Bloodstained Sands: US Amphibious Operations in World War II

BLOODSTAIN SANDS                                     MICHAEL G. WALLING

For the men who served in America's Amphibious Forces during World War II, the conflict was an unceasing series of D-Days. They were responsible for putting men ashore in more than 200 landings throughout the conflict, most against well-entrenched enemy positions. Bloodstained Sands: US Amphibious Operations in World War II tells the story of these forgotten men for the first time, tracing their operational history from Guadalcanal to Casablanca, Sicily, Normandy, Iwo Jima, and finally Okinawa. The men's stories are told in their own voices, with fascinating accounts from Underwater Demolition Teams, Attack Transport crews, and many other unsung heroes of World War II.

First-hand interviews, entries from personal diaries, and Action Reports create a unique history, perfectly complemented by historic illustrations and detailed maps. These are timeless tales of determination, sacrifice, and triumph of the human spirit--tales of US Amphibious Forces that for too long have gone forgotten and untold.

PAT'S REVIEW

A very good book about all of the beach invasions of World War two, Guadalcanal thru the last and final in Okinawa. What will be interesting for most people I think is first the ones in Europe like Casablanca and Sicily. These are forgotten because of Normandy but were before and because of those changes were made. Just like in the Pacific after Guadalcanal changes were made as they were for Tarawa and, Peleliu. What was not really discussed was that the high rate of casualties on Tarawa was reported at home as Picket’s charge in the Pacific. Because of mistakes with tide calculations after this the UDT’S which is now the Navy Seals were formed. They would go in weeks before and make maps of coral reefs and tide calculations for the next landing. They would also set demolition of coastal areas if needed. Also, something not brought out in this book is that after Peleliu. A better radio pack was invented to handle sea water and able to communicate shore to ship and land to land, while still not being extremely huge. These all would make next beach landings better but we all know the Japanese change tactics and by Okinawa, the beach landing was uneventful until they got further inland. Overall this was a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com