The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II

In the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, college football stars were drawn to the United States Marine Corps. By Christmas Eve of 1944, as the 4th and 29th Marine regiments prepared for the brutal Okinawa invasion, a football rivalry between them led to "The Mosquito Bowl" on the challenging terrain of Guadalcanal. This intense game, featuring former All-Americans and future NFL players, became a poignant episode in a far more innocent era in college athletics and the nation.

Tragically, within months, 15 of the 65 players from "The Mosquito Bowl" would lose their lives in the Battle of Okinawa, marking a significant loss in American athletic history. Buzz Bissinger's "The Mosquito Bowl" recounts the stories of these brave young men, exploring their families, landscapes, and the innocence that would be forever altered. With the characteristic style and rigor that earned him a Pulitzer Prize, Bissinger takes readers from college playing fields to the poignant moments before the deadly Battle of Okinawa, capturing the essence of a generation's sacrifice.

Written by Buzz Bissinger. Published by Harper, 2022. Softcover, 480 pages.