The epic story of the vastly outnumbered platoon that stopped Germany's leading assault in the Ardennes forest and prevented Hitler's most fearsome tanks from overtaking American positions On a cold morning in December, 1944, deep in the Ardennes forest, a platoon of eighteen men under the command of twenty-year-old lieutenant Lyle Bouck were huddled in their foxholes trying desperately to keep warm. Suddenly, the early morning silence was broken by the roar of a huge artillery bombardment and the dreadful sound of approaching tanks. Hitler had launched his bold and risky offensive against the Allies-his "last gamble"-and the small American platoon was facing the main thrust of the entire German assault. Vastly outnumbered, they repulsed three German assaults in a fierce day-long battle, killing over five hundred German soldiers and defending a strategically vital hill. Only when Bouck's men had run out of ammunition did they surrender to the enemy. As POWs, Bouck's platoon began an ordeal far worse than combat-survive in captivity under trigger-happy German guards, Allied bombing raids, and a daily ration of only thin soup. In German POW camps, hundreds of captured Americans were either killed or died of disease, and most lost all hope. But the men of Bouck's platoon survived-miraculously, all of them. Once again in vivid, dramatic prose, Alex Kershaw brings to life the story of some of America's little-known heroes-the story of America's most decorated small unit, an epic story of courage and survival in World War II, and one of the most inspiring stories in American history. Read more

A fascinatingly detailed biography of one of the most terrifying men of the Second World War — German Panzer commander and convicted war criminal Jochen Peiper.Perfect for fans of Danny S. Parker, Michael Reynolds, Patrick Agte, and David G. Williams.In January 1935, twenty-year-old Jochen Peiper took an oath of allegiance, pledging himself to the new Führer and becoming a member of his elite bodyguard, the SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. The young cadet quickly stood out among his contemporaries for his arrogance and high intelligence. He was ambitious and possessed a strong will of his own — qualities valued at the SS cadet school, which promoted independence and flexibility in its officers to lead men from the front. These qualities would make Peiper one of the most prominent young commanders of the Second World War.After beginning his service in Hitler’s bodyguard, Peiper was selected to become the personal adjutant to Heinrich Himmler. As predicted, on returning to active combat, he rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a tank commander in the 1st SS Panzer Division. He served on both the Eastern and Western fronts, first as a battalion commander and later as a regimental commander. He was featured on the covers of Nazi Party magazines, mentioned in Wehrmacht war reports, and awarded the Knight’s Cross. At the age of 27, he became the youngest regimental colonel in the Waffen SS. However, no matter how enigmatic his personality or how glittering his early career, Peiper is remembered by history as a convicted war criminal, sentenced to death for the actions of Kampfgruppe Peiper in the massacre of unarmed American soldiers at Malmédy, France, in 1944, and civilians in Boves, Italy, in 1943.Charles Whiting draws on his extensive personal knowledge of the period and exhaustive research to present the facts about the events and the individual. Correspondence and interviews with people who knew Peiper and witnessed the events described enable Whiting to write a vivid and authoritative account.The true facts behind the events that led to Peiper’s conviction and subsequent imprisonment may never be fully known. What is certain is that, despite serving his sentence, he was brutally murdered in his home in France in 1976 by those who believed he still had a debt to pay. This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the controversial military leaders of the Second World War and the events that followed in its immediate aftermath. Read more

