Unknown Valor

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

By: Martha MacCallum

Narrated by: Martha MacCallum

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 thirty-six 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.

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.

A riveting story of fact and family during WWII

I love how Martha Wolf her family's story along with the historical facts. I couldn't put it down.