LSM-LSM(R): WWII Amphibious Forces. by Illsley, Rollf F - 1994.

Paducah, Kentucky:: Turner Publishing Company, 1994.. Hardbound . BINDING/CONDITION: black binding with paste-on photo; this has owner's name in gilt on the front cover; owner's small address label on the front paste-down endpaper; the owner is listed in the biography section; and appears to have made a few minor ink corrections in the foreword material, otherwise in Very Good condition.. 4to (12.25 inches tall) . Index. Photo endpapers (front); Map on rear endpapers. Description: Many black and white photo illustrations; the biography section features small portrait photos for many of the crew members listed. The publisher's message explains that LSM Association historian, Rolf Illsley devoted many hours researching and writing the general history portion of this book. In his own foreword, Illsley explains that his problem was that he had too much, and needed to pick material that would tell the overall story of the Landing Ship Medium. Sometimes this meant going into great detail on the story of one particular ship, as was the case with the Iwo Jima campaign. This was done to illustrate the action, not because one ship stood out above all the others. Illsley's own experience in this field began with the attack on Pearl Harbor whereupon he volunteered for the V7 Program, and was eventually sent to Little Creek Virginia for training in the 36 foot LCVP and 50 foot LCM assault craft. Rolf became an instructor at the engineering school. During this time ATB Little Creek became the training base for what was then a new ship called Landing Ship Medium. His knowledge quickly increased as he spent time at the Fairbanks Morse factory school and the Pullman shipyard where LSMs were being constructed. Early in 1945, Rolf reported aboard LSM 422 as LSM Group 36 staff engineering officer and arrived in the Philippines in July. An extensive section at the rear (pages 84-166) is composed of Veteran's Biographies -- the photos and data were obtained by invitations sent to all members of the LSM/LSMR Association.