Hell in the Streets of Husaybah
The April 2004 Fights of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Husaybah, Iraq
David E. Kelly
Casemate Publishers, Havertown, Pennsylvania, 2022, 200 pages
Book Review published on: May 10, 2024
The book Hell in the Streets of Husaybah: The April 2004 Fights of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Husaybah, Iraq is a historical work containing first-person accounts and testimonies from marines and sailors who fought in Iraq in 2004. The author, retired Marine Lt. Col. David E. Kelly, was a field historian who deployed to Iraq from the Marine Corps History and Museums Division. While in Iraq, his mission in his own words was to “conduct field history interviews with Marines and sailors” and record their stories.
The book focuses on the fighting that occurred in and around the city of Husaybah, which is in western Al Anbar Province, Iraq. There are many books written about the Battle of Fallujah that took place in 2004; however, the fighting that occurred around Husaybah is lesser known. In many cases, this book provides riveting details that help the reader to understand the type of fighting that took place during this period. It also provides background information on the service members whose accounts are contained within the book, which helps the reader to gain a simple understanding and personal connection with the interviewed subjects. The book also contains two maps that help to orient the reader on the area, numerous pictures, along with a glossary of terms for those unfamiliar with military terminology.
The interviews typically begin with background information on the interview subject, followed by personal recollections of events that transpired during the unit’s deployment in 2004. The subject interviews contain personal observations, direct quotes, and other relevant information to provide context for the reader. At times, the interviews can appear somewhat choppy since the topics bounce around some, but the primary focus seems to be on the unit’s combat operations.
The author discusses the daunting task of trying to conduct as many interviews as possible during the time allotted, which proved to be quite challenging due to the number of subjects made available by the battalion. Nevertheless, the author does a superb job capturing the stories of the marines he did have the opportunity to interview, many of whom provide gripping accounts of the fighting.
I found this book particularly interesting having personally been to Husaybah and the surrounding towns and villages during my deployment to Iraq in 2008. Consequently, I was familiar with these locations, which helped me to visualize and relate to the stories told. Similarly, the reader should be able to envision the area of operations based upon how the author presents the information within the book.
Overall, while this book is a historical publication based on eye-witness observations, it would not be my first choice for a military case study. However, if you enjoy reading firsthand accounts of combat, this book may be for you. The writing is candid and easy to understand, and the stories keep your attention. I would certainly recommend it if you are interested in the Iraq War.
Book Review written by: Lt. Col. Travis M. King, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas