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The Corps #1
Semper Fi
From Shanghai to Wake Island, the Corps was America's first line of defense as the winds of war exploded into the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Now, the bestselling author of the acclaimed BROTHERHOOD OF WAR saga brings to life the men of the Marine Corps, their loves and their loyalties, as they steeled themselves for battle, and prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
1362 people are currently reading
3894 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
273 books1,283 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
October 30, 2015
Semper Fi is a hard core military thriller that takes you all the way back to 1941 up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. One man, Kenneth McCoy is the focus of this story as a ‘China Marine’ stationed in Shanghai undercover manning transports throughout the small villages gathering intel. McCoy has made some enemies with high ranking officials but as he is vindicated of several international incidents, he is also moving up in ranks.
You’ll meet all sorts of types in this first book in the series and develop a familiarity of these characters as months go by. Hard core historical military fiction that takes you through the progress of ranking up, disciplinary actions, and competition inside the Corps and a tid bit of romance as well. The first in this series is all about the characters, where they come from, why they enlisted, where they end up, and who is a favorite. I LOVE some of these characters! Just the book I was looking for. I don't like how far this author went back; 1941 was over 20 years before I was born but if you watched the film of ‘Pearl Harbor’ you’ll get an idea of the attire, the language, the limited technology and the intelligence they had to work with back then.
Oh yes! I will be picking up the next in this series very very soon.
You’ll meet all sorts of types in this first book in the series and develop a familiarity of these characters as months go by. Hard core historical military fiction that takes you through the progress of ranking up, disciplinary actions, and competition inside the Corps and a tid bit of romance as well. The first in this series is all about the characters, where they come from, why they enlisted, where they end up, and who is a favorite. I LOVE some of these characters! Just the book I was looking for. I don't like how far this author went back; 1941 was over 20 years before I was born but if you watched the film of ‘Pearl Harbor’ you’ll get an idea of the attire, the language, the limited technology and the intelligence they had to work with back then.
Oh yes! I will be picking up the next in this series very very soon.
September 5, 2015
Well I was very surprised by this book. The book has received countless four and five star reviews and I thought I would love it. Historical fiction about marines in the lead up to World War II? How could a guy like me not love it?
I am so disappointed by this book. I am not one of the people on these sites that finds incredibly popular books and rips them to be contrarian. I usually fall in with the masses. This book is the great exception to that rule.
First of all, there is little to no action in this book. Toward the very end we get to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the first actions in Asia, but we don't actually read about any of the events. The main characters are in and around the action, but what they do there is simply hinted at.
With that said, I realize that this book was supposed to be more about the life of a marine during this time period. To me, the book never went deep enough into the characters and many of the secondary characters were cookie-cutters. Also, if I take the book as gospel, it turns out that any woman who sees a marine wants to have sex with him immediately. That includes Chinese women, prostitutes, rich women, married women, or anyone else in between. I am not being prudish with this criticism, it just seems to be way over the top.
I may read the next in the series because all the glowing reviews can't be wrong. I will hold out hope that things pick up.
I am so disappointed by this book. I am not one of the people on these sites that finds incredibly popular books and rips them to be contrarian. I usually fall in with the masses. This book is the great exception to that rule.
First of all, there is little to no action in this book. Toward the very end we get to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the first actions in Asia, but we don't actually read about any of the events. The main characters are in and around the action, but what they do there is simply hinted at.
With that said, I realize that this book was supposed to be more about the life of a marine during this time period. To me, the book never went deep enough into the characters and many of the secondary characters were cookie-cutters. Also, if I take the book as gospel, it turns out that any woman who sees a marine wants to have sex with him immediately. That includes Chinese women, prostitutes, rich women, married women, or anyone else in between. I am not being prudish with this criticism, it just seems to be way over the top.
I may read the next in the series because all the glowing reviews can't be wrong. I will hold out hope that things pick up.
December 6, 2018
5 stars.
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March 3, 2010
W.E.B. Griffin's "The Corps" series are not simply books about war. The war is a backdrop for vignette's about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. His characters are detailed, living, breathing, flawed creatures... just like you and I.
Book 1 "Semper Fi" follows Ken J. 'Killer' McCoy. It is just before America gets involved in WWII and follows through the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the fall of Wake Island (Phillipines). McCoy is a 'China Marine' or a Marine stationed in Shanghai China where he becomes involved in the military intelligence community. I really don't want to give anything away as these books are well worth a read. The stories are about the people, not the war. There is combat, but also intrigue, love, friendship, family baggage, the whole array of being human.
What I enjoy most about these books is the historical accuracy. Based upon my knowledge of Marine Corps History, I can confidently say the Mr. Griffin's knowledge of all things military is encyclopedic.
I highly recommend these books.
Book 1 "Semper Fi" follows Ken J. 'Killer' McCoy. It is just before America gets involved in WWII and follows through the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the fall of Wake Island (Phillipines). McCoy is a 'China Marine' or a Marine stationed in Shanghai China where he becomes involved in the military intelligence community. I really don't want to give anything away as these books are well worth a read. The stories are about the people, not the war. There is combat, but also intrigue, love, friendship, family baggage, the whole array of being human.
