Military Review English Edition January-February 2017

Corps doctrine, force structure, and training evolutions in the 1930s, and the technological and tactical innovations employed by the Corps (specifically, the 4th Marine Division) in the Pacific during World War II. Examples include massive, sustained air and naval bombardment to weaken dug-in enemy emplacements, fighter planes with air-to-ground rockets against dug-in positions, and underwater demolition teams to reconnoiter defenses and destroy underwater barriers. Readers discover that “in 63 days of combat, the 4th Marine Division (including its subordinate 1/24th Marine Battalion commanded by LTC Jimmie Dyess) saw more close-combat action than any of the six Marine Divisions fighting in the Pacific Theater in WWII, proving the viability of amphibious attack against defended beaches.” Only one American citizen has earned Eagle Scout status, received the Carnegie Medal for civilian heroism, and been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor—Aquilla James “Jimmie” Dyess. A U.S. Navy destroyer and a Georgia highway bear his name, and an award symposium held annually in his honor salutes Americans who, over a lifetime, have made significant contributions to nation, community, and fellow citizens. Courage, Compassion, Marine: The Unique Story of Jimmie Dyess belongs on bookshelves alongside more recognizable biographies. I highly recommend this story of a unique and original American with remarkable achievements. James D. Sharpe Jr., Fort Gordon, Georgia THE SPEARHEADERS A Personal History of Darby’s Rangers James J. Altieri, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, 2014, 318 pages T he Spearheaders: A Personal History of Darby’s Rangers by James J. Altieri depicts the exceptional soldiers, tough training, and the attrition of sustained combat operations by Maj. William O. Darby’s Rangers, America’s first commando unit of World War II. The book is an account from Altieri’s personal memoirs and written from an enlisted man’s perspective. Altieri would rise through the ranks as an original member with the 1st Ranger Battalion and would eventually become a first sergeant and company commander of Fox Company, 4th Ranger Battalion. 144 Altieri enlisted on 8 October 1941 and joined the 68th Field Artillery of the First Armored Division. While serving with the First Armored Division in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, he volunteered for the 1st Ranger Battalion, which had been activated on 19 June 1942. Altieri was among many soldiers selected from several U.S. units in England who were willing to take the challenge posed by this new unit. He details the rigorous selection process and the realistic commando training received from their British Commando counterparts. The Rangers’ realistic combat training in Ireland and Scotland in 1942 resulted in success and the development of new tactics. Altieri sheds detailed light on the Rangers’ training in amphibious operations, weapons familiarization, and grueling foot marches—all of which honed them into a fighting force that would achieve success on the battlefields in Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. Throughout the book looms the personality of William Orlando Darby. An artill eryman, Darby was the first commander of the 1st Ranger Battalion and put his stamp on the unit through his personal involvement in all facets of their training. Always at the front of the most grueling movements, Darby pioneered night raid tactics that brought the Rangers their early and dramatic successes. Darby was ferociously loyal to his Rangers. Alteri relates with pride that Darby twice turned down promotions to remain as the 1st Rangers commander. The Spearheaders highlights Darby’s gift and what distinguished him from other combat leaders of this era—his ability to recruit, organize, and train future Ranger battalions. After the North African Campaign, Darby and his officers and noncommissioned officers chose to seek out prospective Rangers rather than rely on other units to provide volunteers. He and his battalion leadership avoided existing combat units, most of which were either at the front or likely to see combat January-February 2017 MILITARY REVIEW

Military Review English Edition January-February 2017 | Page 146