The Marshalls

This book tells the story of the Marines spearheading the thrust through the Japanese outer ring of defences and recounts the brutal and important island-hopping Pacific campaign at its most gripping following the bloodbath at Tarawa. Contains 97 photos and 16 maps and charts. “As 1943 drew to a close, Marines had retaken Tarawa and portions of the Solomons from the Japanese invader, but the formidable enemy bases studding the vast Pacific, bases which had been built during the preceding 25 years, were as yet untouched by our amphibious forces. In early 1944 the first penetration of this prewar enemy territory was accomplished with the assault and occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls in the Marshall Islands. These were quickly followed by the seizure of Eniwetok Atoll. The major role in these over-all operations was undertaken by Marine units working in close coordination with elements of the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. That they acquitted themselves with distinction is reflected in the rapidity with which they accomplished their missions. Operations in the Marshall Islands clearly indicated that Japanese bases in the Central Pacific could be by-passed. The way was now open for the neutralization of Truk and the assault on the Marianas, the next great step in the drive toward Japan.”-LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR., GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

A study in amphibious warfare that describes how the imperfections of American amphibious doctrine, first revealed at Tarawa and Makin, were corrected in the highly successful landings on Kwajalein and Roi-Namur.

For the first time, the complete story of Marshall's first ever combo amplifier, nicknamed the Bluesbreaker, is told here in The Marshall Bluesbreaker -- The Story of Marshall's First Combo. Highlights include: The entire history of the Bluesbreaker including the development of the JTM45 and how Eric Clapton requested the first Marshall combo amplifier; a complete listing of all the Bluesbreaker components; a guide section listing year-by-year specifications and changes to the Bluesbreaker including reissues and limited editions; listings and specifications on modern builders who offer replica and clone amplifiers based on the Bluesbreaker and Mini Bluesbreaker designs; a 16-page color section featuring original and reissue Bluesbreakers, Mini Bluesbreakers, and Bluesbreaker components; and a step-by-step guide on converting a stock Marshall Bluesbreaker Reissue into a Clapton-spec Bluesbreaker