LANCER BOOK REVIEWS

A Lost Classic Published Fifty Years After Author's Death

FIGHTER SQUADRON AT GUADALCANAL

by Max Brand

Max Brand, one of America's most popular and prolific novelists and author of such enduring works as Destry Rides Again, The Untamed, and the Doctor Kildare stories, died on the Italian front in 1944 without having seen his one work of nonfiction published. Now after more than 50 years and a string of fortunate coincidences, Brand's stirring account of the 212th Marine Fighter Squadron's operations at Guadalcanal in 1942 has been set in print.

One of the very first examples of oral history, this lost treasure trove of personal and historical detail was the result of hundreds of hours of interviews with the pilots and ground crew of the 212th, as well as with Marine infantrymen and Navy personnel, conducted soon after the events took place. Stories of thrilling, yet deadly, air-to-air combat are recounted in the words of the men who were there--who also share their inner-most thoughts about fear, courage, and their resolve to defeat the Japanese.

Lost when Brand was killed while covering the Italian campaign for Harper's magazine, this unique and important find would never have appeared in print except for a meeting of squadron veterans and the author's daughter. Graced with the poetic spirit and descriptive power of his well-loved novels, Brand's account deserves a place among the classics of World War II literature both for its literary merit and its rich legacy of personal insight into one of the pivotal campaigns of the Pacific War.

In addition to being a revealing and informative historical bonanza, this work serves as a dramatic, inspirational testament to the men of an outstanding squadron who triumphed under duress, and to their legendary squadron commander, Lt. Col. Harold (Joe) Bauer, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Max Brand is the best-known pen name of Frederick Faust, whose more than 200 published novels covered nearly every genre and were the inspiration for 80 motion pictures.

224 pages. 25 photographs. 2 maps. Notes. Index. 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches. ISBN 1557500886. Hardcover. $25.95

Taken from the USNI Book Sales Page.

Note from the Web Master:
If you are at all interested in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, Guadalcanal, WWII Fighter Squadrons and tales of bravery, and the struggles of men against all odds, this book is a MUST!
VMFA-212 was and still is one of Americas Greatest Figther Squadrons!

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