The Last of the Old Breed: An Oral History of the Final Marines from World War II

An oral history of the brutal Pacific Theater in WWII, told by many of the last living U.S. Marine veterans.

During World War II, over 16 million Americans served in the Armed Forces. Today, less than 1 percent are still alive. The Last of the Old Breed is an unprecedented oral history of the final living United States Marines from World War II, featuring over 130 veterans, ranging in age from 90 to 103. Told in harrowing detail, the witnesses reveal the brutal reality of combat against a fanatical enemy and the heavy toll it took on their post-war lives.

From retirement facilities, veteran's hospitals, and modest homes across the country, the last witnesses opened up about the war like never before, determined to leave an honest account for future generations. For many of the veterans, this was the first - and final - time telling their stories.

The Last of the Old Breed is a rare, unvarnished look at the Pacific War, in the words of those who were there. These are the stories that could not be told - until now.

Author: Scott Davis
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 05/19/2026
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 9.38h x 6.07w x 1.35d
ISBN: 9781250429933


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 03/27/2026 pg. 1
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
Publishers Weekly 03/02/2026
Booklist 04/01/2026

About the Author
SCOTT DAVIS is a historian and journalist based out of Spokane, Washington with a degree in history from Gonzaga University. He runs a popular YouTube channel on the Vietnam War, The Vietnam Experience, which has amassed over 200,000 subscribers and over 100 million lifetime views. His writing has appeared in Naval History, Army Magazine, and many other publications. Over the last decade, he has interviewed over 500 veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.