During World War II, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) evolved into a powerful multi-division force, playing a central role in the Pacific theater. Among its lesser-known units were the Paramarines and the Raiders. The Paramarines, the Marine parachute troops, were formed in 1942, with the first operational unit taking part in the Guadalcanal and Tulagi battles. Though their only combat jump occurred in southern France with an OSS unit, they saw action as infantry in the Solomons Campaign before being disbanded in 1944. The Raiders, modeled after the British Commandos, were a hard-hitting assault force trained to strike swiftly from any location. The initial group trained in Scotland became the foundation of the 1st and 2nd Raider Battalions. Pioneers in camouflage, they used black-dyed shirts and trousers, sprayed their green uniforms, and crafted helmet covers from burlap and netting. In this book, Jim Moran, a collector and researcher, delves into the uniforms and gear used by these elite units. Illustrated with over 200 photos, including close-ups of surviving items, it offers a detailed guide to their distinctive equipment. Supported by the US Marine Corps Historical Center, this work serves as an essential reference for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts. AUTHOR: Born in 1954 in Sheffield, England, Jim Moran lives in Yorkshire. Following a grammar school education, Jim has had a forty-year-long career as a civil engineering surveyor working on major highway and airbase construction projects, both in the UK and overseas. Jim has been a student of the history of the United States Marine Corps, amassing a huge collection over the past forty years. He has assisted Hollywood productions on uniform and equipment details for Flags of our Fathers, The Pacific (HBO mini-series) and Windtalkers. Jim is an associate member of the Second Marine Division Association, US Marine Raider Association and Marine Corps Association as well as being the 'on-board' historian to the US Marine Corps League, Det 1088 (UK) now affiliated with the Royal Marine Association. 150 colour and b/w illustrations
