An extraordinary slice of untold WWII history: how unproven Marines driving untested Sherman tanks turned the tide against Japan in the Battle of Tarawa.In May 1943, a self-described "really young, green, ignorant lieutenant" assumed command of a new US Marine Corps company. His even younger Marines were learning to operate an untested weapon, the M4A2 "Sherman" medium tank. Just six months later, the company would be thrown into one of the ghastliest battles of Wo...

"Persuasively tells the savage partisan war in the Carolina backcountry . . . [during] the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution" ( Military Review ).Following their defeat at Saratoga in New York in 1777, the British decided to implement a southern strategy against the American insurgents, a plan to "roll up" the rebellious colonies from Georgia through the Carolinas to Virginia. Untrained Patriot militiamen—occasi...

"Together these books provide the definitive history of the USMC's tank forces . . . Very highly recommended" ( Military Modelcraft International).Marine Corps Tank Battles in Korea: A detailed and gripping account of the little-known Marine tank engagements during the Korean War, from the valiant defense at Pusan and the bitter battles of the Chosin Reservoir to the bloody stalemate along the Jamestown Line. Oscar E. Gilbert unfolds the unique ro...

"For all the history buffs on warfare of the last century, Tanks is a perfect choice . . . packed with fascinating information" ( San Francisco Book Review ).This Casemate Short History—by the authors of Tanks in Hell: A Marine Corps Tank Company on Tarawa—provides an informative and entertaining introduction to this iconic weapon of the last hundred years.Tanks first ventured in...

"An amazingly detailed account of the American Expeditionary Force at Belleau Wood in 1918" from the authors of Tanks in Hell ( Books Monthly)."Retreat, hell! We just got here!" The words of Capt. Lloyd Williams at Belleau Wood in June 1918 entered United States Marine Corps legend, and the Marine brigade's actions there—along with the censor's failure to take out the name of the brigade in the battle reports—made the Corps famous.The Mari...

An award-winning military historian delivers "an excellent read" on tank combat in the Forgotten War based on interviews with veterans who were there (MAFVA.org).The outbreak of the Korean conflict caught America (and the Marine Corps) unprepared. The Corps' salvation was the existence of its Organized Reserve (an organization rich in veterans of the fighting in World War II), the availability of modern equipment in storage and, as always, the bravery, initiative, a...

"An easily accessible short history" of offensive military operations on hostile shores from the authors of First to Fight: The U.S. Marines in World War I ( Midwest Book Review).One of the most difficult types of warfare to master, landing on a hostile beach requires scrupulous planning and intense coordination between the air, sea, and land forces.With a history reaching back to the Persians landing on the Greek shores at the Battle of M...

"Thy Rocks and Rills" is a poetic masterpiece by Robert E. Gilbert that celebrates the beauty and majesty of nature. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, Gilbert invites readers on a journey through rugged landscapes, rolling hills, and majestic mountains.The title itself, "Thy Rocks and Rills," hints at the focus of the work: the enduring grandeur of the natural world. Gilbert's poetry captures the essence of the outdoors, from the tranquil babbling of brooks to the towering peaks tha...

In "Thy Rocks and Rills," Robert E. Gilbert crafts a profound exploration of the American landscape, weaving together themes of nature, identity, and the complex relationship between humanity and the environment. This lyrical narrative is infused with vivid imagery and rich symbolism, reflecting the romantic tradition and the emerging ecological consciousness of the late 20th century. Gilbert's prose resonates with a palpable sense of place, inviting readers to engage with the rugged beaut...

In "Hunt the Hog of Joe," Robert E. Gilbert intricately weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of modern hunting culture juxtaposed with moral dilemmas and personal exploration. Through a blend of vivid prose and sharp dialogue, Gilbert paints a textured landscape that captures both the thrill of the chase and the introspective journeys of his characters. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian wilderness, the novel draws on influences from both regional literature and co...

This unique and imaginative collection of eleven thought provoking fantasy stories will delight readers who enjoy stories of wishes gone awry.What happens when…A woman desires to carry on her family's legacy, uncovering a long-buried curse?A not so perfect witch casts a spell to defy age and preserve her relationship with her handsome shapeshifting familiar?A time traveler longs to be the savior of knowledge lost?An ...

Originally published in 1956, this book is a full account of General Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891), a career U.S. Army officer who served with distinction in the Mexican-American War and Seminole Wars, and was one of the most senior general officers—second only to General Robert E. Lee—in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.Although heartily disliked by Confederate president Jefferson Davis, who often criticized him for a lack of aggressiveness and took every ...