Unknown Valor

A Story of Family, Courage, and Sacrifice from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima

By: Martha MacCallum

Narrated by: Martha MacCallum

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

In honor of the 75th anniversary of one of the most critical battles of World War II, the popular primetime Fox News anchor of The Story with Martha MacCallum pays tribute to the heroic men who sacrificed everything at Iwo Jima to defeat the Armed Forces of Emperor Hirohito - among them, a member of her own family, Harry Gray.

Admiral Chester Nimitz spoke of the "uncommon valor" of the men who fought on Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles of World War II. In 36 grueling days, nearly 7,000 Marines were killed and 22,000 were wounded.

Martha MacCallum takes us from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima through the lives of these men of valor, among them Harry Gray, a member of her own family.

In Unknown Valor, she weaves their stories - from Boston, Massachusetts, to Gulfport, Mississippi, as told through letters and recollections - into the larger history of what American military leaders rightly saw as an eventual showdown in the Pacific with Japan. In a relentless push through the jungles of Guadalcanal, over the coral reefs of Tarawa, past the bloody ridge of Peleliu, against the banzai charges of Guam, and to the cliffs of Saipan, these men were on a path that ultimately led to the black sands of Iwo Jima, the doorstep of the Japanese Empire.

Meticulously researched, heart-wrenching, and illuminating, Unknown Valor reveals the sacrifices of ordinary Marines who saved the world from tyranny and left indelible marks on those back home who loved them.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Martha MacCallum (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Outstanding WWII story

I loved the story itself. I couldn't stand the author's narration though. Her voice works with other books but not this one. I struggled for over a month to finish it. I listen to Teddy Roosevelt life...a 25hr book while trying to get through this book. The authors tone and voice are painful. She uses the wrong kind of affect in her voice at times that makes it seem as if she is reading a story to her kids.

Details of historic events

By far one of the best written stories of the Pacific battles during WWII. The battle details and events on both sides. The overall story seen and told by family members and Marines

Great book

Very powerful and compelling book and I feel blessed to hear the stories of these great men

Incredible story of courage, valor, & patriotism

Martha Maccallum has researched and shared the backgrounds and valor of many men & women who made up the Great Generation that fought against unbelievable odds to defeat the axis powers with great courage at a young age so we could enjoy the Freedom we have today. Martha reading her story in the audible format just adds to the impact of this story so dear to her heart and distant relatives involved. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who wants insight into this challenging and triumphant time in our history.

Terrific storytelling

First, I’ll admit the book drifted a bit, particularly in the beginning. That said, once McCallum finds the right gear, it’s a fantastic listen, particularly in the final chapters.

Have tackled numerous books about WWII’s Pacific theater, McCallum delivers the facts and the some. I can’t honestly say I learned things I didn’t previously know. And that, for any listener/reader, it’s all about.

Ultimately, this is a great story because it’s so personal. McCallum is, of course, a well-known personality via her work as a Fox News journalist/analyst. Because we know her, it’s easy to connect to the story.

As for McCallum’s performance as a narrator, it’s very good. She doesn’t drone on in monotone, that’s for sure. She’s energetic and believable, though she does get overly dramatic at times. But far more often she hits the mark as a storyteller.

Overall, it’s a really good book for anyone familiar with history. For those who don’t, it’s most definitely informative.

Give it a try, keep an open mind and allow yourself to be entertained.

Fantastic Book

What a wonderful book. Historical, dramatic, and makes you feel proud to be an American. The sacrifices these brave men and women made in WWII, should be a daily reminder as to why we have and enjoy our freedoms today in America. God bless them all.

Our Freedom

May all God’s people read this amazing book!!! For it is here that you will find why FREEDOM and the VALUE of it EXIST!!! My Grandfather also lost his life in World War II in the Pacific serving in the Navy for FREEDOM for all!! Thank you for sharing your stories!

Loved The Book!

Loved MacCallum's style, broad vocabulary, humor and grasp of second world war history; sensitive descriptions.

a must read

a book that you won't want to put down
a book that you won't want to continue.

A story that will make you laugh
A testimony that will make you cry harder than you have in a long time

most of all memory for which future generation should avoid

Touching

This was at times hard to hear however so worth it. As the daughter of a WWII veteran in the pacific a later Australia this account was both touching and sobering. This generation never spoke of their sacrifice but it is imperative that we remember. Thank you Martha for personalizing this story in such a beautiful way. My tears are out of gratitude.