By Dammit, We're Marines! Veterans' Stories of the Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front

by Gail Chatfield

Technology changes with every war, but the universal human experience of combat remains the same. Marines and soldiers from the battlefields of Valley Forge to the streets of Fallujah understand patriotism, fear, death, loneliness, and the humor that helps them through the rough times. By Dammit, We're Marines! is a collection of eye witness accounts by 52 veterans who served on the Pacific Front during World War II. When ordered to secure another Japanese-held island, these Marines grabbed their M-1 rifles, climbed down rope ladders into the waiting landing craft, and hit the beaches. They faced not only an embedded, well-equipped enemy, but also flesh shredding coral reefs, malarial and dengue fever-ridden jungles, mosquito and crocodile-infested swamps, and a noxious moonscape sulfur island. The author's father was one of those Marines who fought on Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He died when she was 15 and never shared his wartime stories. Wanting to learn more, Chatfield sought out veterans of those conflicts. Their stories offer a literary archeological dig of sorts into 1940's culture and technology. Body armor was a canvas shirt with a metal covered copy of the Bible in the breast pocket. Camouflage clothing was do-it-yourself burlap suits stippled with Max Factor women's make-up. Cutting edge medicine was sulfa tablets to treat infection and blood plasma shipped in glass bottles to field hospitals. Canvas hammocks stacked 8-10 high served as bunks aboard overcrowded ships. They used salt water soap for salt water baths and were issued OPA tickets, V-mail, C-rations, K-rations, and helmets that served as sinks and saucepans. Creating the safest foxhole took some ingenuity and a few discarded tank parts. Most of the veterans interviewed in this book are Marines, but war is a collaborative effort. Marines were transported by the Navy, relieved by the Army, and most of the time their job was to secure airfields for the Army Air Corps. No story of the Marines would be complete without hearing from those branches of service. Chaplains, corpsmen, sailors, soldiers, and B-29 bomb crews share their stories of serving with the Marines. These veterans offer their stores as a part of our historical record with the hope that battles like Saipan, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima will never happen again.

337 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat along the lines of Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation except focused on marines in the Pacific Theater and containing more but shorter stories; and these stories are all told in the first person as they all survived the war. Great collection of war experiences as told by the US marines who lived them. Good reminders that we don't have it so bad after all.

[Marre Prestigiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure that a reader would enjoy this book if they had no connection to World War II's Iwo Jima battle and the history of that island in relation to the importance it held for winning the war. Since my husband was a World War II Iwo Jima Marine and was wounded in the horrific battle and I'm a history nerd I enjoyed the stories submitted many years later when Gail combines the stories into a book.

There is one story submitted by a young Marine that was in the same Regiment and Division and fought on the same hill as my husband before he was wounded. I've attended several of the Iwo Jima Marine Reunions; the 75th being the last held February 15, 2020, at Camp Pendleton in San Diego.

The stories are real and painful and having meant several of the men who fought with Sal, including a Navajo code talker, I think the book probably touched me more than just a casual reader.

If you are a history buff and want to read real experiences of this great generation who sacrificed so much you will enjoy this book. You will close each knowing that each Marine who served in this bloody battle life was changed forever. 6,218 young men between the ages of 16, because they lied to go fight, and 25 died in the five-week battle that began on February 19, 1945!! It was the bloodiest battle in Marine history.

My Sal was 97 1/2; a vibrant frail man who was looking forward to being 100 so we could have a big party!! Sadly, Covid took him on January 11th, 2021!!

He was so proud to have been a Marine!!


This book is the story of those who returned.

[a.t.m.]

Stories about combat in a hell hole called Iwo Jima.

The author has brought together combat veterans and their stories so that the reader can readily identify and relate to the sacrifices made in the later stages of world war two in the Pacific. The men telling their stories certainly deserve nothing less than the gratitude and respect of this nation. This book should be required reading by every single senior in our high schools. Kudos to the author for a great job. S/F

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked Voices of the Pacific better, but this was still really good. The primary focus is on Iwo. I was hoping to read more about Tarawa, Bougainville, and other battles, but those weren't mentioned much.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to read this after finding out my Great Uncle was in it. Always wanted to know about his Navy Cross.

[Pat Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome compilation of individual stories from Marines who served in the Pacific in WW II. So interesting!

[Faith High School · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read By: Garret Drum
I really liked this book because it gave WWII veterans the chance to share their stories. I liked how the author was able to find several different WWII veterans so their was several accounts of what the war was like. I also liked the book because it was easy to understand.