BLOOD STRIPES: THE GRUNT'S VIEW OF THE WAR IN IRAQ
David J. Danelo

The dynamic story of the life & times of 5 Marine corporals & sergeants, men at the front lines of the war in Iraq. Foreword by Steven Pressfield; author of Gates of Fire & The Legend of Bagger Vance. 25 photos; 6x9 inches, 384 pgs.

Foreword by Steven Pressfield; author of Gates of Fire and The Legend of Bagger Vance.

* The dynamic story of the life and times of five Marine corporals and sergeants, men at the front lines of the war in Iraq

* First extended account of the Marine experience fighting the Iraq insurgency from the grunt's perspective

* Author interviewed charismatic and controversial Marine Gen. James N. "Mad Dog" Mattis, a legendary Marine commander revered by the grunts and gives new details about the battle for Fallujah

A sometimes harrowing, often humorous, and occasionally tragic look at the Marine Corps from the inside out in its struggle with the insurgency in Iraq. Drawing from personal experience in the confusing, deadly conflict currently being fought in the streets and back alleys of Iraqi towns and villages, Danelo focuses on the young Marine leaders--corporals and sergeants--whose job it is to take even younger Marines into battle, close with and destroy an elusive enemy, and bring their boys back home again. Sadly, there are losses, but true to the Marine Corps spirit, they soldier on, earning their blood stripes the only way they know how--the hard way.

WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING:
"Danelo has written a superb account of war from the view of the grunt on the ground who does the real fighting, bleeding, and winning of any conflict. It is a must read for those who want a true sense of today's battlefield and of those who fight our nation's battles."
--General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired)

"Dave Danelo, Naval Academy graduate and Marine combat veteran of Iraq, is one of the most dynamic young reporters and writers around today. He's terrific now and, scary thought, he's only going to get better."
--Robert Timberg, author of The Nightingale's Song and State of Grace, A Memoir of Twilight Time

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David J. Danelo, a former U.S. Marine Corps infantry captain, deployed to Camp Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004. While overseas, he served in several billets, including the Operations Officer, Intelligence Officer, and Convoy Commander for the I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. A 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Danelo was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V," Combat Action Ribbon, and Purple Heart. Danelo also speaks, reads, and writes Arabic. He lives near Scranton, Pennsylvania.

$29.95