On August 7, 1942, Allied forces landed on Guadalcanal with the aim of relieving pressure that the Japanese were putting upon Allied supply and communication routes. It was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan.
We sailed before Bill could get his guns to me. I remember well the annoyance I felt at going up the gangplank without a good scope sighted sniper rifle, and I also remember the mental kicking I gave the seat of my pants for being so careless with my model 70.
The Glare of the Jungle: A Look at “Shots Fired in Anger”
John B. George’s “Shots Fired in Anger: A Rifleman’s Eye View of the Activities on the Island of Guadalcanal” is a compelling first-hand account of the author’s experiences as a rifleman during World War II. The book provides a detailed and vivid portrayal of the daily life and struggles of a soldier fighting in the Pacific Theater. While the book is undoubtedly a valuable contribution to the historical record, it is not without its flaws.
One of the most significant strengths of “Shots Fired in Anger” is its unfiltered and unvarnished portrayal of the horrors of war. George pulls no punches in describing the brutality and chaos of combat, and his honesty is both refreshing and sobering. The book is at its best when it focuses on the personal experiences of the soldiers on Guadalcanal, and the ways in which they cope with the stress and trauma of battle. George’s descriptions of the camaraderie and esprit de corps that develop among the men are particularly poignant and serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
However, the book is not without its weaknesses. One of the most significant issues is the lack of context and background information. While George provides a detailed account of his own experiences, he often fails to provide the necessary context for readers who may not be familiar with the larger military and political situation. This can make the book feel disjointed and confusing at times, and may leave readers struggling to understand the significance of certain events.
Another weakness of the book is its occasional lapses into jingoism and hyperbole. While George’s patriotism is understandable given the time and place in which he was writing, his tendency to portray the Americans as unambiguously heroic and the Japanese as uniformly evil can be both simplistic and off-putting. This is particularly true in the book’s final chapters, where George’s descriptions of the Japanese soldiers as “cruel and inhuman” and “brutal and fanatical” feel both overwrought and unfair.
Despite these weaknesses, “Shots Fired in Anger” remains a valuable and important contribution to the historical record. George’s willingness to share his experiences and his unflinching honesty about the realities of war make the book a powerful and moving read. While it may not be a perfect work of history, it is a valuable primary source that offers a unique and personal perspective on one of the most significant conflicts in human history.
In conclusion, “Shots Fired in Anger: A Rifleman’s Eye View of the Activities on the Island of Guadalcanal” is a compelling and important book that provides a rare and personal look at the experiences of a soldier fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II. While it is not without its flaws, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it remains a valuable addition to the historical record. Whether read for personal interest or for academic research, “Shots Fired in Anger” is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.