Brute - by Robert Coram (Paperback)

About the Book

An exploration of the life of Victor Krulak that discusses his education, role in the design of the Higgins boat, military accomplishments, opposition to Lyndon B. Johnson, and other related topics.

Book Synopsis

From the earliest days of his thirty-four-year military career, Victor "Brute" Krulak displayed a remarkable facility for applying creative ways of fighting to the Marine Corps. He went on daring spy missions, was badly wounded, pioneered the use of amphibious vehicles, and masterminded the invasion of Okinawa. In Korea, he was a combat hero and invented the use of helicopters in warfare. In Vietnam, he developed a holistic strategy in stark contrast to the Army's "Search and Destroy" methods -- but when he stood up to LBJ to protest, he was punished.

And yet it can be argued that all of his these accomplishments pale in comparison to what he did after World War II and again after Korea: Krulak almost single-handedly stopped the U.S. government from abolishing the Marine Corps.

Review Quotes

"A great book, a compelling and insightful look at one of America's greatest heroes. Like the man himself it tells the truth, blemishes and all, about this pivotal figure in American history. Brute Krulak's intelligence, courage and tenacity saved countless lives in three wars and perhaps saved the Marine Corps itself."--Jim Proser, author of I'm Staying with My Boys

"A revealing-and troubling-portrait of a much-revered figure."--Kirkus Reviews

"A well-written tale about a complicated yet admirable man."--James Srodes , The Washington Times

"Robert Coram has written a long-needed biography of Lieutenant General "Brute" Krulak that captures the critical role he played in some of the seminal events in the history of the Marine Corps...Coram's masterful portrayal of Krulak's complex personality accurately depicts a leader who drove both himself and his Marines to excel, no matter what the cost."--Colonel Jon T. Hoffman, USMCR(Ret), author of Chesty: The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USM

Praise for BRUTE:

"Coram captures General Krulak's striding march across the Marine Corps, and across the American century...[and] is a meticulous investigator of the things that drove Brute Krulak, not all of them pretty... Brute is plainspoken and absorbing...andcaptures its subject in strokes that are sharp, simple and often funny."--Dwight Garner, New York Times

About the Author

Robert Coram was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for his work as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is the author of seven novels and four nonfiction books, including American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day and Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War. He lives in Atlanta.