A Few Good Men: A History of the Fighting Fifth Marines

by Ronald J. Brown

The Fighting Fifth Marines is the USMC’s most decorated regiment. Its list of honors is long and memorable, encompassing France in World War I, Nicaragua during the Banana Wars, the Pacific theater in World War II, the Korean War, and every campaign since, including five years of combat in Vietnam and the liberation of Kuwait. 5th Marine veteran and Marine Corps historian Ronald J. Brown has written a sweeping, engaging history of this dedicated and distinguished American regiment.

Notable engagements in Okinawa, the Pusan Perimeter, Chosin, and the Persian Gulf dot the heroic lineage of the Fifth Marines. Fighting Fifth alumnus Red Mike Edson won the Medal of Honor at Guadalcanal. Lew Walt earned three Navy Crosses over the course of three wars with the 5th Marines. James Webb became one of the Vietnam War’s most decorated junior officers as a 5th Marine platoon commander and later became secretary of the navy. The regiment fought and won hundreds of unknown battles—anonymous warriors toiling without praise in peacetime and silently sacrificing their personal well-being in far-flung lands during war. These men of the Fifth Marine Regiment are owed an immense debt of gratitude by the nation. A Few Good Men is a fitting tribute to their patriotic service.

Genres: War, Military Fiction, History

464 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2001

Reviews

[E. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book a lot of history.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 5th Marine Regiment was established just after the Spanish American War. This regimental history covers its history up until the current wars in the Persian Gulf. Many notable Marines are mentioned, mostly officers. A good read for the Marine buff.

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate USMC 5th Regiment history and Ronald J. Brown provides the best information.