What I enjoy most about these books is the historical accuracy. Based upon my knowledge of Marine Corps History, I can confidently say the Mr. Griffin's knowledge of all things military is encyclopedic.
I highly recommend these books.
December 19, 2017
I found this 30-year-old pre-Pearl Harbour novel to be just an alright listen. Fortunately, Hall of Famer, Dick Hill narrated, bringing his usual A-game. I didn't find the writing to be inspiring. 4 of 10 stars
January 23, 2022
I read several W.E.B. Griffin series back near the start of the millennia and loved them. Then I read a couple of isolated books of his fifteen or so years later and wasn’t so thrilled. So it was with mixed feelings that I returned to my favorite Griffin series to see if it still lived up to my memories. Thankfully, it is every bit as good as I remember.
Griffin writes a very strange kind of military fiction. For most authors, this genre is all about the battles, but for Griffin it is all about the behind the scenes work that leads to those battles. In Semper Fi we primarily follow Kenneth McCoy, an enlisted Marine stationed in China before the start of World War II. McCoy has the misfortune of being chosen by four Italian soldiers as their target for payback after several Italians got injured in a brawl with U.S. marines. In the purest form of self-defense, McCoy kills two of the Italians with a knife and the marine corps, wanting to appease the angry Italian authorities, plans to court martial him for surviving. It’s obviously not a good look for the marine corps but feels very plausible as events unfold.
After getting extricated from his court martial, McCoy falls into intelligence work, and Griffin does a fabulous job of taking this sort of activity out of James-Bond-land and making it highly plausible. At the same time, the reader’s respect for McCoy continues to grow in part because Griffin counterposes him with two inexperienced officers who have neither his brains nor his commonsense.
After “Killer McCoy” is forced to shoot a significant number of Chinese bandits to save two of his fellow marines, he gets recalled to the U.S. and put into an officer training program. World War II has begun in Europe but the U.S. is not yet involved. Again, we get to see how the Marine Corps functions as the cast of characters grows and young men try and figure out what it means to be an officer and a gentlemen as the country inches towards war.
The first novel ends with Pearl Harbor and the initiation of hostilities against the U.S. It’s an exciting page turner even though very little of the book actually depicts scenes of combat. For anyone who would like a behind the scenes look at how the military functioned in World War II, this is a great series.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Griffin writes a very strange kind of military fiction. For most authors, this genre is all about the battles, but for Griffin it is all about the behind the scenes work that leads to those battles. In Semper Fi we primarily follow Kenneth McCoy, an enlisted Marine stationed in China before the start of World War II. McCoy has the misfortune of being chosen by four Italian soldiers as their target for payback after several Italians got injured in a brawl with U.S. marines. In the purest form of self-defense, McCoy kills two of the Italians with a knife and the marine corps, wanting to appease the angry Italian authorities, plans to court martial him for surviving. It’s obviously not a good look for the marine corps but feels very plausible as events unfold.
After getting extricated from his court martial, McCoy falls into intelligence work, and Griffin does a fabulous job of taking this sort of activity out of James-Bond-land and making it highly plausible. At the same time, the reader’s respect for McCoy continues to grow in part because Griffin counterposes him with two inexperienced officers who have neither his brains nor his commonsense.
After “Killer McCoy” is forced to shoot a significant number of Chinese bandits to save two of his fellow marines, he gets recalled to the U.S. and put into an officer training program. World War II has begun in Europe but the U.S. is not yet involved. Again, we get to see how the Marine Corps functions as the cast of characters grows and young men try and figure out what it means to be an officer and a gentlemen as the country inches towards war.
The first novel ends with Pearl Harbor and the initiation of hostilities against the U.S. It’s an exciting page turner even though very little of the book actually depicts scenes of combat. For anyone who would like a behind the scenes look at how the military functioned in World War II, this is a great series.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
June 13, 2019
Eindimensionaler oder eben routinierter als Brotherhood of war. Der Autor beherrscht sein Handwerk besser und erzählt auch effizienter, andererseits fehlen der nächsten Generation auch sämtliche Überraschungen oder charakteristische Schwächen, schräge Vögel wie den exzentrischen Millionär sucht man vergebens. Der ideale Zeitvertreib für einen regnerischen Sonntagnachmittag zu den Zeiten als man nur drei Programme empfangen konnte.
September 24, 2019
And the first shall be last. Amazon presented these books to me in a somewhat haphazard order without the numbers posted in their ads. That's really not the best way to read them, but it was still pretty good.
I kind of picked up the books in the middle of the series, read to what I think is the end, though I'd like to find out what happened to Ken McCoy and the rest after the Chinese came into Korea, which is where the, I think, tenth book ended. Then somehow I was led to read the first three in reverse order. These books are written to be read as standalones or as one extremely long novel. Griffin continued his preoccupation with the rich in the military, which is understandable. He is from a Philadelphia Main Line family, the same social strata as Grace Kelly. I'm not sure if this si true, but I have heard that as a rowdy lad he was given to choice to enlist, near or shortly after the end of WWII, or jail, so, he enlisted. He did well in the army, being the senior enlisted aide to MG, later full General I.D. White, and the youngest master sergeant in the army at 21. In his next assignment he was first sergeant of a tank company in Korea. The man knew his stuff. I am in awe of how he could crank out so much prose of such high quality in a lifetime. Bill Butterworth, under three or four pen names, one of which was WEB Griffin, wrote and published more than 100 novels. They made him a multi-millionaire. I met him on several occasions, knew him fairly well, and considered him a friend. He generously blurbed a number of my books. He was the best writer I ever knew, and I am proud to have known him. No reason why you should care about any of that. The bottom line is, if you have any interest in the military and any interest in fiction, he is your guy.
