MASK OF GLORY

Life and death in the Marines is shown in the story of Glenn Manson in all its frank, once unprintable gutter language. From Cleveland and one of its immigrant families, Glenn found his escape in enlisting in the Marines, and discovered some of the answers to his gropings in the rough fellowship of his companions from boot training, through assignment to the Pacific, to island life and a girl there, to combat which led to his death. He learns the code, the traditions, the real and storied glory of the Corps, the verities behind the sham and the unanswered questions of life in the midst of death. For Glenn, fighting his background, has dreams of being a hero, has too the fears of that same dream, is sure in his faith that he will return home even though he knows how slim his chances are, and is certain too that things will be different. There's a sadness here, some sound flesh and blood good joes, grim and brutal scenes, and dialogue that depends on all the four letter words. A book primarily for a masculine audience which has not yet been jaded by war stories.