Blood Stripes: The Grunt's View of the War in Iraq

by David J. Danelo and Steven Pressfield

Book Overview

The dynamic story of the life and times of five Marine corporals and sergeants, men at the front lines of the war in IraqFirst extended account of the Marine experience fighting the Iraq insurgency from the grunt's perspectiveAuthor interviewed charismatic and controversial Marine Gen. James N. "Mad Dog" Mattis, a legendary Marine commander revered by the grunts and gives new details about the battle for Fallujah

A sometimes harrowing, often humorous,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811701646
• ISBN13: 9780811701648
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Stackpole Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.8" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An Inside look at the War in Iraq by USMC Grunts

There are emerging a slew of books coming about the war experiences in Iraq but most miss the unique view that is presented in "Blood Stripes - The Grunts View Of The War In Iraq". The author who was a Marine officer in Iraq writes brilliantly about how the war is actually being fought daily by those closest to the action--his NCOs. He allows us to see the action through the experiences of several young corporals and sergeants from infantry companies Bravo 1/5, Lima 3/7, Fox 3/7 and Kilo ¾ along with a headquarters company unit. This book will take you to the action on the deserts and into the urban streets. The book follows these young NCOs from February through September 2004 where they were deployed in Al Anbar (Which is Iraq's largest province). They deal with the area known as the Sunni Triangle (That includes the city of Fallujh). Theirs is a chaotic and volatile world. They never know what they will be greeted with from moment to moment from the local people or the environment. Fighting a war against an insurgency that borders on civil war, takes its toll on the men both physically and mentally. They never are sure if they will be facing an ambush or snipers as they move through the towns or the countryside. These men face the real dangers of world politics and yet continue to do their duty faithfully. There is a toll on their souls as they witness friends and comrades killed or wounded. This book is at times is drenched in adrenaline and fear yet heroes do emerge and duty and honor are achieved. These young marines wear their "blood stripes" well and carry on the fine tradition of the Marines. (Only Marines ranked corporal and above wear the storied blood stripes on their uniform pants in memory of the Marines who fell at Chapultepec, Mexico, in 1847.) This is a must read book for those looking for some understanding of what is going on in Iraq with our troops. The book is well written and riveting. It is a page turner! It is given The MWSA's Top Book Rating of FIVE STARS!

SUPERBLY WRITTEN! Dave Clagett, Col. USA (Ret.) Alexandria, VA

Dave Danelo provides us with a masterful account of the War in Iraq, at the warrior level, where counter-insurgencies must be fought and won. With justifiable pride, Dave tells the stories of real heroes who have a common bond of experience and dedication shared by their fellow marines. They are, individually and collectively, members of a fighting force that is remarkable and with an absolute commitment to mission accomplishment. Dave knows his subjects and carefully draws out their ferocity, humanity and frustrations, facing death, an evasive enemy - and a seemingly indifferent USA. This is a great book of friendship, courage and duty told with compassion and understanding - I highly recommend it to you.

Gritty and realistic

"Blood Stripes" is a welcome change from the many 'we wuz there' books on the market today. Written in the clear, tight, and concise style of the Marine officer he was, Capt Danelo takes us on a combat tour in Anbar Province and gives us a powerful glimpse of what the Marines experienced on their deployment. In his simple, yet elegant style, he brings these Marines alive on the printed page - no longer are they armed and sunglassed giants in cammi's and boondockers, but he's personalized them in a way that makes you wish for their continued success and safety. Highly reccomended !

Riveting!

grunt: [noun] (1) a deep, short throaty sound (2) a U.S. Army or Marine foot soldier (3) one who routinely does unglamorous work. The above definition opens the prologue of this intense "blood and bones" account of the deployment of a US Marine Corps infantry unit through their preparation and deployment from February through August of 2004. The author delves into the "spiritual energy" required of modern "Spartan Way" warriors. This encompasses the "reconciling of the twin yin/yang cultural precepts of Order and Disorder" of mortal combat. Major General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, a "Marines Marine" gave pep talks to all USMC units upon arriving in Iraq during his tenure as 1st Marine Division Commander. MG Mattis uses a quote of General George Marshall of WWII fame on the subject: "Military power wins battles, but spiritual power wins wars." The heroes are the lower military pay grades with the limelight on the Sergeants, Corporals, and Lance Corporals of a combat US Marine Infantry platoon. Danelo includes a prologue that includes short biographies of the characters, and an epilog of their current situations. The intensity of urban combat pervades this account of the men and officers involved. The compelling, gritty, profane, coarse "grunt" language, "in your face" attitudes regarding the "Muj" insurgents are contrasted with the tenderness of the encounters with the "hajji" children and citizenry. The accounts of casualties are handled with sensitivity and compassion for the next of kin (NOK) of the fallen Marines. The author, is a US Naval Academy graduate, and held the rank of Captain, USMC in Iraq during the period of this account. His command of the English language is well above average, a true "wordsmith". I became aware of him through his emails home that were forwarded to me. I sought his permission, which he granted and I posted his emails on my blog. The emails were riveting, as is "Blood Stripes." Charles F. Mitchell, CWO3 (Ret.)

Leaders at the tip of the spear.

If you want to understand what it is like to lead at the "tip of the spear", read Blood Stripes. I have read many of the new books on Iraq and this one is unique. Dave Danelo captures the non-commissioned officer's view of the war. Following the story of four particular NCOs, he introduces us to their friends, their families, their Marines and their officers -- warts and all. He captures the courage, pride, ingenuity, intensity, insanity and love that bind the Marines to one another and keeps them going in the very personal urban combat they experience. If you want to know what Marines in the fight think, feel and fear, buy this book.