Description
Book Synopsis"...Ray Davis was a hardened combat veteran. This was brought home to me one day while visiting a remote Army firebase in the jungle south of Khe Sanh. As the two of us strode along the jungle pathway, Davis suddenly stopped and peered intently into the thick green foliage. I suspected danger, brought my rifle up, and slipped off the safety. After a few moments, the general turned and casually remarked, “Dick, this reminds me of a command post I had on Guadalcanal.” I mumbled, “Yes, sir,” and surreptitiously fingered the safety to the “on” position. “Christ,” I thought in awe, “I was only two years old at the time of Guadalcanal. This is the old man’s third war!” —
Dick Camp, introduction to book"A well-crafted biography of an important Marine commander. It illustrates well through Davis' career the Marine Corps of the mid-Twentieth century."
– Paul Westermeyer, HistorianA native of Georgia, Raymond Davis joined the Marine Corps after university and would go on to serve in three wars and be decorated for gallantry several times including the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chosin where his leadership saved countless American lives. He retired as a four-star general after 33 years in the corps.
Dick Camp, Marine veteran and historian, weaves memoirs, first-hand accounts, and his own personal memories of General Davis in this first biography of this archetypal "Old Breed" Marine.
Trade Review...a balanced and thoroughly researched study of Davis’s role in three wars that justifies the hero characterization in the book’s title. * Marine Corps History 07/12/2022 *
...a good book told by a competent author; it’s well researched and written. If you’re a Jarhead, it’s a must read. * The VVA Veteran 22/03/2021 *
...explains unknown details of how [The Korean War] was fought and the brutal sub-zero cold the participants endured. * Military History Online *
Table of ContentsForeword Part One: Formative Years, 1915-1941 Chapter 1: A Youngster from Georgia Chapter 2: Second Lieutenant Raymond G. Davis Chapter 3: The Old Breed: Special Weapons Battalion Part Two: World War II, 1941 – 1945 Central Pacific: Guadalcanal Chapter 1: “War” Chapter 2: Operation Watchtower Chapter 3: Landing and Defense Chapter 4: Cactus Air Force Chapter 5: Japanese Ground and Air Counterattack Southwest Pacific: Cape Gloucester - Peleliu Chapter 1: The Green Inferno Chapter 2: A Steamy Pest-Hole Peleliu Chapter 1: Breakwater of the Pacific Chapter 2: Death at the High Water Line Chapter 3: A Ferocious and Wily Foe Chapter 4: Bloody Nose Ridge Chapter 5: Pope’s Hill Chapter 6: Shot to Pieces Chapter 7: Homeward Bound 1st Provisional Brigade: Guam Chapter 1: “Pretty Good Plumber” Part Three: Korea (Land of the Morning Calm) Chapter 1: North Korea Strikes Chapter 2: Send in the Marines Chapter 3: Chinese Volunteers Chapter 4: Out on a Limb Chapter 5: Toktong Ridge Runners Chapter: 6: “Retreat Hell” Chapter: 7: The Great Pohang Guerrilla Hunt Chapter: 8: “Above and Beyond Chapter: 9: Peacetime Part Four: Vietnam Chapter 1: Provisional Corps Vietnam (PCV) Chapter 2: Taking Command, 3rd Marine Division Chapter 3: Assault from the Sky Chapter 4: Swing Force Chapter 5: Pacification: Winning Hearts and Minds Part Five: Post Vietnam Chapter 1: Post of the Corps: Marine Corps Development and Education Command Chapter 2: Retirement Notes Glossary Bibliography Index
