Islands of the Damned

Islands of the Damned is a World War II memoir by R.V. Burgin, who served as a Marine in the Pacific Theater. The book follows Burgin's experiences from his enlistment through major battles including Peleliu and Okinawa. The narrative focuses on Burgin's time with K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines as they fought their way across multiple Pacific islands. Burgin provides first-hand accounts of combat operations, daily life in the field, and the bonds formed between Marines in his unit. This memoir captures both the intensity of Pacific combat and the psychological impact of prolonged warfare in harsh jungle conditions. Burgin's honest, straightforward telling reveals the true nature of the Pacific campaign through the eyes of a front-line Marine. The book stands as a testament to the human capacity for survival and brotherhood in extreme circumstances. Through Burgin's experiences, readers gain insight into how ordinary Americans confronted extraordinary challenges during one of history's most brutal military campaigns.

Readers describe Islands of the Damned as a straightforward, matter-of-fact account of Pacific combat during WWII. Marine veteran Burgin's unembellished writing style focuses on daily experiences rather than grand strategy or politics. Readers appreciated: - Detailed descriptions of combat conditions and equipment - Focus on relationships between Marines - Lack of self-aggrandizement - Inclusion of post-war experiences - Photos and maps Common criticisms: - Writing can feel dry or detached - Some wanted more emotional depth - Limited coverage of certain battles - Abrupt ending Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (750+ ratings) Multiple readers noted the book's value as a primary source, with one Amazon reviewer stating: "Burgin gives you the grunt's eye view without Hollywood dramatics." A Goodreads reviewer highlighted how the author "doesn't try to make himself look like a hero, just tells it like it happened."

With the Old Breed by E.B. Sledge A Marine's firsthand account of combat in the Pacific Theater during WWII, including the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa.

Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie A Marine's memoir of training and combat in the Pacific, covering Guadalcanal, New Britain, and Peleliu campaigns.

China Marine by E.B. Sledge The continuation of Sledge's Pacific War experience, focusing on post-war occupation duty in China.

Red Blood, Black Sand by Chuck Tatum A Marine machine gunner's account of the battle of Iwo Jima and his experiences serving under Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone.

Guadalcanal Diary by Richard Tregaskis A war correspondent's chronicle of the Marines during the Guadalcanal campaign from August to December 1942.

🌟 R.V. Burgin served in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines during WWII alongside Eugene Sledge, who wrote the famous memoir "With the Old Breed" 🏆 The HBO miniseries "The Pacific" featured Burgin as a main character, portrayed by Martin McCann, bringing his wartime experiences to a wider audience 🗺️ Burgin fought in three major Pacific campaigns: Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa, earning a Bronze Star for his actions on Okinawa 📝 He kept his war experiences largely private for over 60 years before finally sharing them in this memoir, published when he was 85 years old 🎖️ During his service, Burgin rose from Private First Class to Sergeant, leading a mortar section through some of the Pacific Theater's bloodiest battles