Pacific War: Intellectual Diet
Nerd Alert... binge time.
Two weeks from today, I’ll be flying over the vast Pacific, heading to Guam to kickstart an unforgettable deep dive into key battles and sites of the Pacific Theatre of World War II. I’m grateful to be making this journey alongside a delegation of big-hearted patriots and veterans, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to this powerful exploration.
For those joining the trip—and for those following along from afar—we’ve put together a recommended reading and listening list. These resources provide a foundation for understanding the Pacific War from multiple angles: strategic, personal, and geopolitical. Whether you’re preparing for the journey or simply interested in diving deeper, this collection will help illuminate the complexities and lasting impact of the conflict. Enjoy!
BOOKS
"With the Old Breed At Peleliu" by Sledge, E. B. - A brutally honest and unfiltered firsthand account of the horrors of combat in the Pacific, written by a Marine who lived through it. It remains one of the most respected war memoirs ever written.
“The Pacific War” by John Costello - A shorter yet comprehensive and well-researched narrative covering the entire Pacific conflict, from the origins of hostilities to Japan’s surrender, offering a balance of strategic analysis and gripping storytelling.
"Target Tokyo" by James Scott - A gripping account of the Doolittle Raid, America’s first counterstrike against Japan after Pearl Harbor, and the consequences that followed for both sides.
"Black Snow" by James Scott - A deeply researched work detailing the firebombing of Tokyo, which killed more civilians than the atomic bombings, forcing Japan to confront the realities of defeat.
"Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire" by Richard B. Frank - A powerful account of the war’s final months, analyzing the controversial decision to use atomic bombs and the complex factors that led to Japan’s surrender.
“Shogun: A Novel of Japan” by James Clavell - Though a historical novel set centuries earlier, Shogunprovides rich cultural and historical context for understanding Japan’s warrior ethos, discipline, and hierarchical society, which played a role in the Pacific War.
“You'll Be Sor-ree!” by Sid Phillips - A memoir from a Marine who fought in some of the war’s bloodiest battles, offering a more lighthearted yet still harrowing perspective on the experiences of young men in combat.
“The Lions of Iwo Jima : The Story of Combat Team 28 and the Bloodiest Battle in Marine Corps History” by James A. Warren and Fred Haynes – A deeply personal and well-researched look at the men who raised the iconic flag on Iwo Jima and their role in one of the war’s most famous battles.
“The Decisive Battle for Okinawa” by Hiromichi Yahara - Written by a senior Japanese officer, this book provides a rare perspective from the other side, revealing the strategic decisions and grim realities of the last major battle of the Pacific War.
“Code-Name Downfall: The Secret Plan to Invade Japan-And Why Truman Dropped the Bomb” by Thomas B. Allen and Norman Polmar - A gripping account of Operation Downfall, the planned invasion of Japan, which was expected to be more costly than D-Day and ultimately rendered unnecessary by the atomic bombings.
“Lost Decade: The Us Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power” by Richard Fontaine & Robert D. Blackwill - Explores the shifting balance of power in the region and China’s rise, which are echoes of lasting geopolitical consequences of the Pacific War.
ARTICLES
The Weight of Mokusatsu by Michael P. Davidson - Analyzes how a single mistranslation of the Japanese word mokusatsu (“to ignore” or “to treat with silent contempt”) may have influenced the use of atomic bombs.
The Battle of Peleliu - Examines one of the Pacific War’s most grueling and controversial battles, where high American casualties led many to question the necessity of the operation.
Iwo Jima: The Men Who Fought & The Guns They Carried - A detailed look at the weapons, strategies, and conditions that defined the brutal battle for Iwo Jima.
FILM & SERIES
The Pacific, HBO Original (Watch on Max) - A companion to Band of Brothers, this miniseries follows the harrowing experiences of three Marines, including E.B. Sledge, across key battles in the Pacific.
Final Landing on Iwo Jima (Watch on PBS) - A documentary that brings the struggle of Iwo Jima to life with firsthand accounts, rare footage, and expert analysis. We will be with the profiled veteran on Guam and Iwo Jima.
Shogun (Watch on Hulu & Disney +) - While not about WWII, this adaptation of Clavell’s novel provides historical and cultural insight into Japan’s samurai tradition and its enduring influence on military values.
The Eight Hundred (Watch on Amazon Prime) - A Chinese war epic depicting the brutal defense of Shanghai’s Sihang Warehouse in 1937, foreshadowing the Pacific War’s ferocity.
The Oberg Color Film Footage of Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941 - A rare collection of color footage offering a striking visual record of the devastation and aftermath of the attack.
PODCASTS
The Pacific War – Week by Week - Offers an in-depth chronological analysis of the war’s key events, decisions, and battles, perfect for listeners who want a structured deep dive. Weirdly, it doesn’t complete the whole war.
WW2TV Podcast - Features expert historians and battlefield guides discussing key moments and figures of WWII, including the Pacific Theatre.
Based On a True Story Podcast - Compares historical events to their Hollywood portrayals, breaking down the fact and fiction behind films about WWII.