Red Blood, Black Sand
Fighting Alongside John Basilone from Boot Camp to Iwo Jima
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4.5 • 93 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A story of heroism, friendship, and courage in World War 2—as seen in the award-winning HBO miniseries The Pacific.
In 1944, the U.S. Marines were building the 5th Marine Division—also known as “The Spearhead”—in preparation for the invasion of the small, Japanese-held island of Iwo Jima...
When Chuck Tatum began Marine boot camp, he was just a smart-aleck teenager eager to serve his country. Little did he know that he would be training under a living legend of the Corps—Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone, who had almost single-handedly fought off a Japanese force of three thousand on Guadalcanal.
It was from Basilone and other sergeants that Tatum would learn how to fight like a Marine and act like a man—skills he would need when he hit the black sand of Iwo Jima with thirty thousand other Marines.
Red Blood, Black Sand is the story of Chuck’s two weeks in hell, where he would watch his hero, Basilone, fall, where the enemy stalked the night, where snipers haunted the day, and where Chuck would see his friends whittled away in an eardrum-shattering, earth-shaking, meat grinder of a battle. This is the island, the heroes, and the tragedy of Iwo Jima—through the eyes of one who survived it.
Customer Reviews
Inspiring and incredible
I’m in awe of the bravery these Marines had while seeing their buddies blown to bits. Having 90% of your company wounded or killed and continue fighting is just incredible. I hope our beloved country never has to endure another ‘total war’ where the entire US is engaged in a no hold barred fight to the finish. But its good to know we still have Marines to lead the fight
So-so
The book is 50% written about Marine Boot Camp, pranks on fellow recruits, etc. The actual portion on IWO is good.
Outstanding!!!
A great first person narrative ranking right up there with The Old Breed by Eugene Sledge. I had always thought Tarawa was the most horrific island battle of WWII. After reading this book by Tatum, I have no doubt that Iwo Jima was a true journey into hell. Likely the most horrific battle of all of WWII, Europe included. Tatum takes you there with him, you get to know his friends, and it sobering to hear Tatum tell their tale and fate. I highly recommend this book if you want a graphic, no holds barred 1st person narrative of the Battle of Iwo Jima.