"Combining unprecedented author access with behind-the-scenes and frontline reporting, The March Up is the definitive account of the twenty-two-day march on Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Here is the story as only those who accompanied the Marines in the field can tell it: the strategy, the politics, and the combat that resulted in a quick and decisive victory - but that was shadowed by second-guessing, unexpected reversals, and the ever-present threat of catastrophe. Here, too, for the first time ever in this edition, is a follow-up report after Bing West's return to Iraq."--BOOK JACKET.

Commanding general's message to all hands --1. The Crown Jewel -- 2. Ambush alley -- 3. A land the color of dust -- 4. Screeching to a halt -- 5. The Afak drill -- 6. The non-pause pause -- 7. The making of veterans -- 8. Across the Tigris -- 9. Run and gun -- 10. Ring around Baghdad -- 11. Assault into Baghdad -- 12. Seizing the snoozle -- 13. A tyrant falls -- The mayors of summer -- Organization for combat.