The first of 3 videos that is dedicated to the memory of Andrew 'Ack Ack' Haldane (1917-1944). Widely considered one of the Marine Corps best Company Commanders and overall leader during WW2, Haldane was always leading from the front and was widely respected and admired by his men. He has been written about in several books, was featured in HBO's mini-series 'The Pacific' and has had his alma mater Bowdoin College name a trophy after him that is still handed out to this day.

Andy was a natural born leader, accomplished athlete, and well liked man who earned the respect of his peers, professors, and overall chain of command. He fought in many battles in the Pacific, and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on Cape Gloucester.

After a month of grueling combat on Peleliu, where the Marines endured horrendous conditions against a determined foe, Andy was getting oriented on new ground when he was shot in the head by a Japanese sniper bullet. His death was taken very hard by his men and by the people who knew him back home.

Eugene Sledge's famous book 'With the Old Breed' was dedicated to Andy, and there have been several ballparks named after him.

All Andy wanted to do is to get back home to his family and girlfriend, and pick up where he left off as a coach on the Bowdoin College Football team. Sadly, he never got the chance - and the fact that the Battle of Peleliu didn't have to happen and didn't shorten the war by one day, doesn't help. Incidentally, although a small 'Ivy League' college, Bowdoin has produced its fair share of war heroes, starting with Joshua Chamberlain of Gettysburg fame, Andy, and Andy's friend, classmate, and fellow Marine Cpt and MOH winner Everett Pope, also from Massachusetts.

Special thanks for Andy's nephew Steve (retired USMC) who allowed me to have access to Andy's belongings, which allowed for this video to be made.

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