Carlson's Raid: The Daring Marine Assault on Makin

Rating:
Summary: Gung Ho!
Review: George W. Smith has done a superb job of chronicling WW2's 2d Marine Raider Battalion. He tells the true story of the exploits of the Raiders, and details the life story of their leader, Evans F. Carlson.

Far from being a dry account of the facts of the 1942 raid on Makin Atoll in the Pacific, this tale recounts the events leading up the the actual skirmish with the Japanese, and tells the story of the battle in riveting first person detail. From their disorganized entry onto the island, their successful assault on the waiting Japanese forces, and their almost disastrous exodus through fierce ocean waves back to the submarines, the reader is captivated by their unique tale. For the first time, the conclusion to the attack is laid out in all its controversial detail. It is a highly compelling story that has waited 59 years to be told in its entirety.

Kudos to Mr. Smith for an exceptional, factual account of a significant World War II battle, one that captures the attention of history buffs and laypeople alike.

Rating:
Summary: Shakin' Makin With Peatross Too
Review: I enjoyed the book, however, a lot more can be learned of the Raiders by reading Oscar Peatross' book Bless 'em All, which is out of print, unfortunately; however, excerpts are available at one of the Marine Raider websites. The chapter on The Long Patrol at the end of the book, is short and somewhat superficial, and a story truly deserving of a novel in itself. Imagine being on patrol and living in the jungles of Guadalcanal for 32 days. Ahoy Raiders! We are truly indebted and thank you for your sacrifices.

Rating:
Summary: If you have to work tomorrow, don't read it tonite!
Review: Smith has surpassed his last work (The Seige at Hue) and written a "can't put it down" thrilling account of one of WWII's most daring attacks. You'll get to know the players (including FDR's son, Maj. Jimmy Roosevelt)and be part of the battle and drama. Whether you have a military background or just like adventurous reads, you'll find this to be a page-turner. Make sure you block out chunks of time to read this because you'll be wanting to know what happens next.

Rating:
Summary: Marine Raiders Takin' Makin
Review: This is a fairly brief(233pp.) account of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion's assault on a Japanese held Central Pacific island in the first year of the Pacific War during WWII. The author outlines the formation of elite Marine commando units and the intra-service squabbling it entailed. He then takes you into the early career of the leader, Evans Carlson, and its influence on his philosophy of covert operations such as these units were tasked with. He later follows with a descriptive narrative of the preparation, training, and execution of the mission of invading Butaritari Island in Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. I applaud his use of oral interviews of survivors of the operation. My only critique was the ineffective sprinkling of humorous events throughout which did not blend well with the flow of the story. Overall I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning more about one of the elite Marine units of WWII.

Rating:
Summary: Marine Raiders Takin' Makin
Review: This is a fairly brief(233pp.) account of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion's assault on a Japanese held Central Pacific island in the first year of the Pacific War during WWII. The author outlines the formation of elite Marine commando units and the intra-service squabbling it entailed. He then takes you into the early career of the leader, Evans Carlson, and its influence on his philosophy of covert operations such as these units were tasked with. He later follows with a descriptive narrative of the preparation, training, and execution of the mission of invading Butaritari Island in Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. I applaud his use of oral interviews of survivors of the operation. My only critique was the ineffective sprinkling of humorous events throughout which did not blend well with the flow of the story. Overall I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning more about one of the elite Marine units of WWII.