The Guadalcanal campaign, planning for which began 81 years ago this month - while a very different kind of battle than that fought on the Russian Steppes at the same time - can be analogized as the American Stalingrad. Like that battle, it was a very near thing, right to the end, against an enemy that was at times stronger than the American force, held off from victory in desperate battles for which there were no reserves. It was very much a battle of attrition with resources, men, and supply lines strained to their breaking points. Instead of a brutal winter, the environmental factors of hellish heat and malaria were in play.
When it comes to writing about military history, you, TC, are one of the best.
When I originally subscribed for the first time, I did the yearly deal, but after you made your case, I am going to switch to monthly when I renew; wish I could do that now for you.
Has Hollywood ever come close to telling a good Guadalcanal story?
Probably the closest is Terrence Malik's "The Thin Red Line." "The Gallant Hours" (1959) stars James Cagney as Admiral Halsey and tells the story from his POV. "Guadalcanal Diary" was done during WW2 from Dick Tregaskis' best seller.
I’m looking forward to it TC. My grandfather was a Marine on Okinawa. He took mortar fragments, one that was too near his spine to be removed. He didn’t talk about it much. He was a gentleman, a big man, humble and not without demons... kind and loving to his family. I miss him.
My father was a nose gunner on a B-24 Liberator with the 865th Bomb Squadron, Army Air Corps, and was stationed on Okinawa for a time as well. He came home unscathed and did not speak much about their experiences.
Dagnamit, you mean I could have got this upcoming content inclusive of my TAFM subscription without buying the books? My Scottish dad would be rolling in his grave, if we hadn't cremated him.
Nae bother. It will be right riveting reading again, I have no doubt. I've forgotten much already, anyways.
I like to read books by the same author in the order they were published. Which one should I start with?
As an aside, "Under the Southern Cross" has me interested, because I was born an Aussie. Both parents served in WW2, my Dad in the Royal Australian Navy as a gunnery officer up around New Guinea. My Mum was an Army surgical nurse on the Soloman Islands, mainly Bougainville.
The Pacific War Quadrilogy (which was not originally planned as such) is, in order: "I Will Run Wild," "Under The Southern Cross," "Pacific Thunder," and "Tidal Wave."
When it comes to writing about military history, you, TC, are one of the best.
When I originally subscribed for the first time, I did the yearly deal, but after you made your case, I am going to switch to monthly when I renew; wish I could do that now for you.
Has Hollywood ever come close to telling a good Guadalcanal story?
If not, why not?
Probably the closest is Terrence Malik's "The Thin Red Line." "The Gallant Hours" (1959) stars James Cagney as Admiral Halsey and tells the story from his POV. "Guadalcanal Diary" was done during WW2 from Dick Tregaskis' best seller.
I am always amazed at the movies made during WW2. No guarantees no where
You're such a good and versatile writer, I'll look forward to reading it. xx's
I’m looking forward to it TC. My grandfather was a Marine on Okinawa. He took mortar fragments, one that was too near his spine to be removed. He didn’t talk about it much. He was a gentleman, a big man, humble and not without demons... kind and loving to his family. I miss him.
My father was a nose gunner on a B-24 Liberator with the 865th Bomb Squadron, Army Air Corps, and was stationed on Okinawa for a time as well. He came home unscathed and did not speak much about their experiences.
My grandfather was a Gunner Sargent. I have his papers and Purple Heart.
Dagnamit, you mean I could have got this upcoming content inclusive of my TAFM subscription without buying the books? My Scottish dad would be rolling in his grave, if we hadn't cremated him.
Nae bother. It will be right riveting reading again, I have no doubt. I've forgotten much already, anyways.
It's going to be "adapted from," not the same as what you get in the books.
I like to read books by the same author in the order they were published. Which one should I start with?
As an aside, "Under the Southern Cross" has me interested, because I was born an Aussie. Both parents served in WW2, my Dad in the Royal Australian Navy as a gunnery officer up around New Guinea. My Mum was an Army surgical nurse on the Soloman Islands, mainly Bougainville.
The Pacific War Quadrilogy (which was not originally planned as such) is, in order: "I Will Run Wild," "Under The Southern Cross," "Pacific Thunder," and "Tidal Wave."
I can't wait TC. Am deep into Going Downtown and it's excellent.
I look forward to your work, TC, and Happy Birthday, sir.
Didn't know it is your Birthday but hope it was a good day! Hope you got to share it with someone besides the feline family. Hugs!