MWSA Book Review

War in the Pacific: A Three Volume Series

War in the Pacific: America at War – Volume I

War in the Pacific: People and Places  –  Volume II

War in the Pacific: The Road to Tokyo  –  Volume III

Author:  Jerome T. Hagen, Retired USMC Brigadier General

Publisher:  Hawaii Pacific University

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

War in the Pacific: America at War – Volume I

Best Book Series on the War in the Pacific

Retired USMC Brigadier General Jerome T. Hagen has put together a great series of books called “War in the Pacific." His first volume of that series –“America at War” is an engrossing history of WWII as fought in the Pacific. He writes history like I love to read it and makes it educational, exciting and entertaining.

Volume I (subtitled “America at War”) comes across as sounding like an insider briefing on what happen and why it happened. Almost any writer can write about what happened after the fact but General Hagen gives the reader new insightful looks at the reason things occurred as they did.

Little know facts about the other surrendering ceremonies, besides the one everyone knows about from history books, makes for an eye opening account of history. His book takes a look at everything from POW issues to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan. It flows with great energy and lots of excellent researched information, and data. This is the best history book on the war in the pacific ever written!

It is a part of a must read book series – War in the Pacific. The MWSA not only gives this book (Volume I) its HIGHEST BOOK RATING – FIVE STARS – but we also go on record as fully endorsing all of the books in this series.

War in the Pacific: People and Places  –  Volume II

Best Book Series on the War in the Pacific

The absolute best history books I have ever read about any war. Author (and retired USMC Brigadier General) Jerome T. Hagen has put together a great series of books called “War in the Pacific.” His second volume of that series –“People and Places” is a real page turner and for a book on history, this is a rarity. He writes about the men behind the action and digs up some most interesting of facts in the process. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter. His descriptions and narratives of events and people are done with the skill of a novelist and not just that of a military leader. This book series has been on the best selling list in Hawaii for several years and there is good reason for that which you will discover when you begin to read them.

Volume II deals with people whose names may famous to most and some who were certainly new to me. I enjoyed the background on one of my favorite aviation heroes, Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington of the “Black Sheep" fame. The author not only provides the reader with many facts (much of which was new or unknown information to me) but General Hagen also gives a good emotional profile of the man. His second volume book of this three book series goes well beyond the basic facts and gives some very insightful observations which make the history of WWII come alive.

If you had a class of students and they could only read one set of history books about the War with Japan then this series of books would be the one that I would choose and recommend. There are great photos, maps, stories and background information to give any student or reader a good historic view of that conflict. This book series needs to be read to be appreciated. It is a must read book series and the MWSA not only gives this book (Volume II) its HIGHEST BOOK RATING – FIVE STARS – but we also go on record as fully endorsing all of the books in the series.

War in the Pacific: The Road to Tokyo  –  Volume III

WWII History at its very best!

Retired USMC Brigadier General Jerome T. Hagen has written another great book n his “War in the Pacific” book series. “Volume III – The Road to Tokyo,” is the best in the series. All of the books he has written on the history of WWII in the Pacific have been crammed full of well researched facts and information; but in this volume he reaches beyond that. His insights and comments only add to greater depth and understanding of this time period. There is no better series of books on this subject and this Volume continues that tradition.

Hagen is one very intelligent writer. He just doesn’t throw facts and data around. He looks at the why and the how things happened. He always remembers the men who made the decisions and fought the battles; and that makes reading the book both a pleasure and education at the same time.

I would think that historians 200 years from now will be using his work as a definitive look at this time in history. The MWSA gives this book its TOP BOOK RATING – FIVE STARS!

This book also receives my personal endorsement and recommendation. It is a must buy for your personal library. Great story telling of real history!

Reviewer: Joe Fabel – MWSA Review Board

This is a recounting of “The Road To Tokyo”, a factual presentation of the planning, the personnel, the battles and the heartaches which were needed to accomplish the objectives of this demanding war. The United States was attacked and a sleeping giant was awaken rudely and roughly.

It is mentioned that Japanese veterans praise this book as an even handed presentation of the events of that phrase of World War II.

So many naval and land engagements, so many logistical plans facing the disruptions of battle, so many young lives presented to the insatiable hunger of the conflict. Whether at sea, in the air or on land, the allied forces relentlessly pushed to victory. But at great cost in human lives!

All theaters of operation are equally treated and evaluated. It truly was a full Pacific area war engaging so many nations. All participating armies are detailed in their operational areas.

This is a factual presentation of all of those battles. General Hagen’s research and devotion to providing the reader with what really took place presents us with a fuller understanding. War is demanding and unforgiving, but on occasion necessary to restore freedom and liberty.