The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II

The books begins and ends with a distinguished and well regarded football hero: John Jackson McLaughry—-not only the Marshall of his Brown Commencement, but a graduate of Phillips Andover, a boxing and football champion, a competent student and an artist to boot. MacLaughry, like so many of the American Marines who fought eventually at Okinawa, may have had many choices post college Graduation, but the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and lives changed. Author Buss Bissinger’s own dad mustered with the 1st battalion of the 4th regiment of the 6th Marine Division as a private in the rifle company. Bissinger and McLaughry were dogged in their devotion to the Marines and their country despite colonels and generals who sometimes didn’t seem to truly understand the conditions of the war. McLaughry and his men, on a reconnaissance mission through a jungle in the path of a spewing volcano with dense plants that had tentacles “like fishhooks”, brushed up against Japanese troops and when they finally arrived at the outpost, they were cheered—-because they were thought to be dead. Raised in New England, McLaughry knew that mountain stream water is safe to drink and the Marines, making their way through impossible and dangerous terrain, at least could abet their thirst. But McLaughry did not require them to add chlorine tablets to the water (which take over an hour to work). Upon arrival at the outpost, he was questioned on the mission and chastised for not using the tablets. The episode was like a metaphor for the war itself: treacherous in the field and management seemed unaware of just how tricky it all was. The books follows the lives of the Marines, all hometown heroes and football players at a time when college football was of huge interest to the nation. Most do not return home.This book is a wrenching and reverent read—-for historians, Marine admirers, and for footballers. I appreciated the writing style and the personalization of the lives of real Marines whose lives were on the line every day. Superb.

The book is a good read. The story and individuals involved are interesting. I believe any book that keeps the memories alive of those who have served are country is something the young people of this nation need to know. The author however continually harped on the racism of the country. I understand it is one of the biggest sins of this nation. And we have come a long way. I have no problem with him bringing it up, but he did it through out the entire book. It took away from the story.

Full disclosure at the start: I have known Buzz for many years and consider him a great friend. That said, I also believe I can be objective about "The Mosquito Bowl." It is truly a book for the ages. For anyone interested in "the greatest generation," what it was like to fight in the Pacific theater of WWII, and what America was like in those long ago years, this is a book you will cherish. Some of it takes a strong stomach - war is never pretty, and the savagery of the Pacific campaign is brought to life by Buzz's amazing writing and incredible research - but it is well worth it. You will meet real heroes, some of whom make it and some of whom do not. You will cheer for them, and cry for them. Buzz uses the device of a football game on Guadalcanal just prior to the invasion of Okinawa to identify and trace a group of fantastic high school and college football players as they land on Okinawa and face the greatest challenge of their young lives. You will remember McLaughry, Schreiner, Bauman, Butkowich, and the rest of them for a long time. Completely agree with John Grisham's assessment - this is destined to become a classic. I am thinking it will rank alongside The Thin Red Line and The Naked and the Dead. Bottom line: buy it, read it.

Loved the personal profiles of men you gave their lives. They were some of the best this country produced. But Bissinger did not hold back in placing blame or directing criticism when warranted. I was especially surprised to learn that during the war the service academies were well known for harboring draft dodgers, usually those that could play football and the sons of influential fathers.Just know that Bissinger REALLY likes the word shit. He uses it A LOT.

Bissinger hit the mark with excellent research, historical references, and quality writing. Where he fell short, in my opinion, was the continual interjection of his liberal politics and his anachronistic application of morality and social justice. He conceded these biases in the Epilogue. Judging other generations so intensely based on modern moral precepts, after seventy years of societal progression is needless, arrogant, and in this case, overdone. They were doubtless the Greatest Generation and it was difficult to read the criticism while he so adeptly describes their sacrifices. Ultimately, historians have throughout history altered the realities of the past with these biased versions. Bissinger's were blatant and spattered throughout, degrading the integrity of what would have otherwise been an incredibly well written historical account.

Please delete my total review. I liked the book but the author overstepped the mark, yet you did not censor him. I shall not be contributing again.

Loved the review of military discrimination through WWII as well as the detail of an 82 day battle including the excruciating challenges of taking Sugarloaf Hill. Buzz has a great way of personalizing this human sacrifice. A really good and enlightening read

After seeing this book promoted on CNN, I went to buy a copy to take to a 90yr. old in critical condition in the hospital.The Amazon listing did not make obvious in the listing that this was an "online book" requiring a reader.Imagine my surprise after Amazon took my money and then sent me a link to download a PDF which I could not gift in a critical care hospital.BOO ! Shame on Amazon !