Fix Bayonets‪!‬

Fix Bayonets! is a hard-edged, firsthand chronicle of American Marines in the First World War, dedicated to the men of the First Battalion, Fifth Regiment. From its opening pages, it presents the Marine Corps as a seasoned, disciplined, and fiercely professional force—men drawn from many walks of life but bound by duty, endurance, and the instinctive identity of soldiers of the sea. The book traces their long American history from the Revolution through Mexico, the Civil War, Cuba, China, Vera Cruz, and the Caribbean, then carries them to France in 1917 with the 4th Brigade, 2d Division. The narrative moves from reflection to combat, capturing the hunger, fear, humor, and improvisation of war at Belleau Wood, Château-Thierry, Soissons, and Champagne. Marines stumble through shellfire, crowded roads of refugees, and punishing night marches, then learn in battle how doctrine gives way to survival. With vivid detail and rough battlefield wit, the book records cow-catching absurdity, shattered formations, machine-gun fire, and the brutal courage of men advancing under artillery. It is both a tribute to Marine tradition and a gripping account of how they fought in France. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.