Stephen E. Ambrose’s classic New York Times bestseller and inspiration for the acclaimed HBO series about Easy Company, the ordinary men who became the World War II’s most extraordinary soldiers at the frontlines of the war's most critical moments. Featuring a foreword from Tom Hanks.They came together, citizen soldiers, in the summer of 1942, drawn to Airborne by the $50 monthly bonus and a desire to be better than the other guy. And at its peak—in Holland and the Ardennes—Easy Company was as good a rifle company as any in the world.From the rigorous training in Georgia in 1942 to the disbanding in 1945, Stephen E. Ambrose tells the story of this remarkable company. In combat, the reward for a job well done is the next tough assignment, and as they advanced through Europe, the men of Easy kept getting the tough assignments.They parachuted into France early D-Day morning and knocked out a battery of four 105 mm cannon looking down Utah Beach; they parachuted into Holland during the Arnhem campaign; they were the Battered Bastards of the Bastion of Bastogne, brought in to hold the line, although surrounded, in the Battle of the Bulge; and then they spearheaded the counteroffensive. Finally, they captured Hitler's Bavarian outpost, his Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden.They were rough-and-ready guys, battered by the Depression, mistrustful and suspicious. They drank too much French wine, looted too many German cameras and watches, and fought too often with other GIs. But in training and combat they learned selflessness and found the closest brotherhood they ever knew. They discovered that in war, men who loved life would give their lives for them. This is the story of the men who fought, of the martinet they hated who trained them well, and of the captain they loved who led them. E Company was a company of men who went hungry, froze, and died for each other, a company that took 150 percent casualties, a company where the Purple Heart was not a medal—it was a badge of office. Read more

An eye-opening account of one American division’s desperate attempt to hold back the might of the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II.Although the 106th Infantry Division was decimated, and the Germans captured over six thousand prisoners in one of the largest mass surrenders in American military history, the efforts of these American soldiers to defend St.-Vith disrupted the German timetable for reaching Antwerp, thus hampering the Bulge offensive.This remarkable but often forgotten story of how an American division sacrificed itself to achieve a greater victory should be essential reading for fans of military history.On December 16, 1944, the young men of the U.S. 106th Infantry huddled in their foxholes and tried to sleep. They had never been in battle before and were told they were unlikely to see fighting soon, as they occupied a “rest sector” on the front. Yet charging toward them was the might of the 18th Volksgrenadier Division: a quarter of a million German soldiers, two thousand artillery pieces, and nearly one thousand tanks.This was the German Wehrmacht’s first shattering blow in the Battle of the Bulge.Yet why was this division so unprepared? What decisions or lack of them had Allied Command made prior to this monumental attack occurring?Charles Whiting, a renowned military historian and veteran of the Second World War, brings to life the horrors experienced by ordinary combat soldiers during this terrifying battle. Through meticulous research, Whiting sheds light on the chaos of battle, explaining how this untested American division attempted to hold back the seasoned veterans of the German army.“One small but important aspect of the Ardennes campaign... successfully conveys the chaos of the fighting.” Kirkus Reviews“This is a fast-moving, exciting, and fair account of the key battle of the Battle of the Bulge.” Military Affairs Read more

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A truly authentic account of what it was like to serve in the last year of World War Two.This vivid history uncovers the final tragedies and triumphs of the Second World War before peace returned to a war-torn Europe. It is the perfect book for fans of Stephen E. Ambrose, E. B. Sledge, and Matthew Rozell.Although there were only five months of conflict before VE-Day in 1945, this does not mean that the war became any less ferocious. From the last-ditch German offensive in the Ardennes through to crossing the Rhine, the fire-bombing of Dresden to the capture of Hamburg, this final year of World War Two was a bloody and brutal conflict where many young men lost their lives.Charles Whiting, a veteran of World War Two and a renowned historian, recovers the lost voices of the ordinary soldiers from both sides who witnessed the final death throes of the Second World War. Drawing upon letters home, private diaries, interviews with combatants, as well as the regimental histories and journalists’ reports, has allowed Whiting to reconstruct a soldier’s-eye-view of the frontlines, from both Allied and Axis perspectives.’45 is a unique testament to the Second World War soldier, uncovering the world in which they lived and died, the weapons which they fought with, the food that they ate, the civilians and ruins they encountered, and what the end of the war meant to them.Praise for the work of Charles Whiting:‘provides … unique insights that most historians fail to capture’ Armor, Bryant Love Read more

