Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu (Illustrated)

"Bloody Beaches" is Brigadier General Gordon D. Gayle's account of the assault on Peleliu, one of the bloodiest and most complex and controversial battles fought by Marines during World War II. In the book he provides a detailed, dispassionate look at the hardships and horrors of an assault against a well-fortified enemy redoubt.

"1st Division Marines," Gayle wrote, "peering over the gunwales of their landing craft saw an awesome scene of blasting and churning earth along the shore. Smoke, dust and the geysers caused by exploding bombs and large-caliber naval shells gave optimists some hope that the defenders would become casualties from such preparatory fires...."

That optimism, Gayle wrote, was soon shown to be misplaced, and the Marines were forced to fight yard by yard. An attack that was predicted to be complete in days instead took two months.

While praising the Marines, Gayle shows respect for the Japanese tactics and determination. "Rather than depending upon spiritual superiority, they would combine the devilish terrain with the stubborn, disciplined Japanese soldiers to relinquish Peleliu at the highest cost to the invaders."

This edition contains 50+ illustrations: photographs, maps etc.