Famous Grouse

Famous Grouse is a type of Scotch whiskey that appears and reappears throughout the book. It is the drink of choice among the Marine Corps, Navy ,and Army brass. It is considered both a status symbol as well as fine liquor.

Thompson .45 ACP submachine gun

This weapon is a relatively light, portable type of machine gun used extensively by American troops in the Philippine Islands during World War II. It is well-adapted for jungle warfare both because of its fire power and ease of handling.

Washington, DC

The nation's capitol is the center of the military infrastructure web that extends into the Philippine Islands and other operations in the Pacific region. Much of the action of the novel involves interaction between high-ranked officials in Washington and the various military bases throughout the world but especially in the Pacific at places such as Luzon, Pearl Harbor, Mindanao...