I kind of picked up the books in the middle of the series, read to what I think is the end, though I'd like to find out what happened to Ken McCoy and the rest after the Chinese came into Korea, which is where the, I think, tenth book ended. Then somehow I was led to read the first three in reverse order. These books are written to be read as standalones or as one extremely long novel. Griffin continued his preoccupation with the rich in the military, which is understandable. He is from a Philadelphia Main Line family, the same social strata as Grace Kelly. I'm not sure if this si true, but I have heard that as a rowdy lad he was given to choice to enlist, near or shortly after the end of WWII, or jail, so, he enlisted. He did well in the army, being the senior enlisted aide to MG, later full General I.D. White, and the youngest master sergeant in the army at 21. In his next assignment he was first sergeant of a tank company in Korea. The man knew his stuff. I am in awe of how he could crank out so much prose of such high quality in a lifetime. Bill Butterworth, under three or four pen names, one of which was WEB Griffin, wrote and published more than 100 novels. They made him a multi-millionaire. I met him on several occasions, knew him fairly well, and considered him a friend. He generously blurbed a number of my books. He was the best writer I ever knew, and I am proud to have known him. No reason why you should care about any of that. The bottom line is, if you have any interest in the military and any interest in fiction, he is your guy.
April 1, 2019
I don't know...I had such high hopes for this book and it just didn't live up to expectations. My hope now is this book was just an introduction of several characters that we'll follow throughout WWII(?).
It was well written, the characters were developed well. I found McCoy real interesting and hopefully we continue to follow him in the next book...if I read the next book.
What I found frustrating is the booked moved through storylines so fast. *SPOILERS* For instance, Pearl Harbor is two pages...maybe... and none of the major characters were even there. McCoy kills two Italian Marines, nearing a court martial and the next thing I know he's on his way to spy on the Japanese. This storyline takes place in six pages, if that.
Anyway, if I'm ever without a book I want to read I'll pickup book two.
It was well written, the characters were developed well. I found McCoy real interesting and hopefully we continue to follow him in the next book...if I read the next book.
What I found frustrating is the booked moved through storylines so fast. *SPOILERS* For instance, Pearl Harbor is two pages...maybe... and none of the major characters were even there. McCoy kills two Italian Marines, nearing a court martial and the next thing I know he's on his way to spy on the Japanese. This storyline takes place in six pages, if that.
Anyway, if I'm ever without a book I want to read I'll pickup book two.
March 4, 2017
I like this author and this series looks to be one of his better ones.
September 4, 2013
Griffin is an excellent writer when it comes to Historical Fiction. His books are more character driven than action driven. Sad to say, he does use some profanity, but it doesn't seem to be for shock value like some authors do. These are military men in dangerous situations and occasional bad language comes out their mouths.
Like most of his main characters, in the first book the hero bounces from woman to woman until he meets his one true love and becomes a one woman man.
The conversations are crisp, they move the story along and there is always a bit of humor. The background and secondary characters come across as important and not just to be an ''expendable crew man".
Like most of his main characters, in the first book the hero bounces from woman to woman until he meets his one true love and becomes a one woman man.
The conversations are crisp, they move the story along and there is always a bit of humor. The background and secondary characters come across as important and not just to be an ''expendable crew man".
December 10, 2017
Prior to World War II, Marines were stationed in China while the war between China and Japan. After killing an Italian Marine while defending himself, Corporal McCoy winds up spying on the Japanese while serving as a driver on resupply convoys. He falls for a missionaries wife until he is forced to kill Chinese banits and she snubs him, but he impresses an intellegence officer making an inspection tour of China. Sets the stage for the whole Corps series.
March 12, 2022
I really enjoy WEB Griffin’s work, but since he was so prolific, this series wasn’t a priority for me…Excellent start for this story of a “China Marine,” on his path, from an NCO to become an intelligence officer on the cusp of WWII…great characters and personal narratives nestled in great historical events…Right in my wheelhouse!
November 8, 2020
I don't remember when I first read this. One of the other adult leaders in the scouting group I volunteered with passed along Griffin's Brotherhood of War to myself and my father. I picked this up soon after. My dad was a Marine in China during WW2. He was really quiet about his time in the Corps, other than his kids it was his proudest moments.
The novel starts with the old Corps, a small, intensely tightly knit force where most officers at least had a good chance of knowing one another. Advancement back then was snail slow. Years to make corporal. We start in China before the breakout of WW2 involved the US. Newly promoted, Corporal Ken McCoy has just signed up for his 2nd hitch with the Corps. After numerous adventures he's rushed out of China in a hurry. Not only to protect him but for a bright young Marine such as himself to take the Platoon Leaders Course and potentially pin a 2nd lieutenant's bar to his uniform. He finds himself an officer courrier, moving sensitive documents around the world in a briefcase, it's December 8th 1941 and he's found himself at Pearl Harbor. Worse he's to go on to the sure to fall Philippines.
