John B. George loves to shoot rifles. This book tells his story as a Lieutenant in the infantry, serving with the U. S. Army during the battle for Guadalcanal, during World War II. He joined the Illinois National Guard to be able to do more shooting. As luck would have it, this unit was called up to active duty before the United States entered the war. The story of battle is told more like that of an enlisted rifleman than an officer. But through the story of the long running battle, with the elements being every bit as much of a challenge as the enemy, he tells of the weapons used by both sides. His colorful descriptions of the life they lived show just how difficult conditions were. The account tells of Guadalcanal from the time the Army first arrived until they were finally pulled out. This gives the best view of what World War II was like in the Pacific Theater of any I have read. The remainder of the book is devoted to his descriptions of the various weapons used by both sides. He tells in detail about each and gives his assessment of the military value of each. The book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of World War II in the Pacific and particularly to those interested in collecting the arms of that period.