Taking on the burden of history: presuming to be a United States Marine

This book is a memoir of the authors active service in the United States Marine Corps.

It recounts his decision to enlist, boot camp, service in North China, recall in 1950, commissioning, adventures in Hollywood, combat service in Korea, and his homecoming.

The author reveals he was not your typical hard-charging Marine.

The book tells stories of many heroes, and a few cowards.

It recounts some terrifying experiences, some hilarious episodes, and graphically illustrates how the superlative history of the Corps imposes a burden on every individual Marine to measure up.