“a provocative and stimulating addition to the study of World War II.” HistoryNetPerfect for readers of Max Hastings, James Holland and Stephen E. Ambrose.By September 1944 the Germany army in France had been decimated and survivors were streaming back to the Reich. The British SAS commanders were clearing the way for the American armies of George S. Patton, Alexander Patch and Courtney Hodges. By the afternoon of September 11, 1944, men of the U.S. 5th Armored Division penetrated the poorly defended Siegfried Line. Yet just when the Rhine was ripe for the taking General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered all further advances to be halted.Could combination of American forces supported by the British SAS have crossed the Rhine and thrust into the heart of Germany in the autumn of 1944? Did Eisenhower’s rigid adherence to his broad-front strategy delay the end of the war by several months and cause thousands of men to lose their lives in the bloody struggles in the Ardennes and the Hurtgen Forest during the Battle of the Bulge?Charles Whiting’s brilliant book Death on a Distant Frontier is a hard-hitting reappraisal of Eisenhower’s tactics. Through extensive research Whiting shines a light on the conflicts of personalities between the various generals and explores how Eisenhower conducted the war to ensure that his insiders reaped the glory of being the first American army to cross the Rhine.As a veteran of this campaign, Whiting was a witness to the turmoil that reigned during this fourth month period, yet through his fast-paced narrative and informed analysis he is able to provide vivid insight into this much-overlooked period of the Second World War when the Allies could have broken through into Nazi Germany. Read more

A fascinating personal account of one soldier’s adventurous life in Southern Africa, serving with a unique and often forgotten regiment: the King’s African Rifles. This thoroughly enjoyable and engaging record capturing a snapshot in time is the perfect read for fans of John Nunneley, Malcolm Page, Graham Greene, and Mary H. Kingsley.From the early days of childhood adventure books, firsthand accounts from returning soldiers, and the devouring of every detail of Von Lettow’s campaign in the First World War, Sir Francis de Guingand had been obsessed with Africa.As a young officer, de Guingand followed his heart and joined the King's African Rifles. This was a time of great pride and adventure for young men of spirit who wanted to make their fortune and serve their sovereign in far-flung corners of the empire. Lured by the freedom and independence of a posting far from the normal restraints and routine of regular soldiering, it was everything he dreamed of.His vivid depictions of Africa, his life, and experiences leap off the page and are full of joy, camaraderie, adventure, danger, exploration, and plenty of leisure time for hunting big game and general high jinks. There are hard marches and lean times with difficult decisions that have to be made. It is a time of great schemes for colonial development with new regions still to be mapped, all done on foot with pencil and paper. Life is basic, but English standards are always maintained!This memoir has come together from happy reminiscence, old diaries, letters, and tales from friends and former comrades. It is a treasure trove of information about a happy band of brothers in days gone by.‘An immensely readable story, told with much charm and wit’ — A. Godfrey Harvey, University of British ColombiaThis book documents an era of colonial rule, when Africa was divided between conquering nations and indigenous Africans were subject to the control of European empires. Therefore, the attitudes expressed and experiences detailed are very much representative of their time. Although de Guingand’s deep, genuine love and respect for the people of Africa shines throughout, it remains a truthful account of interwar imperial rule. Some readers may find certain episodes difficult to read. Read more

Over Lord is the fascinating story of how American tactical air power was developed by General Elwood "Pete" Quesada during World War II, including its decisive role in Operation OVERLORD and the liberation of Europe.Pete Quesada is one of World War II's unsung yet crucial heroes. With his famous "Ninth Tactical Air Command," Quesada established the best air-ground team in the European theater. he pioneered the use of radar in close air support operations, introducing weapons systems specifically geared to tactical operations. He nurtured new flying methods designed for the kind of precision bombing the battlefields of Europe demanded. And more than anything else, Pete Quesada championed efforts to model air and ground officers into a single fighting unit. His relationships with ground leaders like Generals Omar Bradley and "Lightning Joe" Collins were a model for the kind of interservice harmony that was essential for dislodging the entrenched German Army.At war's end everybody from General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower to ordinary infantrymen recognized Pete Quesada as the premier expert and dogged patron of close air support. Allied airplanes over the battlefields of Europe had undoubtedly shortened the war and saved many thousands of lives, and Pete Quesada came home to a hero's welcome in 1945. By then he was the personification of tactical air power. Indeed, he was its over lord.Unfortunately, Quesada's groundbreaking methods were all but forgotten after the war. As the Cold War deepened, Air Force leaders stressed the role of big bombers flying deep into enemy territory and renounced the importance of close air support missions. Quesada himself was shunted into jobs that were both illsuited to his fiery temperament and divorced from his wartime expertise in tactical aviation. Frustrated, he retired from the Air Force in 1951 at forty-seven years of age.Fortunately, the story of Quesada's innovative tactics did not end there for the American military. In Korea in the 1950s and Vietnam in the 1960s, U.S. servicemen struggled -- and died -- relearning and recreating the kinds of tactics that Quesada had made commonplace in 1944-45. Had the U.S. Air Force nurtured its capacity for close air support, those two conflicts may have unfolded differently. Since then, the Air Force has struggled for a better balance between its bombardment missions and its support functions.This is the definitive story of an extraordinary man, whose remarkable efforts to aid foot soldiers in World War II contributed significantly to the Allies' success. America's belated rediscovery of Quesada's precepts some forty years later in conflicts like Operation DESERT STORM only underscores the importance of Quesada's story. Read more

