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by Col. Richard D Camp.
Hardback (6.25×9.25 inches). 196 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: General Lemuel C. Shepherd jr.
Subtitle: Leadership in Action
Newly minted USMC officer Lemuel C. Shepherd jr. shipped off to France in WWI and had his baptism of fire as a platoon commander at Belleau Wood. It’s a heckuva start to a lifelong career, especially when he’s wounded by German machine guns.
He later served in various roles, including aboard ships, before being tapped to command various units in WWII. Although late to Guadalcanal, he was early to Guam and Okinawa. He even took the Japanese surrender of North China, which you don’t read about in most WWII books. He was called on to serve at the highest levels at Inchon during the Korean War and in 1952 went on to serve as the Commandant and in the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This breezy read offers an understanding of his wartime and peacetime duties. I sometimes wished for greater detail in some sections, particularly the infighting as he joined the Joint Chiefs of Staff and fought for USMC acceptance at this high level of decision making. His four years at the post seems to merit more than what was provided.
The book contains 34 black and white photos, five black and white maps, and four black and white illustrations.
I admit I didn’t know who this Marine was at the start. By the end, I learned about his dedicated service.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
