'Aussie Rick'’s Comments (group member since Jun 12, 2009)

'Aussie Rick'’s comments from the THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP group.

That's a great story, thanks for posting the link Bev!

Geevee wrote: "I've just finished this . A good history of the U-Boat war. My review if people are interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/58..."

Great review Geevee. I have been eyeing off a copy of this book for some time at a local bookshop, maybe I will need to get a copy now :)

Marc wrote: "Found this one over the weekend at a little bookstore in the mountains of North Carolina:

[book:Corvettes Cana..."

Nice find Marc!

Excellent review Bev and well done to the author!

Great review Rowan and not a book that I have heard about as well!

Nice summary Dj and a book that I am yet to read. Thanks for sharing those details with the group.

Mike wrote: "Another week, more opportunities to add to the e-shelf:

$2.99:
Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills by [author:Charles Henderson|814778..."

Some pretty good books in there and at an excellent price!

Some great family history there, Ted! You will find a number of ex-service personnel here in the group. Glad you found us :)

Sounds like an interesting book on Tarawa, Ted!

Too Young to Vote: A-1-10 Second Marine Division by Robert L. George

Dipanjan wrote: "

I have chosen this book for October group reading."

That's a very good book on the battle, I hope you enjoy it.

"Bloody Tarawa" - The author has just described the action that led to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to SSgt William J. Bordelon. His citation reads:

"For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an assault engineer platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, tactically attached to the 2d Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which killed all but four of the men in his tractor, SSgt. Bordelon Hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine-gun fire just as a charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and singlehandedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machine-gun position, but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. SSgt. Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island, and his heroic determination throughout three days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

SSgt William J. Bordelon:
https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine...

https://militaryhallofhonor.com/honor...

"Bloody Tarawa" - The Marine assault on beach Red-2:

"It was 1000. In just thirty minutes, the 2d Battalion, 2d's three rifle companies suffered more than 30 percent casualties, more than half of the battalion's infantry company officers were dead or wounded, organizational integrity was destroyed, most of the combat engineers assigned to the battalion were dead or wounded, and the battalion commander was dead."

Bloody Tarawa by Eric Hammel

Tom wrote: "After reading through here for suggestions and as I haven’t read it I’ve decided to also go for One Square Mile of Hell: The Battle for Tarawa by John Wukovits and so now I’m awaiting delivery 👍🏼"

Excellent decision! :)

Marc wrote: "I'm not quite at 1943 yet, but I'll get there in the next few days:

[book:The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Is..."

Good to hear Marc :)

Dimitri wrote: "Not exactly the WW's but the author's credentials are rooted:

[book:The Kaiser's Holocaust:..."

Two nice purchases Dimitri!

How is everyone going with their theme books? I am really enjoying Eric Hammel's revised book on the battle, each chapter has numerous B&W photographs of the battle which really add to the narrative.

Bloody Tarawa by Eric Hammel

I will try and get around to reading it as soon as I can squeeze it in and let you know BA!

Joao wrote: "just went for a coffee and passed by the bookstore.

Operation Barbarossa: Nazi Germany's War in the East, 1941-1945"

Nothing better than picking up a new book after a nice coffee!

The eternal struggle to accommodate our beloved books in the house against all odds, including our families :)

Yep, I swapped my theme books and have started reading Eric Hammel's book on Tarawa.

Bloody Tarawa by Eric; Lane John E. Hammel