DEVIL DOGS K COMPANY 3RD BATTALION GUADALCANAL TO OKINAWA INTERVIEW W AUTHOR SAUL DAVID

About this episode

This episode explores the combat journey of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines during World War II, highlighting their experiences from Guadalcanal to Okinawa.

Devil Dogs: K Company, 3rd Battalion — From Guadalcanal to Okinawa This episode follows the extraordinary combat journey of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines—one of the most battle‑tested units in the history of the United States Marine Corps. Drawn from Saul David's powerful narrative, this is the story of the Marines who fought their way across the Pacific in WWII, from the steaming jungles of Guadalcanal to the blood‑soaked ridges of Okinawa. These were the original "Devil Dogs" of the modern era—young men hardened by hunger, disease, exhaustion, and relentless combat. Their campaign reads like a tour through hell: • Guadalcanal, where they held the line against a determined Japanese force in the first major American offensive of the war • Cape Gloucester, a nightmare of mud, monsoon, and jungle fighting • Peleliu, one of the most brutal battles in Marine Corps history, where K Company was nearly destroyed • Okinawa, the final and deadliest island, where the Marines faced kamikaze attacks, entrenched defenders, and the psychological toll of a war nearing its end Through letters, diaries, and eyewitness accounts, the story captures the grit, fear, humor, and unbreakable…

People in this episode

Host: Jon Hagadorn

Guest: Saul David

Topics covered

• combat journey
• Marine Corps history
• World War II
• brotherhood
• courage under fire
• Pacific theater

Keywords

• Devil Dogs
• K Company
• 3rd Battalion
• Guadalcanal
• Okinawa
• Marine Corps
• combat
• World War II
• brotherhood
• courage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: United States Marine Corps

Places: Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu

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