This series starts out strong. It does borrow some plot devices from Griffin's Army based series. One incredibly rich character befriending a poor as a church mouse character. There's quite a few similarities but enough difference to make the story viable.
The novel starts with the old Corps, a small, intensely tightly knit force where most officers at least had a good chance of knowing one another. Advancement back then was snail slow. Years to make corporal. We start in China before the breakout of WW2 involved the US. Newly promoted, Corporal Ken McCoy has just signed up for his 2nd hitch with the Corps. After numerous adventures he's rushed out of China in a hurry. Not only to protect him but for a bright young Marine such as himself to take the Platoon Leaders Course and potentially pin a 2nd lieutenant's bar to his uniform. He finds himself an officer courrier, moving sensitive documents around the world in a briefcase, it's December 8th 1941 and he's found himself at Pearl Harbor. Worse he's to go on to the sure to fall Philippines.
This series starts out strong. It does borrow some plot devices from Griffin's Army based series. One incredibly rich character befriending a poor as a church mouse character. There's quite a few similarities but enough difference to make the story viable.
January 13, 2021
Semper Fi tells the story of Jack McCoy, a young man who joined the Marines to escape a rotten home life. Jack is a tough young man, intelligent and resourceful. The story opens in China, during an International occupation near Shanghai. Jack finds himself fading a number of angry Italian soldiers over an incident involving another Marine. During the confrontation, he is forced to kill to protect himself. Up for a trial-- he is bailed out of hot water by a friend who happens to be a local police chief who brings several other officers to testify falsely on his behalf. Promoted to corporal, the Corps decides to hide him by putting him in a regular convoy with instructions to spy on the Japanese. He distinguished himself and saves the lives of his commanding officer and an intelligence operative. Sadly, the commanding officer omits information from his report and McCoy is transferred to the United states. After a lengthy debriefing by Marine intelligence, he is recommended for officer training, which he undergoes, becoming a 2nd Lt shortly before Pearl Harbor.
Griffin seems to know both the history of the period and the how the military works. However, Griffin seems to categorize military personnel into two distinct camps. Those with integrity and those without. He also presents the "good" officers as constantly bending the rules in order to cut through red tape, something I am certain occurs, but it is a pattern in the several series of books I have read by Griffin. Essentially, these series are all similar. The hero gets in trouble, but some officer intervenes, promotes, and acts as something of a rabbi for him.
That's not to suggest that this story isn't interesting. As the hero goes through officer training- the reader watches the dates advance, knowing that the attack on Pearl Harbor is imminent and sees the hero is going to be there. The story ends shortly after the attack, prepping the reader and whetting his appetite for the next installment-- knowing that the hero is going to be in the Marines during World War II.
Despite the similarities of the this book with other series by the same author, the distinct setting makes the story interesting. I'll be moving forward with at least one or two more of this series.
Griffin seems to know both the history of the period and the how the military works. However, Griffin seems to categorize military personnel into two distinct camps. Those with integrity and those without. He also presents the "good" officers as constantly bending the rules in order to cut through red tape, something I am certain occurs, but it is a pattern in the several series of books I have read by Griffin. Essentially, these series are all similar. The hero gets in trouble, but some officer intervenes, promotes, and acts as something of a rabbi for him.
That's not to suggest that this story isn't interesting. As the hero goes through officer training- the reader watches the dates advance, knowing that the attack on Pearl Harbor is imminent and sees the hero is going to be there. The story ends shortly after the attack, prepping the reader and whetting his appetite for the next installment-- knowing that the hero is going to be in the Marines during World War II.
Despite the similarities of the this book with other series by the same author, the distinct setting makes the story interesting. I'll be moving forward with at least one or two more of this series.
August 27, 2017
My first Griffin read, and I dearly wanted to find his books on at least a four scale, not the 2 to 3 scale where I rate it. This is just a story about a marine, one with a highly unlikely story to boot. There is no complexity to the story, no interwoven stories that mesh toward the end, just a step ladder from one part of the main characters life in the Marine. Now, there's nothing wrong with that, but nothing exceptional either, like the writing, just ordinary. There were a few glaring lapses as I saw it, for instance. When marching in review the star does an eye's right and spots his mother and father in the reviewing stands. But when they are dismissed no further mention of them is written, which seemed quite strange as he was at odds with his parents. There were other cases when one event was separated from the next by just leaving it for the reader to fill in the blanks for himself. Opportunities missed by the author.
I will continue to read a few more, though I expect they will be the same genre. Reminded me of Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicles.
I will continue to read a few more, though I expect they will be the same genre. Reminded me of Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicles.
May 9, 2020
This book book is definitely a product of the times, but I must say that I really loved it. There are moments that had me laughing out loud. Plus, I fell in love with a lot of the characters. Which is really tough since it is a military series, so just like with war in real life, there is no guarantee that everyone will make it through on the other side. My favorite character was definitely McCoy who I definitely want to read more about and hope that he gets a happy ending. In addition, for a military novel, there is definitely a lot of romance. Some of those moments were adorable, and there were a few heartbreaking moments as well. Overall, its a really good book.
