Court-Martial at Parris Island: The Ribbon Creek Incident - Hardcover

Stevens, John C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1557508143 ISBN 13: 9781557508140

Publisher: Naval Inst Pr, 1999

Synopsis

On April 8, 1956, drill instructor Matthew McKeon led Platoon 71 on a forced night march through the backwaters of the Parris Island recruit depot in an effort to restore flagging discipline. An unexpected and extraordinarily strong tidal current in Ribbon Creek swept over the recruits, and in the panic that followed six men drowned. This book is the story of that night, the recruits of Platoon 71, and especially Staff Sergeant McKeon and his court-martial.
The author, a former marine and an experienced trial lawyer and judge, spells out in detail for the first time the strategies and tactics of the prosecution and the defense, while maintaining a sharp focus on the human side of the tragedy. Based on exhaustive research and interviews with the participants, including McKeon, his book presents an account of the incident from a wide range of perspectives.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

"It's hard to imagine a more qualified guide to the Ribbon Creek story. . . . At each point in the narrative, the author carefully explains the military background, legal relevance, and public relations significance of statements, events, and decisions. . . . The effort is so convincing that this work will certainly be the definitive statement on the facts of Ribbon Creek."--Armed Forces and Society

"[A] fascinating look at the episode."--Boston Sunday Herald

About the Author:

John C. Stevens III is now a Massachusetts trial court judge.

About this edition

• Publisher: Naval Inst Pr
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1557508143
• ISBN 13: 9781557508140
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 184