Through These Portals: A Pacific War Saga - Hardcover

MacGregor Jr., Wayne C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0874222567 ISBN 13: 9780874222562

Publisher: Washington State Univ Pr, 2002

Synopsis

This remarkably immediate memoir tells of the U.S Army’s essential role in the Pacific campaigns alongside the Navy and Marine Corps. America’s sons, born in the first quarter of the 20th century, were forged in the twin crucibles of the Great Depression and World War II. The values and attitudes of these mostly idealistic young males ultimately sustained them in horrific trials against incredibly courageous, and often suicidally committed, Japanese soldiers blindly loyal to their superior officers and the Emperor.

MacGregor graphically describes the dire Depression years of 1930s’ America, when he grew up in Spokane, Washington. He then takes readers through a heart-felt account of the war years and the savage, face-to-face small-unit actions in the Mariana Islands, The Philippines, and Okinawa from 1944 to 1945.

"Through These Portals" also contains one of the most notable collections of combat photographs ever assembled, and the author’s discussion of small-unit action is exceptional. This memoir is truly an infantryman’s account of war at its worst, and individual soldiers at their best.

About this title

From the Publisher:

MacGregor's account is comparable to such classic Pacific war memoirs as William Manchester's "Good-bye, Darkness" and E.B. Sledge's "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa."

Review:

"...[better reveals] the depths of horror that ordinary humans are forced to go through in the name of duty." -- Spokesman Review, May 25, 2003

About this edition

• Publisher: Washington State Univ Pr
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0874222567
• ISBN 13: 9780874222562
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 243