A very well-written memoir of a member of the famed First Marine Division during WWII. Coming into the war after Guadalcanal, Russell Davis stuck close to men of experience when he had his baptism of combat on Peleliu. The author must surely have kept some kind of a journal or written something soon after the war to have had such a clear remembrance of sights, sounds, feelings, conversations and sequence of battle. He gives an interesting description of the time spent at the rest area, Pavuvu, following the Battle of Peleliu when rumors were rampant and the Mad Ghoul (perhaps) stalked the men's tents at night. Also 10 days were spent on submarine watch on an island near Pavuvu where the author and some buddies had a wonderful reprise from war acting like the young kids that they were. Finally come descriptions of the terrible battle for Okinawa where the author worked closely in the Intelligence Section of a battalion as a scout and runner for two officers. The character of Russell Davis is plainly displayed in his modest writing and low-keyed description of his actions. A man of intelligence and talent with a story to tell. ( )