Alligator Marines, the United States Marine Corps' 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion in WW II (2nd edition)

Feet-on-the-ground story of Iwo Jima during WWII Told by the teenage Marine who landed with the Amphibious Tractor Battalion The raw story of the Pacific Campaign behind the hype Includes drawings done by Donald during deployment Find out why they called this teenage troop the "barfoot Marine" This is a first-hand account of the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, World War II, three tiny pacific islands, and the story of the 'young men' who became 'legendary men' fighting for their mothers and fathers, flag and country, you and me. It is the real story of Iwo Jima.

Undoubtedly you heard the story of Iwo Jima and have seen Joe Rosenthal's photo of the six heroes who raised the flag over Mount Suribachi. The battle for the volcano was epic in itself, the capture of Suribachi becoming a legend in the long and varied history of the United States Marine Corps. What you haven't heard, however, is the story behind the legend, the story of the barefoot Marine who won't call himself a hero but never-the-less is. It is the story of my Dad who by 18 was already a veteran of Saipan and Tinian and then drove an Amtrac with the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion as they went ashore on Iwo.The story is about heroes, coming of age, and facing the enemy. It is both tragic and humorous; it is the telling of the tale of Don Marshall, proud to number himself among those amphibians of the 5th who wore the eagle, globe, and anchor--an Alligator Marine!

Content warning. This is a true and raw account of war and is in no way politically correct! This is not the way we would like to see war, this is the way it really is and if you are easily offended or want to protect yourself from microagressions, do not buy this book!