I too, have read that book twice. The descriptions of the horror, the stench, and the unbelievable conditions that these men endured are more powerful than you can imagine. Not to hijack, but a quick side story. My uncle (who lived in New Jersey and has since passed away) was part of the attack on Iwo Jima and he attended unit reunions every two years. About thirty years ago there reunion was in Oceanside, CA, near Camp Pendleton. My wife and I lived in southern California at the time and we went down to visit my aunt and uncle on the last day of the reunion at a motel in Oceanside. At the end of the evening all of these Iwo Jima veterans gathered around the motel swimming pool, held hands, and sang the Marine Corps Hymn. As I had been a Marine, they allowed me to join the circle. It was one of the most touching moments of my life. These guys were truly something! - Semper Fi