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40 Thieves on Saipan
- The Elite Marine Scout-Snipers in One of WWII's Bloodiest Battles
- Narrated by: Qarie Marshall
- Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
- Categories: History, Americas
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Summary
Before there were Navy SEALs, before there were Green Berets, there were the 40 Thieves: the elite Scout Sniper Platoon of the Sixth Marine Regiment during World War II.
Behind enemy lines on the island of Saipan - where firing a gun could mean instant discovery and death - the 40 Thieves killed in silence during the grueling battle for Saipan, the D-Day of the Pacific.
Now, Joseph Tachovsky - whose father, Frank, was the commanding officer of the 40 Thieves, also called Tachovsky's Terrors - joins with award-winning author Cynthia Kraack to transport listeners back to the brutal Battle of Saipan. Built on hours of personal interviews with WWII veterans, their personal papers, letters, and documentation from the National Archives, 40 Thieves on Saipan is an astonishing portrayal of elite World War II combat. It's also a rare glimpse into the lives of World War II Marines. The poorest equipped branch of the services at that time, Marines were notorious thieves. To improve their odds for victory against the Japanese, they found it necessary to improve their supply chains through "Marine Methods" - stealing. Being the elite of the Sixth Regiment, the Scout-Sniper Platoon excelled at the craft - earning them the nickname of the "40 Thieves" from their envious peers. Upon returning from a 1943 trip to the Pacific theater, Eleanor Roosevelt observed, "The Marines I have met around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marines."
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What listeners say about 40 Thieves on Saipan
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- David
- 03-07-20
Excellent
Great untold story at least to my knowledge, great action and narration was a win... for those who gave it all, so we may remember their triumphs.
6 people found this helpful
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- J. Hallan
- 17-09-20
Brings the Marines to life.
Wonderful story of battle from the men who fought it. Highly recommended to any one.
4 people found this helpful
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- licensedtorock
- 05-09-20
Incredibly written, incredibly told!
I’ve never had a more clear picture of the heinousness of war. The story of the “40 Thieves” was told in such a manner, I felt as though I knew each of the marines personally. Touching, heartwarming, heartbreaking; I am so glad I I became privy to this history.
4 people found this helpful
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- David
- 09-08-20
Superb, moving history
On occasion an intimate narrative of war appears of special impact. I could not stop listening once started. As finely grained history of combat in the Pacific and as literature this book excels. It ends with the story of how the book came into being and brief sketches of the lives of the men after their hellish war ended - a wise choice as it brings closure to the poignancy of the sacrifice and heroism of these all too young men. Within them, the war never quite ended. The narration is equal to the story.
2 people found this helpful
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- SCOTT
- 09-07-20
What a great listen
True story’s are the best . Very well written and will bring a tear to the eyes
2 people found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 04-07-20
Awesome Read!! One that was hard to put down!
Very well written packed with tidbits you don’t hear about of a platoon of Marines and their experiences in the Pacific. Really enjoyed this story!
2 people found this helpful
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- Sara A EllertBeck
- 02-11-20
Powerful. More Americans need to know.
It's engaging, funny suspenseful and heartbreaking. Applies today with servicemen and women still fighting overseas.
1 person found this helpful
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- William Rowe
- 30-10-20
Great Military Read
Very engaging story and amazing history the book makes you concert with the soldiers and when some pay the ultimate sacrifice it is devastating
1 person found this helpful
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- David Stanton
- 20-10-20
As real as it gets.
#1. Simply the best book of its kind . Dad was on Iwo Jima. He always said the day he lost both legs after 30 days carrying the BAR was the day he died. This Son of a Vet writer has knocked it out of the park. Thanks
1 person found this helpful
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- James
- 17-09-20
amazing story
I could not put this down. The story of how it was written is even more amazing. outstanding story. don't miss this one!
1 person found this helpful