Fix Bayonets!

By John W. Thomason, John W. Thomason Jr., Captain John W. Thomason

Book Overview

"Fix Bayonets " is a visceral and masterfully written account of the United States Marine Corps during the crucible of World War I. Written by John W. Thomason, a Marine officer who served on the front lines, the work provides an unfiltered look at the harrowing experiences of soldiers in the trenches of France. Through a series of vivid descriptions, Thomason captures the brutal reality of combat, from the dense thickets of Belleau Wood to the blood-soaked fields of Soissons.

The narrative delves into the psychological and physical demands placed upon the men of the 5th Regiment, portraying their courage, exhaustion, and unwavering spirit. Unlike detached historical overviews, "Fix Bayonets " is celebrated for its immediacy and its ability to transport the reader into the heart of the conflict. It remains one of the most significant literary contributions to the history of the Great War, blending the keen eye of an observer with the grit of a combat veteran. Readers interested in military history, the American experience abroad, and the evolution of modern warfare will find this work to be an essential and evocative chronicle of bravery and sacrifice on the Western Front.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025457250
• ISBN13: 9781025457253
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

What a Book!

I've had this book on my shelf for several years, and I finally decided to pick it up this week. You can't make up fiction that's half as good as this book! You just can't. See how he describes the Marines: "a number of diverse people who ran curiously to type, with drilled shoulders and a bone-deep sunburn, and a tolerant scorn of nearly everything on earth... They drank the eau de vie of Haute-Marne, and reminisced on saki, and vino, and Bacardi Rum-- strange drinks in strange cantinas at the far ends of the earth; and they spoke fondly of Milwaukee beer. Rifles were high and holy things to them, and they knew five-inch broadside guns. They talked patronizingly of the war, and were concerned about rations. They were the Leathernecks, the Old Timers..." How can you beat that?

The classic tale of Marines in WWI

I found an old copy of this book years ago, when there was very little to be found on the USMC in WWI, I am glad to hear it is being published again at this time. My interest in that subject stems from the fact that my Grandfather & his twin brother served in the 5th Marines in WWI. Even without that connection this is a great book, one of my all time favorites. CPT Thomason keeps you turning pages as you follow the Marines through every battle, where they suffer unbelieveable casualty rates. For a book that was published in the 1920's it has a surprisingly contempoary feel, and is an easy, "must" read for anyone with an interest in the Marines or an American unit in WWI. As a personal aside, I was looking at my Grandpa's discharge papers from 1919, (all hand written back then) and noticed that the officer that signed his discharge was none other than a John W. Thomason, Captain, US Marines, how cool is that?

The Corps should be proud of Col. Thomason, great book.

I first read of Col. Thomason when I was reading a biography on Chesty Puller. Finally, "Fix Bayonets!" came and I was not disappointed. I couldn't put it down. Even though it's been 80 years since WWI, I felt that I was there in the trenches and no-man's land with the 49th Company, 5th Marine Regiment.Semper Fi, Colonel!

No wonder it is a classic!

With out a doubt, Colonel Thomason's book stands out as one of THE classic works of literature about Marines and the Corps. If you are a Marine or know a Marine, get your mitts on a copy of this masterpiece. For every Marine that thinks he's Old Corps, this IS Old Corps!

Ranks with the best in non fiction and novels of the period

I've had first heard of Col Thomason's book when I had read a biography on "Chesty" Puller. When I heard that it was re-issued a couple of years ago I search EVERYWHERE for it. The book is well worth the wait. There are scenes that made me laugh, cry, and just stare in amazement. And the artwork! Wow! I am most amazed by sketches that were done "in the field." Some of these were done while under fire. What I found most enjoyable about the book that it was honest. Col. Thomason did justice to himself and his comrades in the US Marine Corps. I cannot recommend this book more highly.