February 27, 2021
Like any other book, for the right person, this book is excellent! I loved it, but keep in mind I have military history and love stories, non-fiction or fiction on the subject of WW II or VN. This book is full-throttle testosterone; macho men, drinking, carousing, fighting, and living only for the moment. But fun to read.
November 24, 2019
I read this on a recommendation from a good friend who is a big fan of WWII history and literature, both fiction and non-fiction. It turned out to be very interesting and entertaining as it followed Marine Ken McCoy through experiences in China and the officer training program during the year 1941, as the U.S. found itself pushed into war with Japan.
I enjoyed learning about the inner working of the Marine Corps and events in China just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Overall, I really enjoyed this, but I doubt I will follow it up with the other books in the series.
I enjoyed learning about the inner working of the Marine Corps and events in China just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Overall, I really enjoyed this, but I doubt I will follow it up with the other books in the series.
October 3, 2023
Fun book
I haven’t read something good and enjoyable book for a while now. Now because of this book, I’m hooked and want to read the next one I’m the series. The beauty of simplicity and no subplot stuff. That’s what I love about this book with a bunch old school grit. While there’s room to improve in certain areas throughout the book. Also as a WW2 nerd, it gave me a good sample of WW2 life. I appreciated that.
I haven’t read something good and enjoyable book for a while now. Now because of this book, I’m hooked and want to read the next one I’m the series. The beauty of simplicity and no subplot stuff. That’s what I love about this book with a bunch old school grit. While there’s room to improve in certain areas throughout the book. Also as a WW2 nerd, it gave me a good sample of WW2 life. I appreciated that.
December 5, 2018
This is the first book by Griffin I have read. A very good writer and storyteller. I’ll be reading more from him very soon. Killer McCoy... I saw Matt Damon as I read this novel.
November 19, 2019
Semper Fi, the first of W.E.B. Griffin's books in "The Corps" series, follows the exploits of a young Marine in years leading up to World War II. It is not a war story inasmuch as there are few battles fought along the way. It is, though, an quick-moving ridealong with the ascension of our protagonist Kenneth McCoy.
W.E.B. Griffin's writing style has never been accused of deep meaning. Here he creates pure entertainment with wry humor, rapid plot development, clever dialogue, and an (at times) moderate dose of 'right place / right time.' We join the fun as McCoy uses his wits and luck to parlay a court-martial into a job spying on the Japanese Army. We set aside our disbelief that a 21 year old from nowhere, PA, can not only speak Japanese and Chinese fluently but that he can end up finding the love of his life while working for the most powerful men in the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The scary part is if the reader sets aside reality for a short moment, that reader is pulled in by the current and all of the above becomes completely believable. Griffin's talent lies within the ability to weave a story, enjoyable, uncomplicated, and mixed with laughter and enough military patois to make the reader feel they are stealing a glimpse at military life in the Marine Corps in 1940 and 1941.
Are there one-dimensional characters? Yes. Are there contrived situations helping advance the plot? Of course. Are there moments where you sit back and think, "This kid gets all the breaks" while shaking your head? Uh-huh, there are.
But are you entertained? Completely and absolutely yes. You won't need a military background to enjoy the story, though you'll be amused a bit more because you'll identify with the experiences. You shouldn't be looking for a war story, either. "Semper Fi" paints a vivid microcosm, not a broad picture. Is it a perfect story? No, there are gaps and holes in characters and story arcs.
It's a fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously. And we're all looking for something enjoyable to read. "Semper Fi" is, if anything, enjoyable to read.
Enjoy it.
W.E.B. Griffin's writing style has never been accused of deep meaning. Here he creates pure entertainment with wry humor, rapid plot development, clever dialogue, and an (at times) moderate dose of 'right place / right time.' We join the fun as McCoy uses his wits and luck to parlay a court-martial into a job spying on the Japanese Army. We set aside our disbelief that a 21 year old from nowhere, PA, can not only speak Japanese and Chinese fluently but that he can end up finding the love of his life while working for the most powerful men in the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The scary part is if the reader sets aside reality for a short moment, that reader is pulled in by the current and all of the above becomes completely believable. Griffin's talent lies within the ability to weave a story, enjoyable, uncomplicated, and mixed with laughter and enough military patois to make the reader feel they are stealing a glimpse at military life in the Marine Corps in 1940 and 1941.
Are there one-dimensional characters? Yes. Are there contrived situations helping advance the plot? Of course. Are there moments where you sit back and think, "This kid gets all the breaks" while shaking your head? Uh-huh, there are.
But are you entertained? Completely and absolutely yes. You won't need a military background to enjoy the story, though you'll be amused a bit more because you'll identify with the experiences. You shouldn't be looking for a war story, either. "Semper Fi" paints a vivid microcosm, not a broad picture. Is it a perfect story? No, there are gaps and holes in characters and story arcs.
It's a fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously. And we're all looking for something enjoyable to read. "Semper Fi" is, if anything, enjoyable to read.
Enjoy it.
