrats to PFC Peterson on a well written book!
October 18, 2022
Life of a front line Marine
Interested in learning what life is like for rank and file infantry in combat. Read this book. As a combat infantryman I know every word is trhe
Interested in learning what life is like for rank and file infantry in combat. Read this book. As a combat infantryman I know every word is trhe
December 23, 2022
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
wonderful read
Great read. Told from the heart and very enjoyable. Personal account about one’s experience in war in the pacific with the Marines.
Great read. Told from the heart and very enjoyable. Personal account about one’s experience in war in the pacific with the Marines.
November 25, 2023
True stories are the best
PFC Peterson does an excellent job of telling the story of his life in the Corp. God Bless our military, and God Bless the USA.
PFC Peterson does an excellent job of telling the story of his life in the Corp. God Bless our military, and God Bless the USA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews