Taking On The Burden Of History

About the Book

This book is a memoir of the author’s active service in the United States Marine Corps. It recounts his decision to enlist, boot camp, service in North China, recall in 1950, commissioning, adventures in Hollywood, combat service in Korea, and his homecoming. The author reveals he was not your typical hard-charging Marine. The book tells stories of many heroes, and a few cowards. It recounts some terrifying experiences, some hilarious episodes, and graphically illustrates how the superlative history of the Corps imposes a burden on every individual Marine to measure up.

About the Author

George Van Sant, born November 20, 1927, State College, Pennsylvania. Attended St. John’s College, Annapolis, Md. during and after the war, A.B. in 1948. When he finished his Marine Korean service in 1953, attended graduate school at University of Virginia, M.A., 1955, Ph.D., 1958 in philosophy. Appointed Assistant Professor of Philosophy in 1958, Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He pursued parallel careers: active Marine Corps Reserve service 1953-1977, retiring as Colonel, USMCR; and teaching at the University of Mary Washington, retiring as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, 1990. Also many community activities in Fredericksburg, including three four year terms as a City Councilman.