The Last Lieutenant

by Shively, John C.

• ISBN13: 9780253347282
• ISBN10: 0253347289
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-02-28
• Publisher: Indiana Univ Pr

Summary

The 36-day assault on the small volcanic island known as Iwo Jima resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead. Of the 20,000 Japanese defenders, only 1,083 survived. The Marines' efforts secured what would become a vital emergency landing strip for crippled B-29s returning from bombing runs. Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were awarded to Marines and sailors, many posthumously, more than were awarded for any other single operation during the war. Jim Craig was a platoon commander with the Marines on Iwo Jima. This book presents his story, as told to his nephew, John C. Shively. A particularly vivid and exciting account of some of the most intense fighting of the Pacific War, the immediacy of the story is heightened by the detail that Shively's research has added to Craig's recollections. The result is one of the most realistic depictions of combat ever written.

Author Biography

John C. Shively is a practicing physician with a long-time interest in World War II. He lives in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. xi
Note on Abbreviations	p. xiii
Prologue	p. 1
Prelude to War	p. 5
Growing Up in Indiana	p. 11
Platoon Leader	p. 16
Movement to the Objective	p. 37
Welcome to Hell	p. 43
Into the Meat Grinder	p. 66
Return to Camp Maui	p. 97
Occupation Duty	p. 103
Going Home	p. 109
War and Valor	p. 112
Epilogue: Iwo Jima, 14 March 2002	p. 116
Notes	p. 123
Bibliography	p. 127
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