Much of the writing of this book is gripping and graphic. I felt as if I were on Iwo Jima, alongside the main character, George Wahlen. In the end, however, I found this book disappointing. Yes, Wahlen is a courageous hero, but unlike Louis Zamperini, the hero of Unbroken, Mr. Whalen, as portrayed by the author Gary W. Toyn, is one-dimensional.

But I suspect in real life Wahlen wasn't. Most of us have fears, doubts and character defects - defects that certainly would be magnified by trauma, such as experiencing brutal combat. Truly interesting characters would then struggle to overcome their defects and find some sort of redemption. In this book, Mr. Wahlen has no negative character traits. I never once got the feeling that he was ever afraid. Therefore - and it pains me to write this about such a decorated veteran -I didn't feel he is a real person or someone I saw a part of myself in. If I had, his story of courage would be deeply dramatic and convey an important message. ( )