The United States Marine Corps in the Civil War: The Second Year (United States Marine Corps in the Civil War)

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Summary: My drill instructor was wrong--Marines were in the Civil War
Review:

Since the day after the first battle of Bull Run it was common knowledge that the U. S. Marine battalion was the first to cut and run from the battlefield, thereby causing the rout of the Union forces by the rebels. After 20 years of research that has uncovered new sources, David M. Sullivan proves that this stain on the battle flag of the Marines was a myth. Even the 90 day volunteer units had more training than the Marines, most of whom were recruited in the three weeks prior to the battle. They were essentially trained enroute to Manassas Junction. The young Marines were pushed back, four times, by superior and fresh forces. They rallied three of those times and re-entered the battle (equaling the record of any unit on the field that day).

This account is just one of dozens of similar stories that will give the Marine Corps the honor it deserves during the Civil War. Year by year, using official records, personal accounts and a myriad of sources he sets the record straight.

This is an epoch work by an outstanding researcher and a competent story teller. Must reading for all Marines, all friends of Marines and everyone that the Marines defend.

Rating:
Summary: An absolute must for any Marine or CW buff !
Review: Mr. Sullivan presents a unique style of writing, which incorporates a large volume of historical fact into an easily readable format. He goes in depth into the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the United and Confederate States Marines during the war of rebellion while bringing you close to the personalities and motivations you won't get from a text book. A truly readable, in-depth picture of the Marines and the Naval conflict during this crucial period in the formation of the United States we know today!

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Summary: A Fresh View of Civil War History
Review: This book is a must for civil war buffs and Marine history critics alike. It tells the truth of the History of the Marine Corps in the Civil War by relating the accounts of those who were there. Sullivan's 3 volume history was painstakingly researched over the course of 10 years. His history should be added to that taught by the Drill Instructors at the Marine Corps Recruit Depots. As the histories are taught now, it's as if the Marine Corps wasn't even there. Sullivan's work is excellent and pulls the reader along in a revealing light of one of the darkest chapters of our nations history.