Reviews

"The definitive study of the New Guinea campaign. Taaffe presents a balanced view of the men and events, sparing neither criticism nor praise. . . . Taaffe's book represents the beginning of a new era of McArthur scholarship."--War in History"Based on thorough research in private manuscript collections, government documents, memoirs, unit military histories, and numerous secondary sources, this superb study is well written and cogently argued."--Journal of Military History"Taaffe's coverage is comprehensive: strategy, logistics, tactics, weapons, health, morale, personalities, weather and terrain, the enemy, and variety of other small but interesting aspects of his subject. . . . Taaffe is specially skillful in portraying the complexities of MarArthur's personality and leadership style."--Army History"The author draws on an array of official documents, unit histories, personal papers, and oral history interviews to give character and dimension to the soldiers' war and to evaluate the roles MacArthur's often-ignored subordinates played in bringing about the American victory."--Journal of American History"Taaffe writes of the long, costly campaign in the Southwest Pacific with detail and clarity. His comprehensive coverage of this period is impressive."--World War II"Well researched and an easy read, this book is a must for anyone with an interest in the Pacific War."--New York Military Affairs Symposium Newsletter

"Writing with verve and imagination, Taaffe's compelling reassessment of MacArthur's 1944 New Guinea operations brings to life the officers and men behind MacArthur's shining success. Skillfully using the participants' own words to expand our understanding of these complex operations, Taaffe shows how the U.S. Army defeated a stubborn Japanese enemy while fighting in some of the most godforsaken places in the world."--Edward J. Drea, author of MacArthur's ULTRA"Taaffe reexamines one of the great 'forgotten' offensives of World War II. He shows how conflicting egos, interservice rivalries, enemy blunders, and human bravery combined to achieve an important victory in the Pacific war. Along the way he provides insightful portraits of what motivated MacArthur and other U.S. commanders. A vibrant work of military history."--Michael Schaller, author of Douglas MacArthur"Taaffe gets underneath the MacArthur facade and looks at a major campaign in all of its important aspects."--Eric M. Bergerud, author of Touched with Fire"Will become the standard volume on this neglected subject. It is extremely well written and also presents the most balanced view of MacArthur that I have seen in a long time. A fine piece of work, recommended with enthusiasm."--William M. Leary, author of We Shall Return