Read
September 2, 2019Semper Fi by W.E.B. Griffin is the first in the series of books on The Corps. The Preface provides the background to events in China, beginning in the 1900s with the Boxer Rebellion. The problem is settled with the Protocol of 1901 which places troops of the foreign powers in China. This means the U.S. troops are in Shanghai, Peking and other places. Navy gunboats patrol the Yangtze River. By 1941, the lines are drawn for World War II in China. The Japanese take over the Russian interests and are determined to expel foreigners from China.
As the first in the series, the book takes place before the United States is involved in World War II. It introduces many of the characters that appear in later books in the series.
The main characters in Semper Fi is Ken McCoy. He is a China Marine and stationed in Shanghai as the book opens. When he is attacked by four Italian Marines, he kills two of them. Captain Banning is assigned to defend him, but the charges are dropped.
They decide to get McCoy out of Shanghai for a while and send him on a convoy to Peking. Banning has Lieutenant John Macklin looking for information on the Japanese and tells McCoy that he is just along for the ride. When the convoy returns to Shanghai, Macklin has found out nothing and has been caught by the Japanese. McCoy has found out a great deal of information about Japanese troop movements by visiting a brothel. When the Italians learn that McCoy is back in Shanghai, they have a Welcome Home, Killer McCoy party. This is how McCoy comes to be nicknamed Killer.
Banning is impressed with McCoy and sends him on another convoy assignment on which he is able to take pictures. The Marine brass is impressed with the photos and sends Captain Ed Sessions to learn more information. Sessions poses as a missionary with Reverend and Mrs. Feller. There is an incident during which eighteen coolies are killed. After this, McCoy is sent back to the United States. Macklin is caught falsifying reports, trying to blame McCoy for his and Sessions' being caught by the Japanese. Banning writes a bad efficiency report for Macklin and has him sent back to the States.
Macklin causes more problems for McCoy at Quantico and almost causes him to be eliminated from the Platoon Leader's Course, but both McCoy and Pick Pickering graduate and go to other assignments.
As the first in the series, the book takes place before the United States is involved in World War II. It introduces many of the characters that appear in later books in the series.
The main characters in Semper Fi is Ken McCoy. He is a China Marine and stationed in Shanghai as the book opens. When he is attacked by four Italian Marines, he kills two of them. Captain Banning is assigned to defend him, but the charges are dropped.
They decide to get McCoy out of Shanghai for a while and send him on a convoy to Peking. Banning has Lieutenant John Macklin looking for information on the Japanese and tells McCoy that he is just along for the ride. When the convoy returns to Shanghai, Macklin has found out nothing and has been caught by the Japanese. McCoy has found out a great deal of information about Japanese troop movements by visiting a brothel. When the Italians learn that McCoy is back in Shanghai, they have a Welcome Home, Killer McCoy party. This is how McCoy comes to be nicknamed Killer.
Banning is impressed with McCoy and sends him on another convoy assignment on which he is able to take pictures. The Marine brass is impressed with the photos and sends Captain Ed Sessions to learn more information. Sessions poses as a missionary with Reverend and Mrs. Feller. There is an incident during which eighteen coolies are killed. After this, McCoy is sent back to the United States. Macklin is caught falsifying reports, trying to blame McCoy for his and Sessions' being caught by the Japanese. Banning writes a bad efficiency report for Macklin and has him sent back to the States.
Macklin causes more problems for McCoy at Quantico and almost causes him to be eliminated from the Platoon Leader's Course, but both McCoy and Pick Pickering graduate and go to other assignments.
August 14, 2025
My grade 10 school year began with an ultimatum from my father, “Follow my rules or I sign this paper and you’ll be following someone else’s. I promise you that theirs will be much less kind.”
On his desk were papers for my Hungarian citizenship. Beside them were documents granting the Hungarian Army to take guardianship of me for the subsequent four years of military school, followed by another two mandatory years of Army service.
That was 1989, and my ancestral homeland was still the People’s Republic of Hungary — a Soviet-backed communist state.
My father fought against the Soviets in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and fled the country as a traitor to the Russian fatherland. His uniform, emblazoned with the communist red star, meant that when he turned his rifle on the communists executing his fellow citizens, it was treason. The Russians’ due process in dealing with his actions was a ‘shoot on sight’ execution order.
Hate. That is the only appropriate emotion and word applicable to how Hungarians feel toward Russians. Yet, my father felt forced to offer me up to them unless I changed my rebellious and self-destructive teenage ways.
His rules were non-negotiable and very strict. I listened and obeyed. Years later, I understood that his ultimatum - ultimately saved my life. It was the same year I first read this book.
Did Semper Fi, Book I of the Corps series, change my life? No, but it was a plank in the framework of learning a code to live by.
During my most recent visit to a used bookstore, the familiar title and author’s name stood out on a bookshelf. My fingers tapped the paperback spine, then pulled it from its place. I only faintly remembered the details — that is to say, that at 52 years old, I recalled almost nothing — except that it was the beginning of something more than a story.
With this second reading, I raced through Semper Fi’s 352 pages. With my eyes straining at the small print and the aged paper leaving dusty evidence on my fingers, I read after my nightshifts until either my eyes failed me or the clock said I was sacrificing critical resting hours to the words of W.E.B. Griffin and the adventures of Lt. “Killer” McCoy.
