From President Lincoln's election to the Battle of Bull Run, here is a powerful and moving account of the coming of this tragic conflict in America's history, as told by the people who witnessed it.

The story of one of the bloodiest battles in history, resulting in the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi, is documented with a personal touch; the author himself was a member of that company. It is a searing and unique account of that battle, told from the perspective of both the gallant U.S. Marines who invaded the island and the brave Japanese soldiers who defended it.