“Semper Fidelis”: New WWII Historical Novel by Tom Holtom Spotlights Carlson’s Marine Raiders and the Makin Island Raid
Salem, OR – September 22, 2026 A new historical novel is giving readers a deeply personal window into one of the most daring special operations of World War II. Tom Holtom has released “Semper Fidelis: The Homecoming of Carlson’s Raiders,” a work of historical fiction that follows Carlson’s Raiders and their mission on Makin Island, while also tracing the long journey a family takes toward answers and closure decades later.
The novel moves between two timelines. One is set during the early years of the Pacific war, when a Marine officer and a Navy chaplain deliver news that changes a household forever. The other unfolds at the close of the twentieth century, as investigators work to bring a long-missing serviceman home. Rather than focusing only on combat, the book spends real time with the people left waiting: parents, siblings, and a community learning to carry grief while still showing up for one another.
What sets this project apart is the author’s own connection to the material. Holtom is listed as Primary Next of Kin, and that relationship shapes the novel’s attention to detail and its respect for the people it portrays. The result is a story grounded in documented events, military records, and family history, rather than invented spectacle. Readers looking for a faithful, well-researched account of the Raiders’ experience and the families who supported them will find the book speaks to that experience directly.
“This book grew out of a responsibility I felt to get the story right, not just for the record, but for the people who lived it,” Holtom said. “Every family that received one of those telegrams deserves to have their story told with care.”
“Semper Fidelis” also touches on the decades-long process of identifying and returning fallen service members, a subject that continues to matter to military families today. Without giving away plot details, the novel offers readers a grounded look at how recovery efforts unfold and what that process means for those still waiting for word.
About the Author
Tom Holtom brings a personal and researched perspective to “Semper Fidelis: The Homecoming of Carlson’s Raiders.” Drawing on family history and historical documentation, he has crafted a tribute to the Marine Raiders of Makin Island and the families who waited for their return.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Talent knows no Borders and neither does our Book Writing services: Premium Book Writers-your next -door neighbors for all your book writing needs We believe that literature and creativity shall never be held hostage to border and geological restrains. With that in mind we bring the most dedicated services to your country to get you going on your literary voyage.
Media Contact
Company Name: Premium Book Writers
Contact Person: Tom Holtom P.E.
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.amazon.com/SEMPER-FIDELIS-Homecoming-Carlsons-Raiders-ebook/dp/B0H63BGXLM
