Book SummaryMarine Raiders, by Carole Engle Avriett

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Marine Raiders

The formation, training, and combat experiences of the Marine Raiders.

The establishment of the Marine Raiders signified the beginning of a distinguished unit within the Marine Corps.

This section explores the early stages of the Raiders' formation. Avriett sheds light on the beginnings of the Raiders, honors the trailblazers who initially guided them, and pinpoints the original sites where their training commenced. She offers detailed accounts of the first leaders chosen to oversee the instruction and leadership of the Raider battalions, specifically Merritt "Red Mike" Edson. Troops under Edson's command sharpened their warfare abilities at Quantico on the eastern coast, while at the same time, Carlson's Raiders were getting ready for battle at Camp Elliot and Jacques Farm, located on the opposite side of the country. The leaders underscored the importance of strenuous physical challenges, readiness for hand-to-hand fighting, and mastery in handling specialized weapons, frequently conducting training sessions at night.

In the early months of 1942, under the direction of Commandant Thomas Holcomb, the Marine Corps established its first special operations unit and selected Lieutenant Colonel Merritt "Red Mike" Edson to command it.

Avriett narrates the difficult situations encountered by Commandant Thomas Holcomb as 1942 began. He was tasked with becoming a member of the 2nd Marine Division. Secondly, the drive to create special operations forces for the Pacific theater's campaigns was amplified due to the strong advocacy from top figures, including the U.S. President and the British Prime Minister. The accomplishments of British Commandos on the European front had left a lasting impact on them. Holcomb, a master administrator and an ardent proponent of amphibious warfare, agreed to establish these units but was adamant that the training of these elite groups should be overseen solely by Marines with extensive experience. Ultimately, he achieved the very thing he had yearned for.

After resolving the matter, it was Holcomb's responsibility to name the newly formed elite units. He disliked being labeled with designations like 'Units' or 'Assault Units'. Holcomb aimed to choose a name that would strike fear into the hearts of enemies while also fostering a sense of pride among members of the Corps and those not associated with it. The formation of the group known as the Marine Raiders occurred. Operations by the battalion were initiated on February 16, 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Merritt A. Edson, an expert marksman with a history of triumphs in sharpshooting competitions and extensive jungle warfare experience, set up the unit's base of operations at Quantico. He gained firsthand understanding of Japanese military strategies while serving in China. He earned the lasting nickname "Red Mike" because his distinctive red beard was quite noticeable while he served in the military in Central America.

Context

• The success of British Commandos during World War II, particularly in raids against German-occupied Europe, inspired the formation of similar units in other Allied nations. These commandos were known for their daring and effective operations, which demonstrated the value of specialized, agile forces.
• The year 1942 was crucial in World War II as the United States was ramping up its military efforts following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. This period marked a shift towards more aggressive and specialized military strategies.
• Special operations forces were seen as essential for conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, and direct action missions that larger conventional forces could not execute effectively, especially in the challenging environments of the Pacific islands.
• During World War II, the U.S. Marine Corps was developing new tactics and strategies for the Pacific theater, where island-hopping campaigns required innovative approaches to warfare, making experienced leadership crucial.
• Holcomb's insistence on Marine-led training ensured that the units maintained a high standard of discipline and effectiveness, rooted in the Corps' traditions and combat experience.
• Quantico, located in Virginia, is a major training base for the United States Marine Corps. It has been a crucial site for developing military tactics and training since its establishment in 1917.
• Edson's experience in China likely occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), where Japan invaded China. This conflict provided valuable insights into Japanese tactics and military strategies.
• In military culture, nicknames often reflect a distinctive physical trait or personality characteristic, serving as a form of camaraderie and identity among service members.

Edson and his fellow commanders dedicated considerable effort and assets to meticulously train their troops, focusing on developing specific skills like marksmanship, expertise in handling explosives, and executing missions in the stealth of night.

Edson remained resolute in his commitment to enlist solely the most exceptional and skilled warriors from within the ranks of the Marine Corps. The method he used to choose candidates was stringent. Initially, the Marines had to volunteer proactively to be considered for inclusion in the ranks. Then, the selection process involved personal interviews with volunteers, primarily conducted by Edson. He sought individuals with exceptional marksmanship skills who were also highly motivated and disciplined. Edson was renowned for his unwavering composure and extraordinary fortitude. People often remarked that his gaze had the power to deeply disconcert a person. In fact, during personal interviews with recruits, Edson sought to swiftly assess their courage by asking, "Would you possess the audacity to quietly approach an enemy combatant, capture him, and silently cut his throat?"

Samuel Griffith, who had previously seen combat in Nicaragua and China,...

Marine Raiders Summary The Marine Raiders hold the distinction of being the first special operations force established in the U.S. military.

This section of the text highlights the pioneering achievements of the Raiders as the first special operations force in the United States, their unique characteristics, and the lasting influence they have left behind. Avriett thoroughly describes their crucial role in the war, including the recapture of Guadalcanal and the obstruction of Japanese troops moving toward the nations of the southern Pacific. The Raiders established the groundwork for the creation of all future U.S. military special operations units across different service branches.

The Raiders became renowned for their unparalleled skill, bravery, and exemplary behavior.

Avriett skillfully illustrates the crucial function the Raiders served as the inaugural special operations unit of the United States in her comprehensive account of their formation. The Raiders embodied the very spirit of taking initiative. The commanders of their respective groups highly prized initiative and the proactive tackling of obstacles. Furthermore, they resolved to transcend traditional military strategies. The traditional military hierarchy of the Marines occasionally regarded these traits with skepticism, yet they proved crucial...

Marine Raiders Summary The Raiders encountered a succession of demanding military operations, each accompanied by a variety of trials and difficulties.

The passage highlights the extraordinary fortitude displayed by the Raiders when they faced significant obstacles, especially those presented by thick jungle terrain.

The thick forests of the Pacific created a demanding environment that posed numerous obstacles for military maneuvers.

The elite unit's members often endured continuous challenges, surviving on what nature provided during extended reconnaissance missions in the unforgiving tropical wilderness. The arduous circumstances encountered by this group illustrate the dangers, and Avriett provides in-depth descriptions of their experiences. In this specific battle, they faced not only a resolute, skilled, and unyielding adversary but also had to surmount the harsh conditions surrounding them.

The Raiders faced extreme heat, high humidity, and a range of tropical diseases that greatly affected their health and stamina.

The Raiders were frequently debilitated by not only the scorching temperatures but also the heavy humidity and a range of tropical diseases, to a degree that often matched the incapacitation of their enemies. In some conflicts, the number of individuals debilitated by these conditions surpassed...