Jim Craig was a platoon commander with the U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima. This book presents his story, as told to his nephew. John C. Shively confirmed the details of his uncle's account and filled out the story with research at the Marine Corps Archives at Quantico and a careful review of the many books and memoirs of the invasion. Lieutenant Craig's view of the fighting was decidedly narrow. He had a specific job to do on a narrowly defined part of the island. At any given moment, his battle of Iwo Jima was confined to the 25 yards around his platoon.

Prelude to War --Growing Up in Indiana -- Platoon Leader -- Movement to the Objective -- Welcome to Hell -- Into the Meat Grinder -- Return to Camp Maui -- Occupation Duty -- Going Home -- War and Valor -- Epilogue. Iwo Jima, 14 March 2002.