The story begins in China. The U.S. Marines had a presence in China before World War II, most notably from 1927 to 1941. The 4th Marine Regiment, stationed in Shanghai, protected American interests during the Chinese Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The troops were thus aptly named, “China Marines.”
Amongst them is young, capable and charismatic PFC (Private First Class) Kenneth McCoy. He’s enterprising, bumping his pay playing poker with local police and government officials. After a winning night, he’s swarmed by a pack of Italian Marines, likewise stationed in China, and the sworn frenemies of the US Marines.
Looking to exude dominance over McCoy and scoop his cash, they pounce. Things go badly for them when McCoy, in self-defence, brandishes a hidden military bayonet. Then the old rule of “never bring a knife to a gun fight” gets turned around. McCoy escapes. Several of the Italian Marines do not survive.
The unfortunate melee forces McCoy’s superiors to place him on convoy duty, safeguarding the shipment of supplies to other detachments. The now-nicknamed “Killer McCoy” is out of sight from the Italians, demanding justice. In the course of his duty, McCoy’s casual but intuitive reporting on Japanese armament and movements shows that he is more than an average jarhead.
Thus begins McCoy’s unusual and special journey through the Marine Corps.
The book is a product of its time and the era in which the tale is set. Marines visiting brothels wasn’t considered frowned upon or even out of the ordinary. Getting your “ashes hauled” was routine, and Marines in particular had an affinity for “chasing skirts.”
McCoy’s tour as a China Marine ends, but not before encountering the wife of a Missionary leader, with whom McCoy enjoys a raunchy fling. While the young soldier may know his way with military assignments, he is much less experienced with women, and the amorous married lady cuts him deep.
Loyalty, duty, honour and moral toughness characterize McCoy and the best of what makes up a good Marine. As McCoy is sent to Officer Candidate school, he battles his reputation and stubbornness with a determination to make it through and earn his Lieutenant’s bars.
In his personal life, it’s a deep-seated insecurity that threatens to hold him back, despite his superiors, best friend and certain women, seeing more in him than McCoy recognizes for himself.
Internal conflicts are as intense as those bearing down on the world, externally, and Griffin does a splendid job of tying them together.
Throughout the novel, Griffin titles chapters and subsections by location, date, and, where applicable, military assignment. An observant reader will note that as the story unfolds, it creeps along to December 7, 1941, the infamous Pearl Harbour attack, and where all points converge in this opening novel of The Corps series.
For a fan of historical fiction, and more specifically World War II, Semper Fi brings the reader into the time, culture, and attitudes of a country at the peak of prosperity and war. Griffin’s attention to detail and accuracy are superb. His characters are lively, bold, and vibrant.
I love books living in that era because they truly show what life was like for the greatest generation in American history. Patriotism wasn’t politically affiliated with the extremes it is today. Avenues toward the American dream seemed available at every turn. Women were revered and their affections cherished, and doing the right thing mattered; it was the mantra rather than today’s “you do you” attitude.
The best authors make a reader believe the story told was lived, not invented, the characters real, and with the plot feeling alive. W.E.B. Griffin keeps history breathing with Semper Fi.
I hope to return to that bookstore, or another, and collect the rest of The Corps series because it is time worth remembering, and Griffin’s work is well worth reading.
For my personal reminiscence, the writing, characters and story, I give, Semper Fi: The Corps, 5 out of 5 stars.
On his desk were papers for my Hungarian citizenship. Beside them were documents granting the Hungarian Army to take guardianship of me for the subsequent four years of military school, followed by another two mandatory years of Army service.
That was 1989, and my ancestral homeland was still the People’s Republic of Hungary — a Soviet-backed communist state.
My father fought against the Soviets in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and fled the country as a traitor to the Russian fatherland. His uniform, emblazoned with the communist red star, meant that when he turned his rifle on the communists executing his fellow citizens, it was treason. The Russians’ due process in dealing with his actions was a ‘shoot on sight’ execution order.
Hate. That is the only appropriate emotion and word applicable to how Hungarians feel toward Russians. Yet, my father felt forced to offer me up to them unless I changed my rebellious and self-destructive teenage ways.
His rules were non-negotiable and very strict. I listened and obeyed. Years later, I understood that his ultimatum - ultimately saved my life. It was the same year I first read this book.
Did Semper Fi, Book I of the Corps series, change my life? No, but it was a plank in the framework of learning a code to live by.
During my most recent visit to a used bookstore, the familiar title and author’s name stood out on a bookshelf. My fingers tapped the paperback spine, then pulled it from its place. I only faintly remembered the details — that is to say, that at 52 years old, I recalled almost nothing — except that it was the beginning of something more than a story.
With this second reading, I raced through Semper Fi’s 352 pages. With my eyes straining at the small print and the aged paper leaving dusty evidence on my fingers, I read after my nightshifts until either my eyes failed me or the clock said I was sacrificing critical resting hours to the words of W.E.B. Griffin and the adventures of Lt. “Killer” McCoy.
The story begins in China. The U.S. Marines had a presence in China before World War II, most notably from 1927 to 1941. The 4th Marine Regiment, stationed in Shanghai, protected American interests during the Chinese Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The troops were thus aptly named, “China Marines.”
