What Readers are saying About the Book
I chose the book for one reason only, being a former Marine myself it was only appropriate I choose this book since I served during the time periods depicted in the book.
I found the book so intriguing I couldn’t put it down, the colorful way Col. Bathurst documented each assignment and the sometime cruel comedy of it all.
What a great story of a very great man
Note from the Author: Thank you very much James; I am truly humbled by your comments. JB
Originally posted 2015-10-19 15:13:31.
We’ll All Die As Marines is one man’s memoir of Marine life from a lowly private to a full bull colonel. Colonel Jim Bathurst has written a memorable and compelling account of his life as a Marine of over thirty-five years.
A young native coming from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay young Bathurst had a real problem trying to matriculate from high school. Lacking direction and absolutely hating going to school he begged his parents for their signatures releasing him to of all places the United State Marine Corps. The author starts the long trip from basic training at Parris Island to the Infantry Training Regiment. Along the way he gives a full and descriptive view of life in the Marine Corps as a private in the late 1950’s.
Becoming accustomed to a Marine’s life the author thrives on life which is full of tradition and discipline. We find him going up through the enlisted ranks becoming a drill instructor and becoming a man not only accustomed to taking orders, but he learns how to lead men from some great mentors along the way.
While still an NCO Bathurst has a tour of duty in Japan and later in 1966 he does a 13 month tour in The Republic of Vietnam. He relates his combat tour as lessons in leadership and shows the esprit de corps that takes on the elan that is known as a combat Marine. With these hard lessons in his pocket he rotates back to the States and is assigned to the prestigious ceremonial platoon known to all as “8th & I.” The author relates all the hard training and scrupulous attention to detail with this famed unit.
During this time span Bathurst is commissioned a 2nd Lt and his career as an officer takes off as he skyrockets through the officer ranks with assignments in Okinawa, the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, training with the Army at Ft. Bragg, Airborne training at Ft. Benning, Marine Barracks at Lemoore, California, Armed Forces Staff College and the Recruiting Station in Chicago, Illinois. Quite a full career!
This is the basis of a full and enriching career with a tutorial of what is the true Marine Corps. This is an excellent memoir for all who want to truly learn the meaning of Semper Fi.
Originally posted 2015-10-19 15:09:45.
This book was terrific. As a Marine veteran, I found Jim Bathurst’s descriptions of life as a Marine both entertaining and instructive. His depiction of the life of a young Marine in the period before the outbreak of the Vietnam War was spot on. On almost every page, he has a personal story with a valuable lesson for any young military officer or NCO. Any student of leadership would be well-served to read this book since it contains numerous examples of both good and bad leadership – and Bathurst pulls no punches when he evaluates the men he served with over his long and illustrious career. I must admit that I was privileged to have served in the Marine Corps with Jim on several occasions and I consider him one of the best examples of professionalism and effective leadership I have ever met. The book tells the story of his rise from private to colonel during a time when the Marine Corps had to deal with sparse resources, the Vietnam War, drug abuse, and a host of other leadership challenges. Bathurst takes on these challenges head-on and provides insights and lessons learned that will benefit any military professional and enlighten any student of the military and its culture. I highly recommend it.
Originally posted 2015-10-19 15:01:26.
I have read only one Vietnam War book in my lifetime. It was Fields of Fire by James Webb. While I did enjoy the book, the author is a POS as far as I am concerned; therefore, I am not touting his book.
Since I participated in the original “play,” I have chosen not to read someone else’s version of how he experienced the war, much of which is, in my view, a “war story” that gets better each time it’s told.; including mine LOL.
Having said that I am making an exception. Why you ask? It’s simple, I know the author very well. If you read my book, We’ll All Die as Marines, he is mentioned in it. I’ll not; however, tell you what chapter. Yeah, I know that’s mean. All I shall divulge is I was a fresh caught brown bar. That should surely take you right to the place if you still have the book. If not write me and I will sell you one. LOL.
Anyway, I digress. The book of which I speak was just released a few weeks ago. Its title is, Kilo 3. For Marines that should tell you it was Kilo Company of the 3rd battalion, of some regiment. Well, it’s the Striking Ninth, none other than the 9th Marine Regiment of the Third Marine Division, traditionally written a K 3/9.
I’ll not share any of the book with you as that would be cheating the author. I will; however, say this book makes Webb’s read seem like a child’s fairy tale. For those who have not experienced combat from an infantryman’s perspective, you will be enlightened beyond belief. As I read I could smell the cordite, feel the anger, hear the different types of explosions as he describes them perfectly, experience the sweat and intense heat, and remember the danger and fear.
However, this read is more than about the Vietnam War. It’s about leaving the blood, sweat, and horror of that horrible war and stepping into the glamour, perfectionism, and discipline of the Corp’s most famous and fabled duty station — Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, D.C. Many did exactly that during the 1968-69 timeframe, I was one of them, so I know what these Marines went through. Many did not make the cut. This read is about one who almost didn’t, but because OZ didn’t give him anything he didn’t already have, he not only made it, he made it big time!
That’s all I will tell you, except to repeat myself, I am certain you will thoroughly enjoy it. I stared reading it around noon on Saturday and finished it Sunday evening, and I am a slow reader. I could not put it down! I then called the author and congratulated him and thanked him profusely for sending me a signed copy.
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Front Dust Cover
Back Dust Cover
Originally posted 2021-05-19 12:55:29.
A very humbling review by a friend and fellow Marine for which I always held in high regard. Alastair and I served in the 7th Marines together at Camp Pendleton, CA in the tumultuous early 70’s. Both of us were company commanders fighting the Camp San Mateo wars. Thank you very much kind sir!
Jim,
Upon receipt I immediately read your book, but have now had time to re-read at my leisure, and it’s a wonderful tribute to a great career, written by a most erudite and talented author. What memories it has brought back…and on almost every page a friend or past comrade pops up..names upon names, locations all well remembered. I hadn’t realized for example, that both Wayne Rollins and John McGinty had been on the Drill Field with you. And, it’s funny how Boot Camp is so much clearer in my mind than TBS.
Your dedication is all the more dear and meaningful to me now. You do me great honour, as it should be you in whom I stand in awe !
Do keep in touch. All the best.
S/F,
Alastair
Originally posted 2017-06-12 16:25:46.
