The bitter fighting in the Pacific Theater required new forms of warfare, and the gathering of detailed intelligence information on the remote and varied islands and their determined defenders.

As a result, new scout, raider and reconnaissance units were formed the pioneers of today's special forces. Some units were small, while others comprised thousands of men. All contributed significantly to the war effort.

This book examines a wide range of PTO special-warfare units, including the Alaskan and Alamo scouts, 5217th/1st Recon Battalion, Marine Amphibious Recon and Raider units, Amphibious Scouts, and 6th Ranger Battalion.

Consultant editor: Duncan Anderson