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GLOBE and Anchor
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by
R.W. "Dick" Gaines
GySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952-72
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!
The Marines' Secret Execution!
~by Lee O. Miller~
June 1, 2001
The following information is provided in response to inquiries
and requests for information received.
I first learned of the book, "The Marines' Secret Execution," from
the author several months ago. At that time I sent out the author's provided
pre-publication information (URL) to several individuals for purposes of
information and discussion. Since then there has been both discussion and
inquiries from Marines, and others, regarding the book. The book deals with
the Marine Raiders, Guadalcanal, and the alleged execution of two Marines
there in 1942.
In some cases, the responses were of a negative nature from those
who disagree with the author's claim that an execution of two Marines had
taken place by the Marine Corps, on Guadalcanal, in 1942. Others suggested
that the author was not a Marine at all as he claimed, but then others stated
that they had ascertained, through official records, that he indeed had
served in the Corps.
Conversely, others inquired, expressing interest, as to how to
contact Mr. Miller for more information, or how his book could be obtained.
My own interest was tweaked by these events, and I attempted to
research this subject as best I could. I am presently in the process of
reading the book at the present time.
I have also exchanged e-mail with the author, Lee O. "Dutch" Miller,
who steadfastly maintains that the information in his book is factual.
Now, after much brouhaha, from several sources, his book is available.
Mr. Miller presently has a webpage on the WWW providing information
regarding his book, together with his E-Mail address for those who wish
to contact him:
Thus far in my reading, the book is both controversial and shocking,
as promised! The book is written in a novel-like style, and is presented
in e-book format. There are differences in certain things covered in the
book, differences from accounts of things that I have previously read elsewhere.
I am well aware, however, from my own experience, that in many cases, multiple
writings on a certain topic may differ considerably on many points from
one writer/writing to another--e.g., events, names, dates, etc.
The book's well known main theme of the executions may at first
appear to overshadow the rest of the story, but it is well written, and
quite interesting, a multi-faceted story. Mr. Miller is clearly a talented
writer, and he demonstrates this as he unfolds the story of his own experiences,
and that of other Marines and events involved as well.
What is my own conclusion regarding this book? Did these events
actually occur as the author describes them? Was there a coverup, and, if
so, how and why? How can the truth, in any case, be positively determined
now at this late date? I do not know, and I cannot suggest answers to these
puzzling questions. Of course, I have my own opinions, as will others, but
in the final analysis there is no way I can prove or disprove the claims
of either the author or his critics. I leave it to each and every interested
individual to decide for himself, just as I must do.
Now that this book is available and before the public,
it is no longer just a potential book that "might be" published; therefore
it must be dealt with accordingly.
Hopefully, someone else may yet come forward who has knowledge
related to this story and who may offer more information; or, possibly, someone
who has the means to research much deeper into the facts will do so.
In all fairness to Lee Miller, his supporters, and those who oppose
his book, I have tried to summarize here all information regarding this
that I have been able to collect, and to provide information to those who
would like to learn more of Mr. Miller and his story.
