Description:This is a history of the Corps, developed around a study of the character and leadership of senior Marine Corps generals, their insights and thoughts on why they believe they were successful leaders, their analysis of the success of other senior Corps leaders, and how their leadership has contributed to winning wars and provided the high standard of preparation and readiness, particularly of the expeditionary force. The most important aspect of this book is its prevailing theme: the role of a character in successful leadership. Edgar F. Puryear, Jr., is a professor emeritus at Georgetown University, where he taught from 1983 to 2000, and has served as a scholar in residence at National Defense University. "If you want to know what makes the Marine Corps tick, this is a must-read." -General Paul X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.)