The Marines of Autumn
Guideline Questions-Chs.14&15
1.
On
page 214 Brady writes “men could smell fear.”
What is the fear that most troubles 1st Marine Division
commander, General Oliver Smith during the retreat from the Chosin
Reservoir?
2.
According
to Oliver Smith, “To a Chinese soldier, a wound was a death sentence. He was left to die of exposure.” Compare that to the conduct of the Marines
marching southward toward the sea.
3.
On
pages 220 and 221 we learn the Marines have ceased sending out patrols for flank
security into the Taebeck Mountains.
Why?
4.
Why
has Captain Verity ceased writing letters to his daughter?
5.
How
do the Marines and soldiers deal with the blown bridge? Why is this bridge critical to the survival
of the 1st Marine Division?
6.
On
page 225 Verity remembers Detroit in the 1930s. What parallel does he draw between these
destitute workers and the Marines near Koto-ri?
7.
Near
the bottom of page 226 there is a discussion of duties endemic to a rear guard
action. Discuss this.
Chapter 15:
1.
“Then,
in all the lengthy chronicle of the horror during the march out, the most
terrible thing happened; Puller buried his dead.” What was it about this event that so
traumatized Captain Verity? Refer to the
1st paragraph on page 232 for insight.
2.
How
does a rifle company commander who has lost half his command describe the
fighting in the mountains to General Smith?
Refer to page 234.
3.
How
does Chesty Puller affect the morale of his men on the march to the sea? Refer to pages 237 & 238.
4.
Verity
is troubled by dreams of far off wars fought long ago; the Battle of
Gettysburg, Napoleon and Wellington at Waterloo, yet he never dreamed of his own
war against the Japanese. What do you
make of this revelation?
5.
Why
is Captain Verity glad that he does not dream of Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow?
6.
Verity
muses “We have a social contract, and it
cuts both ways.” What does this
thought mean to him as he regrets his inability to write to Kate?
