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Robert McHaney's autobiographical account of his time of battles during World War II is about internal and external conflict relieved by action. Much of the text contains direct quotes and only lightly abridged accounts of the rivalries, fear, and the development of enemies, friendships, and general tension within the "Dolphin" unit. The action within the unit is integrated with the warfare against the Germans, and the nearly unbearable feeling of tension of the young men between battles.
McHaney's group is comprised mostly of young, tough brawlers, who survive in unexpected ways because they are contemptuous of rules and structure. Their Captain appreciates their ability to pull together to survive, and permits certain actions—such as stealing food from the Officers' mess—to pass unpunished. Somewhat reminiscent of From Here to Eternity, the account makes the reader aware simultaneously of feelings of tremendous action and flying adrenaline rushes with an overall feeling of doom.
McHaney evinces multiple reactions to his characters: contempt, dislike, empathy, distrust, and, ultimately for many readers, admiration. While the book would have benefited from additional editing to clean up spelling, syntax, and word use, overall it is a provocative and mostly "gloves-off" account of a time that is growing dimmer in living memory. The lessons of the company's keeping on, although they may at any minute be killed because they know that they are considered to be expendable, reveals their determination to survive and, when possible, thrive. They are young men who are willing to fight each other until bloody, but can also ally to endure the outside enemy's attacks. These are life lessons that subsequent generations should learn.