War: The First Team

"Hatches were opened, sailors in blue shirts and dungarees oiled up the winches, coiled ropes, listened to the roar of the engines as Higgins boats were tested, unlashed, swung out from their davits . . .

Marines checked their packs, made camouflage nets for their helmets, sharpened knives and bayonets. It was hushed, tense activity which did not slacken until daylight was fading. And as night fell and the wind whistled through the rigging, 'Darken Ship' rang out . . ."

Just eight years ago, an officer aboard a U.S. transport standing off the Solomon...

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