Osprey Warrior 109 : US Marine Corps Raider 1942-1943

The US Marine Raider was an "elite within an elite". Modelled on British Commandoes, they were the earliest forerunners of the various special operations units of the modern US military. These units would conduct operations with only the equipment they could carry on their backs, their heaviest weapons were light mortars and light machine-guns. Highly trained in close-in fighting, the Raiders were expected to be equally skilled in watercraft, jungle survival, and jungle warfare. This book details the Raiders' experiences through some of the toughest training ever to be experienced by a Marine and onto combat during the Makin Raid, and through the horrific jungle battles of the Solomon Islands. Text by Ed Gilbert with illustrations by Howard Gerrard.

Contents

• Introduction
• Chronology
• Enlistment
• Training
• Belief and Belonging
• Dress and Appearance
• Everyday life
• In Garrison
• Life on Campaign
• Field Operations and Combat
• Disbandment
• Collections and Museums