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The thrilling true story of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division’s major operations during the European campaign of 1944/45. For readers of Max Hastings and James Holland, and fans of Steven Spielberg’s award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers.Of the 6,600 paratroopers of the 101st ‘Screaming Eagles’ Airborne Division who parachuted into France in the early hours of 6 June 1944 — D-Day — some 3,500 were listed as missing by midnight that same night. Yet it was only the beginning of their ‘rendezvous with destiny’.American Eagles is the remarkable true story of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division. From their rigorous training in ‘Old Jolly’ (England) to their first operational jump in Normandy, Charles Whiting tells the story of this ‘Band of Brothers’, who fought, suffered and died in the eleven-month campaign that followed. From Normandy and Holland through to the siege of Bastogne and their final triumphant capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest in the Bavarian Alps, we gain a picture of a brave elite division which kept on getting the tough assignments.Drawing on eyewitness accounts, painstaking research, and his own youthful experiences when his regiment was under the command of 101st Airborne in Holland, Whiting delivers a powerful account of each of the 101st’s major operations during the European campaign of 1944/45. He brings to life the full horrors of war while shining a spotlight on the courage and determination of the ‘Screaming Eagles’ and their role in the destruction of the Nazi regime in World War Two.“The 101st Airborne Division, which was activated on August 16, 1942, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny…” — Maj.-Gen. William Lee, commanding officer in 1942. Read more

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A clear and compelling account of the brutal battle of Kohima that swung the balance of the Burma Campaign in World War Two.An ideal book for readers of Max Hastings, Anthony Beevor and Jonathan Dimbleby.‘Sieges have been longer but few have been more intense and in none have the defenders deserved greater honour than the garrison of Kohima.’ Field Marshal the Viscount Slim‘The valiant defence of Kohima against enormous odds was a fine episode.’ Winston ChurchillFor a fortnight in April 1944 Lieutenant-General Sato threw nearly the whole force of his division towards the Kohima Ridge. Against them stood a tiny force of one thousand five hundred British and Indian troops.How were these Allied forces able to hold back the attack from over ten thousand Japanese soldiers? And what happened over the course of these long and bloody weeks?C. E. Lucas Phillip's book uncovers not only the personal experiences of the men who fought in this battle but also the political, geographical and military position of the Burma campaign, leading up to and following the siege.‘A beau geste story of staggering courage and fortitude — of a scratch force facing and defeating a whole Japanese division in a battle for a narrow strip of mountainous ground barely a mile long. When the Siege of Kohima was raised the gaunt and ragged garrison of 1,500 had suffered 600 casualties… a vivid, thrilling account of a battle that was truly a springboard to victory.’ Yorkshire Post‘C. E. Lucas Phillips has a thrilling story to tell, and no one could fail to respond to it.’ Punch‘A lucid, exciting account, blow-by-blow, agony by agony; illuminated by shining courage.’ Irish TimesSpringboard to Victory: The Burma Campaign and the Battle for Kohima is a thorough study of one of the most brutal conflicts of the Burma campaign during World War Two. It should be essential reading for anyone interested in history of the war in the Pacific. Read more

