In Many a Strife: General Gerald C. Thomas and the U. S. Marine Corps, 1917-1956 - Softcover

Millett, Allan R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1682472973 ISBN 13: 9781682472972

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 2018

Synopsis

A veteran of both world wars and the Korean War, Gen. Gerald C. Thomas helped change the Marine Corps in the twentieth century. Though not as well-known as John Lejeune, Chesty Puller, and A. A. Vandegrift, he was, as this book clearly demonstrates, responsible for the transformation of the Marines into a highly effective amphibious assault force and Cold War force in readiness.

In this volume, the well-known military historian Allan R. Millett provides not only an assessment of General Thomas's career but an objective analysis of the creation of the modern Marine Corps. At the same time, he offers an expert interpretation of the "inside" leadership of the Corps. Millett has based the book on documentary research in private and official papers, including the general's own oral memoir and draft autobiography.

About this title

About the Author

Allan R. Millett retired in 2005 after thirty-seven years as a professor of history and faculty associate of The Mershon Center for International Security Studies at The Ohio State University. He then became Ambrose Professor of History and Director of the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans and senior military advisor at the National World War II Museum. He is the author or co-author of ten books. In 2008, Millett received the Pritzker Military Museum & Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. An infantry officer in the Marine Corps, he retired as a colonel from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1990.

Review

"A fine, interesting and educational book." --Baird Maritime

"Detailed and thoroughly documented.... The book is well-written and should remain a standard work on Marine Corps and military biography and history reading lists for many years to come." --Cercles: Revue Pluridisciplinaire Du Monde Anglophone

"A most interesting and unusual military biography." --Workboat World

"General Thomas proves to be an excellent subject for an institutional biography, combining battlefield service in key USMC campaigns with headquarters service during some of the most contentious policy-making episodes. Through understanding the course of Thomas's career, Millett navigates his readers through the broader transformation of the USMC from shipboard detachments to combined-arms expeditionary force. Besides USMC enthusiasts and those interested in the details of marines in combat, this book provides valuable insight into institutional culture and reform in the face of technological, strategic and financial pressure." --The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord

Edition details

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1682472973
• ISBN 13: 9781682472972
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 488