Amongst them is young, capable and charismatic PFC (Private First Class) Kenneth McCoy. He’s enterprising, bumping his pay playing poker with local police and government officials. After a winning night, he’s swarmed by a pack of Italian Marines, likewise stationed in China, and the sworn frenemies of the US Marines.
Looking to exude dominance over McCoy and scoop his cash, they pounce. Things go badly for them when McCoy, in self-defence, brandishes a hidden military bayonet. Then the old rule of “never bring a knife to a gun fight” gets turned around. McCoy escapes. Several of the Italian Marines do not survive.
The unfortunate melee forces McCoy’s superiors to place him on convoy duty, safeguarding the shipment of supplies to other detachments. The now-nicknamed “Killer McCoy” is out of sight from the Italians, demanding justice. In the course of his duty, McCoy’s casual but intuitive reporting on Japanese armament and movements shows that he is more than an average jarhead.
Thus begins McCoy’s unusual and special journey through the Marine Corps.
The book is a product of its time and the era in which the tale is set. Marines visiting brothels wasn’t considered frowned upon or even out of the ordinary. Getting your “ashes hauled” was routine, and Marines in particular had an affinity for “chasing skirts.”
McCoy’s tour as a China Marine ends, but not before encountering the wife of a Missionary leader, with whom McCoy enjoys a raunchy fling. While the young soldier may know his way with military assignments, he is much less experienced with women, and the amorous married lady cuts him deep.
Loyalty, duty, honour and moral toughness characterize McCoy and the best of what makes up a good Marine. As McCoy is sent to Officer Candidate school, he battles his reputation and stubbornness with a determination to make it through and earn his Lieutenant’s bars.
In his personal life, it’s a deep-seated insecurity that threatens to hold him back, despite his superiors, best friend and certain women, seeing more in him than McCoy recognizes for himself.
Internal conflicts are as intense as those bearing down on the world, externally, and Griffin does a splendid job of tying them together.
Throughout the novel, Griffin titles chapters and subsections by location, date, and, where applicable, military assignment. An observant reader will note that as the story unfolds, it creeps along to December 7, 1941, the infamous Pearl Harbour attack, and where all points converge in this opening novel of The Corps series.
For a fan of historical fiction, and more specifically World War II, Semper Fi brings the reader into the time, culture, and attitudes of a country at the peak of prosperity and war. Griffin’s attention to detail and accuracy are superb. His characters are lively, bold, and vibrant.
I love books living in that era because they truly show what life was like for the greatest generation in American history. Patriotism wasn’t politically affiliated with the extremes it is today. Avenues toward the American dream seemed available at every turn. Women were revered and their affections cherished, and doing the right thing mattered; it was the mantra rather than today’s “you do you” attitude.
The best authors make a reader believe the story told was lived, not invented, the characters real, and with the plot feeling alive. W.E.B. Griffin keeps history breathing with Semper Fi.
I hope to return to that bookstore, or another, and collect the rest of The Corps series because it is time worth remembering, and Griffin’s work is well worth reading.
For my personal reminiscence, the writing, characters and story, I give, Semper Fi: The Corps, 5 out of 5 stars.
October 24, 2011
Surprisingly enough, though WEB Griffin is a prolific author, with more than 6 major series and 100 books (under a variety of pseudonyms), The Corps series is the only one I ever really got into. The characters somehow got under my skin and I couldn't help but empathize with them when they got into trouble or were in danger of being killed. This was an excellent book and a great introduction to one of my favorite series of all time.
August 13, 2022
So happy to be reading this again for 2013. It's one of my favorite series. Not just for the Marine Corp details, or the rich history, but because I love each of the characters. McCoy, Pick, Ernie...I can't choose a favorite. Book one starts prior to the US entry into WW II with the Marines stationed in China and ends with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Welcome to World War II, boys. It's going to be a hell of a ride.
March 12, 2011
I gave this a 4 only because I love Griffin's explanations of the training, weapons, customs of the Marine Corps and I love WWII books. But most of the characters are rich except the main character and they all fall in love a minute after meeting and go to bed in 2 minutes after meeting.
This is a series of 5 books and I'm going to read all five but jump over the sophmoric love interests.
This is a series of 5 books and I'm going to read all five but jump over the sophmoric love interests.
February 16, 2013
Entertaining and technical read. I say technical, because the amount of detail given to the make and model and rank of every character and gun and vehicle is a bit distracting, although I’m a sucker for things like that. Formulaic and troubled heroes, but likeable as they fight through daunting odds to achieve freedom.
December 22, 2015
Great author, great story, great writing. W.E.B. Griffin is one of the all time greats in this genre adn fortunately a prolific author without resorting to cookie cutter plots, characters and stories. He moves on to a new type of story once one has run it's course which I really appreciate. His writing and stories stay fresh all the time. I have enjoyed him for years.
May 6, 2012
A re-read for me. I first read this maybe 20-25 years ago.
One of W.E.B. Griffin's better series, following members of the Marine Corps during WW II.
One of W.E.B. Griffin's better series, following members of the Marine Corps during WW II.
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