US Infantryman in World War II (1) Pacific Area of Operations 1941-45 (W.#45)

This title deals with the life and experiences of the soldiers who fought the Japanese in the jungle and elsewhere, and the specific nature of the Pacific combat environment. It follows one soldier ('Michael') from New York through his induction, assignment and training in the 165th Infantry Regiment. It takes him from draftee stage, through the 1941 maneuvers the 27th participated in, the transfer to Oahu, and into the reality of daily life and combat in the Pacific theater from 1942 to 1945, including Makin, Saipan and Okinawa. It also looks at the PTO administrative procedures for replacements, and medical and psychiatric care of the ordinary Guardsman. Whilst the focus is on one hypothetical soldier, in fully realistic timescale and experience, the generalities and experiences of the many are also examined and carefully woven into the individual narrative thread.Introduction * Chronology 1941 to 1945 * So you've been federalized * Stateside training and maneuvers 1940-41 * Hawaii, preparation for combat (1942) * First blood, Makin (Nov 1943) * Casualties, battle and non battle - the high cost of fighting in the Pacific * Saipan (June 1944) * Living and fighting in the jungle * Okinawa (May-August 45) * The aftermath and going home * Index