by James J. Watson (Author)
The letters of a WW II Marine Corps photographer reveal the transition of a young man from the innocence of pre-war America to the gut wrenching amphibious warfare in the Pacific Theater. He provides an intimate portrayal of his training, adventures on liberty and his romances. Armed with a Bell and Howell 35 millimeter movie camera and a holstered Colt 45 caliber pistol, the tough cinematographer lands in the second wave of boats filming the violence and death on Guam and Peleliu. Recording the Military Government resettlement of Okinawa natives, "a wonderful experience even if there is a war going on," Sgt. Watson is soon in the fight again shooting the battle to take Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. Descriptions of the campaigns and essential details of the battles are interspersed with the letters.