Coral and Brass

This memoir recounts more than four decades of service by a Marine Corps officer who rose to high command. Written from memory rather than from diaries or official records, it spans his early career through the largest conflict of his time. The author's purpose is twofold: to honor the Marines who fought across the Pacific, and to examine the mistakes made during the Second World War so that they are not repeated in any future conflict. He states plainly that he holds no grudge against any person or branch of service, and that his criticisms are offered to serve national defense. He expects his country will remember the Marines' efforts against Japan.