Marine Recon 1940-90
London: Osprey, 1994. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Trade paperback. 64 pages. Map. Footnotes. Illustrations (some in full color). References. Charles D. Melson, Maj. USMC (Ret.) served in several critical operations throughout his entire military career. He extended overseas to remain with his regiment in Vietnam and was cited for achievement and combat action, and augmented meritoriously into the regular Marine Corps. In 1986, he served with the Marine Corps Historical Center and developed a volume of official history, U.S. Marine Operations in Vietnam, 1971-1973, among other significant research and historical documentation. Paul Hannon is based in London and is a highly experienced military artist who has produced artwork for several Osprey volumes, including Marine Recon, Resistance Warfare and The Royal Marines. In 1976 Maj. James Capers Jr. welcomed new men and their families into a force reconnaissance company. 'Only the most capable Marines are selected for this duty due to rigid mental and physical demands. A very thorough screening of each applicant is conducted … to test alertness and endurance. The result is a small elite unit with highly qualified Marines who are considered the best in the world'. Ex-Marine Charles D Melson examines the history, equipment and insignia of the Marine's amphibious and ground long-range patrol reconnaissance specialists in this volume which contains a wealth of photographs and 12 full page color plates by Paul Hannon. More