WWII E162 - The Silent Warriors: Marines' Unseen Role During WWII

Written By Robert Estrada

Episode Description

In 1941, as the world plunged deeper into war, a small contingent of U.S. Marines found themselves far from the Pacific jungles, engaging in missions that would not capture headlines but were no less critical. Deployed far from the Pacific, they prepared the groundwork for larger Allied operations.

In London, amidst the Blitz, they protected the American Embassy and took on tasks that extended far beyond their original mission. Across the Atlantic, in the rugged terrain of Scotland, Marines were pushed to their physical limits, learning unconventional warfare tactics from British Royal Marines, skills that would later define the elite Marine Raiders.

Though often unsung, these Marines quietly helped lay the foundation for major victories to come. Their early, discreet efforts were crucial in shaping the success of later, larger campaigns and establishing the Marine Corps as a force capable of adapting to the ever-changing demands of global conflict.

*************

Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

As a listener, Audible is offering you a free 30-day trial, which includes one free audiobook of your choice. Their library is massive, with incredible titles across all genres—history, biographies, sci-fi, you name it. The best part is that audiobook is yours to keep, even if you decide not to continue your membership.

To grab your free book and start your 30-day trial, click the image or head to audibletrial.com/marinehistory

References

  • Alexander, Joseph H. The Final Campaign: Marines in the Victory on Okinawa. Washington, DC: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1994.

  • Appleman, Roy E., James M. Burns, Russell A. Gugeler, and John Stevens. Okinawa: The Last Battle. Washington, DC: Center of Military History, U.S. Army, 1948. Reprint, Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2000.

  • Astor, Gerald. Operation Iceberg: The Invasion and Conquest of Okinawa in World War II—An Oral History. New York: Donald I. Fine, 1995.

  • Carleton, Phillips D. The Conquest of Okinawa: An Account of the Sixth Marine Division. Washington, DC: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1946.

  • David, Saul. Crucible of Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945. New York: Hachette Books, 2020.

  • Frank, Benis M., and Henry I. Shaw Jr. Victory and Occupation: History of U.S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II, Volume V. Washington, DC: Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1968.

  • Gavitt, James S. The Okinawa Campaign: A Case Study. Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College, 1991.

  • Nash, Douglas E., Sr. Battle of Okinawa: III MEF Staff Ride—Battle Book. Quantico, VA: History Division, U.S. Marine Corps, 2015.

  • Nichols, Charles S., Jr., and Henry I. Shaw Jr. Okinawa: Victory in the Pacific. Washington, DC: Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1955.

  • Sledge, Eugene B. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. Novato, CA: Presidio Press, 1981.

  • Sloan, Bill. The Ultimate Battle: Okinawa 1945—The Last Epic Struggle of World War II. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2007.

  • Spurr, Russell. A Glorious Way to Die: The Kamikaze Mission of the Battleship Yamato, April 1945. New York: Newmarket Press, 1981. (Alt. reissue: New York: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2010.)

  • Stockman, James R. The First Marine Division on Okinawa, 1 April–30 June 1945. Washington, DC: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1946.

  • Stockman, James R. The Sixth Marine Division. Washington, DC: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1946.

  • Walton, Rodney Earl. Big Guns, Brave Men: Mobile Artillery Observers and the Battle for Okinawa. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2013.

  • Wheelan, Joseph. 2020. Bloody Okinawa: The Last Great Battle of World War II. Hachette Books.

Robert Estrada
Next

WWII E161 - The Final Weeks on Okinawa: From Shuri to the Sea