Helmet for my Pillow

From Parris Island to the Pacific By; Robert Leckie The author describes his life from the time he entered the Marine Corp until he was convalescing in a hospital in America. Fully expecting to recover and return to action the Atomic Bombs were dropped ending the war. He philosophies the reason men like him do as they do. They are willing to defend their country if attacked. He signed up on January 5, 1942. His account of training is oftentimes humorous. He landed on Guadalcanal with the first wave and stayed until this was ended. While rehabbing in Melbourne, Australia he got himself into trouble by not obeying the rules. He returned to action at Peleiu and Okinawa. He writes about his fellow Marines and the jungle warfare. We learn a lot about what it was like fighting a fanatical opponent who would fight to the death, no surrender. He was wounded many times and suffered with malaria as well. If stories about WWII interest you I recommend reading this one.