A history of Camp Pendleton, the famed base of the United States Marine Corps.

As Forsythe notes, the land Camp Pendleton now occupies was settled in the late 18th century and was originally home to Franciscan missions. By 1942, it became the “West Coast’s premiere expeditionary training installation” and the home to “approximately 45,000 active duty Marines and Sailors.” The author provides a comprehensive introduction to the storied camp, including a brief synoptic history as well as an overview of its major sites. Featured prominently are its many memorials, like the No Man Left Behind statue, which “was created to honor those wounded in the line of duty and those who never returned home,” and the War Dawgs memorial, which salutes the more than 300 dog handlers who sacrificed their lives in war. Forsythe also pays tribute to Marines who once called Camp Pendleton home, like Maj. Megan M. McClung, who was the first female Marine officer to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In one of several Marine testimonies collected here, retired Master Sgt. Robert Blanton captures the dual purpose of Camp Pendleton: to train Marines and to honor them. “The Marines have done a fantastic job of creating memorials and monuments at the top of many peaks on Camp Pendleton. Next time you visit, read the names and say them out loud.” The book includes vivid color photographs of both Camp Pendleton and scenes from war abroad. Forsythe’s knowledge of Camp Pendleton is remarkable, which isn’t surprising since she served as a Marine in five combat tours—two to Iraq and three to Afghanistan—and once called the base her home. She calls this book a “passion project,” and her enthusiasm for the subject is unmistakable. For any readers who intend to visit Camp Pendleton, this is a valuable guide.

An informative specialist book that will appeal to Marines or those intending to visit Camp Pendleton.