Mother’s Day
The Courage & Sacrifice Of The 3rd Battalion 25th Marines
by Taylor Cleveland
Mother’s Day: The Courage & Sacrifice of the 3rd Battalion 25th Marines. In his debut book, Cleveland gives a first-hand account of his time with the 3/25, known as “India Company,” in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His book is one of only a handful written telling the unit’s story.
In 2005, Cleveland, a Navy Corpsman (medic), deployed to Iraq with 179 fellow Reservists as part of 3/25, an Ohio-based Marine Reserve unit. After five months of relative quiet, enemy forces began launching attack after attack on the unit.
By the time the battalion went home in November 2005, it had lost more men than any other single unit in the war. Forty-six Marines and two Navy Corpsmen were killed in action during the unit’s roughly nine-month activation.
Martin S. –
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
Support Them
I know Doc Cleveland specifically states being called a hero is not welcome for many good reasons. I am not a military veteran. My friends and family has many Marines and Servicemen still serving which are my heroes. My heroes because they have done or continue to do something I regret not doing. I made that decision when I was lied too by a recruiter. First impressions were everything to me then. I always wondered what it would’ve been like and now I know more. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you to all our past, present, and future military as you are my heroes. I apologize if that offends, hurts, or does injustice but you are part of all my heroes that are willing to give or have given it all so I can be free. GOD Bless each and every one of you!
Hannable –
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
He is a good man.
A great read for anyone interested in learning more about the tremendous experience that many of America’s warriors faced. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan thrust many reserve units into the heart of battle. Doc Cleveland tells the story of citizens answering the call of service to this Nation. What he doesn’t fully capture is the important role he personally played as a mentor, confidant, therapist and nurse to many daily complaints and ailments. I know him personally and HE is a good man.
E-5USMC –
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2023
Lessons on Humanity
Hard-learned lessons about commitment, professionalism, character. Ideals put to test. Reminds me of “Once and Eagle” by Anton Myrer. Or “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. Or one of the other books I treasure.
Except this is non-fiction.
I purchased this book for light reading. But I couldn’t stop reading. I accidentally read the whole book.
Must read for anyone who plans to enlist. Actually, must read for anyone who votes.
Definitely required reading for anyone who puts on a uniform: military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, first responder, physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, or anyone else who cares for patients.
The lessons learned translate well into mass-casualty management, including natural disasters. Does a great job illustrating the lived-experience.
This review does not fully communicate the full meaning and value of this book.
Thank you for writing this, Doc.
Grateful to your family. To you. To the others. To their families.
Dale E. Cleveland –
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
Not your normal military war read!
The book has some dynamics you will never expect and never forget. No one that I know that has read this book can believe that this is Taylor Cleveland’s first book. I really enjoyed the book. Not ever being in the military myself, some of the acronyms were a bit difficult but he gives the definitions well. I wish a couple of simple maps could have been included to relate to locations he describes. It is an exceptional read.
Tracy Bidwell –
I first met Mr. Cleveland, when he came to Feed Our Vets. He deeply shares the same feelings we do. Which is to take care of those men and women who have served our country, bravely with out reservation to ensure our freedom and now are left on the battlefield of hunger. We at Feed Our Vets are honored to be part of this.