SACO -- THE RICE PADDY NAVY

Commander Roy Olin Stratton recounts the exploits of the Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO), otherwise known as the U.S. Navy Group China, and its exploits against Japanese forces occupying China during World War II. The text records first-hand accounts of soldiers, sailors and Marines who served in China, often behind enemy lines, to train, equip, advise and assist the Nationalist Chinese forces of Chiang Kai-Shek.

This is the rare hardcover first edition, issued by a small publisher in 1950. There was only one printing, and the book was not published again until a paperback edition in 2004.

The book is in very good shape. The covers show minor general wear, mostly at the edges, including a little bumping at the spine bottom; light staining along the edge of the spine; the binding is sound; the text is a little toned with age, otherwise very nice. 

Certainly a presentable copy of this uncommon collector's item, well below the usual price.

Measures 5.5" X 8.5", 408 pages, including 13 plates of photos. Ships promptly & securely.