Why Marines Fight

By James Brady

Book Overview

James Brady, bestselling war memoirist, and Marine officer in Korea, returns with one of his most memorable works to date--exploring what it means to be a soldier and why Marines fight.

United States Marines, for more than two centuries, have been among the world's fiercest and most admired of warriors. They have fought from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan and Iraq, in famous battles become bone and sinew of American lore. But why do Marines fight? Why fight so well? Why run toward the guns? Now comes a thrilling new book, pounding and magnificent in scope, by the author some Marines consider the unofficial "poet laureate" of their Corps.

James Brady interviews combat Marines from wars ranging from World War II to Afghanistan, their replies in their own individual voices unique and powerful, an authentically American story of a country at war, as seen through the eyes of its warriors.

Culling his own correspondence and comradeship with hundreds of fellow Marines, Brady compiles a story--lyrical and historical--of the motivations and emotions behind this compelling question. Included are the accounts of Senator James Webb and his lance corporal son, Jim; New York City police commissioner Ray Kelly; Yankee second baseman (and Marine fighter pilot) Jerry Coleman, and of teachers, firemen, authors, cops, Harvard football players, and just plain grunts, as well as the unforgettable story of Jack Rowe, who lost an eye and other parts and now grows avocados and chases rattlesnakes. Their stories poignantly and profoundly illustrate the lives and legacies of battlefront Marines.

Why Marines Fight is a ruthlessly candid book about professional killers not ashamed to recall their doubts as well as exult in their savagely triumphant battle cries. A book of weight and heft that Marines, and Americans everywhere, will want to read, and may find impossible to forget.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031238484X
• ISBN13: 9780312384845
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

WHY MARINES FIGHT

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANY PERSON, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR ALL MARINES,THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT MOST OF THE MARINES WHERE OFFICERS AND WE ALL KNOW THE HEART OF THE MARINE CORPS IS THE ENLISTED GRUNT.SEMPER FI

Why Marines Fight a Hit with 14-year-old Future Marine

My son has dreamed of being a Marine for the past two years. As a member of the Young Marine Corps, he eats, breathes and sleeps the discipline and principles he will need to be a good soldier. I'd had some concerns that he wanted to be a Marine for the wrong reasons, so I purchased this book to let him know that I accept and honor him for wanting to defend his country, but that the reasons he had once given for his desire to join the Marine Corps were a little off base. During our early Christmas party, he spent a long time flipping through the color photos and reading. He was very excited and entranced by the narrative. I didn't get to read the book, myself, but glanced at the pages as he flipped through them. The photos are thought-provoking and realistic, and the pages have a layout that will keep a young person reading. "Why Marines Fight" is an excellent gift for any Marine -- past, present, or future -- and for anyone who cares about them.

Fascinating Read

I was interviewed for this book and while it may come across as a bit self-serving, I thought the overall concept was great and the other, cross-generational stories very interesting. I could see where some people might disagree with the running commentaries, but I thought it kept the stories flowing well.

American Required Reading

This great non-fiction book from James Brady that should be required reading for all Americans especially anyone thinking of joining the USMC. This book really puts into perspective the current and past combat times we have seen in this county. Thank you JB for another great book

Great Book

I really enjoyed this book. As a Marine myself, I thought it was great to hear, in their own words, Marines from various generations describe their combat and life experiences. While the prose, apparently direct from interviews, could at times be a bit grating, I liked Brady's introductions and running commentary.