The Battle for Iwo Jima

U.S. Landmark Books #118

by Robert Leckie

Iwo Jima is one of the most famous battles in World War II, and the greatest battle fought by the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. From that battle came the most famous image of the war, the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. Robert Leckie, the bestselling author of Helmet for My Pillow has written an extraordinary story of one of th bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War, World War II, Ebooks, Japan

121 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 1967

About the author

Leckie was born on December 18, 1920, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey. He began his career as a writer in high school, as a sports writer for ''The Bergen Evening Record'' in Hackensack, New Jersey.

On January 18, 1942, Leckie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.He served in combat in the Pacific theater, as a scout and a machine gunner in H Company, 2nd Battalion 1st Marines Regiment 1st Marine Division (United States). Leckie saw combat in the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Cape Gloucester, and had been wounded by blast concussion in the Battle of Peleliu. He returned to the United States in March 1945 and was honorably discharged shortly thereafter.

Following World War II, Leckie worked as a reporter for the Associated Press, the ''Buffalo Courier-Express'', the ''New York Journal American'', the ''New York Daily News'' and ''The Star-Ledger''. He married Vera Keller, a childhood neighbor, and they had three children: David, Geoff and Joan According to Vera, in 1951 he was inspired to write a memoir after seeing ''South Pacific '' on Broadway and walking out halfway through. He said "I have to tell the story of how it really was. I have to let people know the war wasn't a musical His first and best-selling book, ''Helmet for My Pillow'', a war memoir, was published in 1957. Leckie subsequently wrote more than 40 books on American war history, spanning from the French and Indian War (1754–1763) to Operation Desert Storm (1991). Robert Leckie died on December 24, 2001, after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short, factual account of the battle to take Iwo Jima in WW2.

Useful as a systematic guide to the battle and its major phases. Also contains a list of all Medal of Honor winners. Very few personal accounts overall.

Not as enjoyable as Flags of Our Fathers.

I would also refer you to the book Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima, the story of the youngest Medal of Honor winner.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating look at the Battle of Iwo Jima. I learned so much about the sacrifice of the men that fought for Iwo Jima. I have seen the John Wayne movie but I always thought the battle ended with the capture of Mt. Surabachi a few days after the invasion started. I also never realized the number of people that were honored for heroism (many posthumously) in this fight. I really came away from this book with a great feeling of gratitude for the people who have defended our country and freedoms in our history. This book is a nice short read and would be good for teens that are interested in learning about our history.

[Kristopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book, with not a lot of detail about the individual participants, but enough to give the reader an idea of the sacrifices that people were willing to make on all sides and the many acts of heroism where one person would sacrifice themselves so that others could survive.

[Addison Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this book as a kid (which was the target market). But it was still graphic and detailed enough to not truly sanitize the experience to a kid's level. Engaging writing and easy to read in one sitting.

[Cathy Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

the story of an extraordinary battle fought by ordinary men who rose to greatness; truly when "uncommon valor was a common virtue"

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was very interesting book to know the real facts of the events that happened during the war in the pacific.

[Paschalis]

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[Mike Glaser · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, concise view of the battle for Iwo Jima, written by a WW II combat vet. Highly recommended for someone looking for a quick overview of the battle.

[Brianna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good primer/refresher but very brief. picked up a few new things that ive overlooked before.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously written from an American perspective but refreshingly objective in the most part. I enjoyed this account. While it is factual it does not detract from the individual heroisms displayed throughout the battle. Nor does it paint a negative picture of the Japanese but rather highlights their honour code and willingness to fight to the last man.

This was easy to read and informative. It was thought provoking and inspiring. A must read for those interested in the Pacific theatre in WWII.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every victory has its costs. How many lives lost before the American flag could be raised on Mount Suribachi. The Battle for Iwo Jima offers a brief, sombre glimpse into one of the most major and bloody missions during the Second World War. Author Robert Leckie - himself a war hero - documents the valour of both American and Japanese armies in their tenacity, while not forgetting the scars and sacrifices.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very descriptive first-hand account of the battle for Iwo Jima. The author was a US marine during WWII and saw plenty of combat. Well written account of the major combat operations in the US invasion of Japanese homelands resulting in one of the bloodiest battles fought in the Pacific theater. Recommended for anyone interested in WWII or military history.

[Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just okay. The information it contained seemed too much like it came directly from military award documentation. I know that getting first hand accounts was next to impossible but sure would have liked reading those instead of lifeless words.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest and most famous battles of World War II in the Pacific. The flag raising by the Marines on Mount Suribachi came to symbolize courage and valor.

[Vijay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short disription of the battle for Iwo Jima. Not impressive in creating the sense and scale of the battle.

[JayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Among the Americans serving on Iwo island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much sacrifice.

[Paul Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls no punches. Doesn't hold back. Very factual and such an interesting read.