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April 15, 2026

Book Review: The Raider: The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II

Cover for The Raider: The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II
Military History |

Author: Stephen R. Platt

| Reviewed by: Dr. Wylie W. Johnson, chaplain, US Army War College class of 2010
©2026 Wylie W. Johnson
 
In this gripping narrative, Stephen R. Platt uncovers the forgotten legacy of a rebellious Marine whose daring vision helped shape the future of US Special Forces. Blending biography with battlefield drama, the book reveals how unconventional tactics and bold leadership redefined America’s approach to warfare. A must-read for anyone interested in the origins of elite military units and the individuals who defied tradition to forge them.
 

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Keywords: Allied forces, Axis forces, guerrilla warfare, China, Pacific, World War II, US Marine Corps, leadership, initiative