Semper Fidelis: The History of the United States Marine Corps

This book is one of the best history books I have read. I'm not a Marine, nor have I served in any of the armed forces, so I began reading the retired colonel's book with a skeptical eye, wary of Corps propaganda. However, Millett's objectivism and professionalism are evident throughout this rhetoric-free, diligently-researched, amazingly-thorough, and entertaining volume. I particularly enjoyed his characterizations of the various commandants. I only hope that Dr. Millett sees fit to revise and expand the book in a few more years.

Absolutely the single most impressive volume on Marine Corps history! After teaching History of the U.S. Marine Corps for over two years at the U.S. Naval Academy, I can honestly say that nothing else in print even comes close to Allan Millett's Semper Fidelis. To all Marines... this is what we SHOULD know about our history -- not just the propaganda and minutia. To everyone else... read this book to understand us and our institution -- you will not be disappointed.

A must read by all Marines, future Marines, or just Marine fans. An easy read that is stacked full of the stuff that made the Marine Corps legend.

As a former student of Dr. Millett's I've come to expect first-rate research with tremendous story-telling skills to complement his works. This book will not disappoint. From the amature to the serious historian, this work is a text-book example of how to tell a story without bogging the reader down in irrelevent detail. Every serious military professional should read this text to gain an appreciation for the missions, traditions, and legacy that the Corps has given this nation. If you don't know why the Marines are regarded as the foremost shock troops in the world, you'll understand after reading this fine work. There's a reason why the Marines are always "first in, last out"! LtCol. R. McQuiston, OHANG

Any Marine, or anyone who is interested in the history of our beloved United States Marines, will treasure every page of Allan Millett's book. He has taken great care to share with the reader both the upsides and downsides which shaped our Marine Corps into the finest fighting force the world has ever known.