Hard Corps: From Gangster to Marine Hero

by Marco Martinez

Book Overview

At the age of seventeen, Marco Martinez was a thug a gun-toting, car-stealing gang member. At the age of twenty-two, he was a hero the recipient of the Navy Cross, the second-highest honor a U.S. Marine can receive, for extraordinary heroism under fire in the Iraq War. Hard Corps tells the story of his incredible transformation and of his experiences on the front lines of the War on Terror. Writing with passion and candor, Martinez brings us back...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307383040
• ISBN13: 9780307383044
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Crown Forum
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Book

I am a Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps, over 21 years service and I am an Iraq vet. I read this book and had a hard time putting it down. I hope the author will write more books in the future, he has a great gift for writing. As far as what he went thru, Semper Fi brother, welcome home. The book is a must read for any Marine of any era or anyone that wants to read about todays Marine Corps grunts. Be warned, there is foul language, but other than that, a great read. Jim

Semper-fi Marine

Having been a member of the Corps many many years ago and read many many books on the History etc of the finest fighting men in the world I just want to salute this brave man.I read the book from cover to cover in one night and will pass it on to my grandson who is soon to be Marine. again "semper-fi". Just sign me a old and proud Marine....54-57

As someone who fought alongside Martinez in battle.....

My name is Paul Gardner, known in the book as just "Gardner." As someone who fought in battle with Sgt Martinez, I can and will vouch for this book. If it weren't for Marco Martinez' actions that day, April 12, 2003, I would not be alive today. The enemy was trying their hardest to shoot me again and finish me off after the initial gunshot wound I suffered, hitting my spinal cord and immediately paralyzing my body. I was forced to just watch the insurgents shoot round after round at my limp and motionless body. I was so scared and knew I was going to die. After calling out to Martinez for help, I passed out from shock. What unfolded in the next five minutes while I was passed out was simply the most brave and selfless action I never got to see, just hear about and read about later. There are A LOT of people who are responsible for my being alive today, but Martinez' actions on that Sunday afternoon in Al Tarmiya, Iraq started my long road to recovery, and I owe the man my life. Buy this book! You won't be disappointed! It's one of the most accurate portrayals of combat, and shows what the life of an average Marine Corps Infantryman is like. And also this book just goes to show that no matter what you did growing up, and regardless of all the stupid mistakes you have made in the past, you can grow up to be an outstanding person and achieve anything with the proper motivation. Martinez is a true American hero, as well as one of my many personal heroes from that day! -Paul

This is as real as it gets!!!

Having served in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman I can honestly say Martinez describes lower enlisted life perfectly. Martinez puts you right in his shoes as a private, private first class and lance corporal. Martinez brings you into Marine life which is usually shrouded in stereotypes, tall tales and speculation by non Marines. Martinez finally sets the record straight with Hard Corps. He tells stories that others would be scared to tell. Martinez then again puts you in his shoes as a leader in combat as a corporal and sergeant. Hard Corps tells a story of brotherhood, violence and valor. The whole time I read the book I felt I was with him as all this was happening to him the (I'm surprised he lived through it all). The book contains amazing stories of his past life as a gang member and as a Marine. Martinez has written a book that is unlike any I have ever read in my life. I read alot of books about the Iraq war but non have measured up to Hard Corps. Hard Corps is what as us Marines have been waiting for. A book written by an enlisted man who has seen combat and accurately describes the Marine Corps. Semper Fi Sgt. Martinez

A Breathtaking Tale of Redemption and Courage

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but boy was I blown away! As a civilian "Hard Corps" gave me a whole new appreciation for what Marines truly go through. Plus, the book is just non-stop action. Sgt. Martinez's brave 180 degree turnaround was truly inspiring. The fact that his father came to America and earned his citizenship by serving for many years as an Army Ranger was truly touching, especially since he says his dad passed away when he was writing the book and never got to actually read it. I was especially impressed by how humble and honest he was about his past ("I shudder in shame") and how optimistic he is about America's future and the War on Terror ("Somehow, every generation of Americans before us found a way through. We will, too.") I think this is probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. I flew right through it. Thank you, Sgt. Martinez, for your service to our country.