The deeply personal diary of a young British soldier serving in France with the Royal Engineers during the First World War.This account of the ups and downs of active service on the battleground is the perfect read for fans of Aubrey Smith, Jonathan King, John Toland, and Laurence Stallings.In 1915, at the age of 18, John Glubb joined the 7th Field Company in the Ypres Salient. From here, he would go on to serve at Ypres, on the Somme, at Arras, and Cambrai. As the war progressed, he often found himself in command of his company until brutally injured in 1917. Desperate to return to active service and his beloved unit, he returned in 1918 to the Western Front, not as a naïve teenager but as a man who had witnessed the full horror of war.This diary tells his own war story: the work carried out, the conditions, the sights, the comradeship, and how life was lived amidst the daily horrors, dangers, and desolation in front of and behind the lines. It also captures his very humane sensitivity towards the welfare of the horses employed under his charge, as well as the men and the contrasting beauties of the natural world.Through Glubb’s fascinating firsthand account, the reader gains a real insight into the vital contribution the Royal Engineers made towards achieving final victory over Germany.‘... the diaries are compelling for their freshness of observation and quiet pride in each day's duty done and, amid the glut of infantry memoirs, almost unique in offering a glimpse of the war from the Engineers’ viewpoint.’ Christopher Wordsworth, The Observer‘... a valuable contribution to the literature of the First World War and a most interesting narrative … An absorbing, impressive account.’ Philip Warner, Times Literary Supplement‘The author has, to a great extent, avoided up-to-date comment and the book has retained the relatively simple prose of a young RE officer. This makes the book live — you are there and share the horrors, sufferings, fortitude, heroism and eventual triumph. The Preface sets the scene, the diary tells the story.’ Royal Engineers Journal‘The horrors he records, including his own mutilation, are all the more vivid because they are not embedded in a passionate denunciation of the war but are set down as part of the routine. There is pity here, but no self pity.’ The Economist‘This book is unique and a joy to read.’ Brigadier Sir John Smyth, V.C., M.C. Read more

"Mad Anthony's Army: General Anthony Wayne and the Birth of the U.S. Army" is Randy McNutt's second Kindle Short Read on Wayne. This one recounts additional stories of one of America's greatest generals and his stellar military career during the Revolutionary War, as well as his later role in founding the U.S. Army. During the Revolution, he fought with distinction at many major battles, including Stony Point, where he personally led his men in their critical charge against the hilly British fortress in New York. This story provides more details of Wayne's fascinating personal life and his career under General George Washington. During the Indian wars that followed in the early 1790s, Wayne came out of retirement--at President Washington's request--to establish the first regular U.S. Army. Until then, the nation depended on two small regiments and local militias. Wayne instilled in the new army's personnel the need to be orderly, neatly groomed, well-dressed, determined, and obedient. He trained his troops relentlessly at Legion Ville, the army's first training ground that he founded near Pittsburgh. Finally having a disciplined and strong force, America was able to defeat the western Native American war coalition and establish a professional and disciplined army that would confront the British when they invaded again during the War of 1812. Though Wayne died in 1796, his hard work and personal views on military life can be seen in the army to this day. "Mad Anthony's Army" also includes ten illustrations, a bibliography, and a brief author's bio. Read more

The document is a comprehensive exploration of the history, roles, and contributions of the Parachute Regiment, particularly focusing on the 1, 2, and 3 Para Battalions.This section provides a comprehensive overview of the Parachute Regiment's history, roles, operations, and contributions across various contexts.The Parachute Regiment was formed with origins tracing back to early military needs for airborne operations.It played a significant role in World War II, contributing to key operations and demonstrating its operational capabilities.Post-war, the regiment underwent reforms and modernization to adapt to new military challenges and technologies.The regiment consists of multiple battalions, each with unique achievements, deployments, and notable members.Training and selection processes are rigorous, ensuring only the most capable personnel are integrated into the regiment.The regiment has engaged in various operations, including counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and unconventional warfare, showcasing its versatility.Future challenges include adapting to modern warfare, cyber threats, and maintaining operational readiness in diverse environments.This section discusses the history, traditions, and unique aspects of the Parachute Regiment, emphasizing its airborne operations and camaraderie.The Parachute Regiment was formed in 1942 to conduct airborne operations, initially trained by C Company, The Royal Sussex Regiment.It gained recognition as the only Allied unit with three regular battalions as part of its operational structure.The regiment maintains a light infantry role, contrasting with heavily armed US units, and is part of the UK's quick reaction force.The author has gathered insights from veterans and regimental communications, highlighting the importance of trust and shared experiences in the regiment's culture.This section details the history, formation, and significance of the Parachute Regiment in the British Army.The Parachute Regiment was officially formed on June 12, 1941, following the reorganization of British airborne troops.Initially composed of a headquarters section and three battalions, it later expanded to include a fourth battalion.The No. 4 Para Battalion was disbanded on November 15, 1942, after failing to reach Scotland in time for deployment.The regiment's success led to its tactics being emulated by both British forces and their adversaries during World War II.The Parachute Regiment is celebrated for its unbreakable bonds, professionalism, and dynamic fighting capabilities, making it one of the world's elite forces.The section discusses Lt. Col. Payton-Reid's experiences and perspectives on airborne warfare and key operations during World War II.Lt. Col. Payton-Reid graduated from the Staff College and was involved in the first Canadian jump at Shottesbrooke in autumn 1940.He expressed concerns about the dangers of airborne operations, particularly regarding the identification of fallen airborne soldiers by German jump masters.The text highlights the early actions of the two original airborne battalions, including significant operations at Dieppe and St. Nazaire.The establishment of 3 Para in the Western Desert marked the beginning of its nickname, with operations extending towards Cassino and the Hard March.This book uniquely chronicles the history of the 1, 2, and 3 Para Battalions, aiming to preserve their stories for future generations. It reflects on the journey of these elite soldiers, emphasizing their courage and camaraderie in battle. Ultimately, it serves as a tribute to all Parachute Regiment members, past and present. Read more

Korea, December 1950. The temperature has plunged to 20-degrees below zero. Cold enough to crack rocket-launcher ammo wide open. But not cold enough to stop a massive Communist assault against U.S. forces. As the 8th Army retreats, the Marines dig in at Chosin Reservoir and are quickly cut off and surrounded. This is the riveting account of what happened next. The brilliant Marine attack that was to become a classic in military operations. The personal heroism, private ordeals, bitter fighting, and final victory. Told in the powerful words of a man who was there, it is a story you will never forget. Read more

Anzio was one of the greatest battles of World War II-a desperate gamble to land a large amphibious force behind German lines in Italy in the hope that the war could be shortened by capturing Rome. It also turned out to be one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. military history. Based on extensive research into archives, photos, letters, diaries, previously classified official records, and scores of personal interviews with surviving veterans of the 45th, The Rock of Anzio is written with an immediacy that puts the reader right onto the battlefield and shows us war through the eyes of ordinary men called upon to perform extraordinary deeds. Read more

The 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), was born on the Marine Corps' 142nd birthday in 1917. Over the next 97 years, they earned a place in Marine Corps history for bravery and courage, highlighted by four years of combat in Vietnam. During those four years, the battalion suffered more casualties than any unit in Marine Corps history and earned its enduring nickname, “The Walking Dead.”Their story is dedicated to the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for freedom. It is a story of sacrifice and honor. These heroes gave the last full measure of devotion, leaving their future on the ground in the jungle so that others could have a future of freedom.In early spring 1966, the 1st Bn 9th Marines launched the Ky Lam campaign, which accounted for more than 174 Communists killed. Among them was Ho Chi Minh’s nephew. At a ceremony in Hanoi, General Vo Nguyen Giap promised President Ho Chi Minh he would wipe out the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, as a present for the leader’s birthday (May 19). In describing the fate that awaited the Marines, Giap allegedly used the term “di bo Chet,” translated as the “walking dead”: The Marines should be considered already dead, just not buried yet. The 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, proudly and defiantly adopted “The Walking Dead” as its nickname. The battalion used the label to describe themselves.They were engaged in combat in Vietnam for 47 months and seven days, from June 15, 1965, to October 19, 1966, and December 11, 1966, to July 14, 1969. During that period, 2,892 Marines passed through the unit, and 25.89% (747) were Killed In Action (KIA), with 0.0007% (2) Missing In Action (MIA). Both KIA and MIA figures are Marine Corps records. Read more