Editorial Review

Martin Russ's controversial book Read more

Reviews (104)

Wow, what a book!
I was a History major as an undergrad, so I've read my fair share of books on wars from Carthaginian to Vietnam, but this is far, far, far and away the best I have ever read. I've never, ever been more amazed in my life by the telling of a war story. I've read Pork Chop Hill, Colder Than Hell, and one or two other Korean war books, all good, but the problem the Korean war always had for me was the lack of a sense of closure. This is certainly not the fault of the authors- if I remember my History classes correctly they pretty much had no choice in the matter- it ending in a draw and all. However, with the Chosin Resovoir, much like Dunkirk, the retreat was so necessary and so miraculous that it comes across more like a victory, and the individual stories transcend the inconclusive nature of the war.
"This is a work of fiction"
I like Non-Fiction military books and I was looking for battle accounts of the Korean War. This book seems pretty promising with over 100 customer reviews; After reading one review saying the book was a work of fiction, I went to the Library to check for my self before ordering the book.
Essay in Mendacity
I read this book when it was first released and am astonished at the approach that the author (Martin Russ) decided to take while characterizing the US Army involved in this campaign as well as the scope of his ignorance on the subject.
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Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Military    8. Military - Korean War    9. Military - United States    10. Regimental histories    11. United States    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Battles & campaigns    14. History / Military / Korean War    15. Korea    16. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (35)

Cold Hard, Mean and True
You have a choice with this book. You can read it like an adventure story and be stunned by the thrilling story or you can read it like the true account it is of a horrible war. It is a stunning book. It is a must read. Forget the movies read this book. This author deserves a Pulitzer Prize for his account of Korea. He also deserves a medal.

Amazing tale, modest writing
As far as heroism goes Joe Owen and the men he served with are 5 stars plus.What they went through was so amazing that the story was an easy to read page turner and we are forever beholden to the sacrifices they made.I have read other first person narratives that I thought were better for writing craft but this is a book I would recommend for the close up view of this historical moment in Marine history.

RECOMMEND THIS ONE TO YOUR COLLECTION
Excellent read for those interested in this particular conflict.The author is quite discriptive in his narration.He is able, somewhat, to give the "feel" of the circumstances..if that is even vaguely possible through the written word.The author has a tallent for enabling the reader to actually visualize the situation...sometimes rather difficult to accomplishe when addressing military movement on the battlefield.Again, I recommend you add this one to your collection.I makes a very nice reference book along with being a very good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. History - Military / War    4. History: American    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Military - Korean War    8. Military - Vietnam War    9. Personal narratives, American    10. Regimental histories    11. United States    12. History / Military / Vietnam War    13. Owen, Joseph R    14. USA    15. War fiction   

Reviews (10)

A very good over view of the Korean War
My Dad who was in the that war told me that it was one of the best books he had read on the war. Enough said.

a qualified great accomplishment
A very finely written book, that delves into the people that shaped the war.The first chapter, that deals with all the characters and events that broght about the demobilization of the armed forces after WWII is absolutely riveting.The final chapter on the settlement talks is also as comprehensive as any book on the subject that I've read.Throughout the book, there is great attention to all the figures that shaped the war. There is only one caveat.That is, the bulk of the book on the war itself, is a case of overkill. I literally found myself skimming parts, simply because it seemed like I had read it all before.While technially a great achievement.I think that a 500 page book, with the first and last parts left intact, may have had a greater impact.Nonetheless, this is a definite must read on this war.

Exhaustive command history of a forgotten war...
The Forgotten War: America in Korea is an exhaustive study of command level combat in Korea.While the title claims to cover the war for 1950 thru its conclusion in 1953, in reality only perhaps 25 pages cover the last two years of the war.Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Campaings    3. History: American    4. Korean War, 1950-1953    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military History (General)    7. Sale Adult - History - Military / War    8. United States    9. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (1)

Close observation at Chosin, although not under fire
In general, this is about (part of) Chosin operation.The author was thecommander of H&R company of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine during Chosinoperation.He gave a good account about the hardship the marines enduredduring the operation.Mind that his battalion was assigned the task oftaking Hill 1081 and wrestled the control of Funchilin Pass out fromsuperior Chinese Communist Part (CCP) forces.Unfortunately, he was insuch a position that he spent most of his time staying very close tobattalion HQ and could not provide more details about the fighting. (Interesting readers should look up S.L.A. Marshall's "Battle atBest".There is a chapter dedicated to the battle of Funchilin Pass.) But, it is still a good book with the first hand account of the Chosin. Of course, nobody who are interesting in Korea War would want to miss thetwo very valuable reports about CCP troops' attack patterns, written byS.L.A. Marshall himself, attached at the end of the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. Fiction    4. History - Military / War    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Marines    8. Military - General    9. Military - Korean War    10. Regimental histories    11. United States   

Reviews (2)

Good study from a small unit perspective
Hammel's book is focused on the experience of the near defeat at Choosin from the perspective of some of the small units that were involved, with a special emphasis on groups of company to regiment size (100 to 1000) men.It does this in a careful chronology that is supported by adequate anddetailed maps (but I wish a few more had been available). I was impressedby the ability of these small fragmented groups to resist the overwhelmingnumbers they faced, reminding me of the adage that a three to one forceratio is the minimum for sucess. Most inaccurate account so far.
Hammell has quite a large number of inaccuracies, slanted opinions, and has failed to verify facts from his sources. The book has a very negative view of the same US Army, whose sacrifice on the east side of Chosinundoubtedly saved the allies chance for withdrawal from Hagaru-ri and alsoprovided the rear guard action for the evacuating column. Appears to bewritten more for personal glory and profit, than a source of usefulinformation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. Division, 1st    4. History    5. History - Military / War    6. Korea (North)    7. Korean War, 1950-1953    8. Marine Corps.    9. Military - General    10. Military - Korean War    11. Military History - Korea Conflict    12. Regimental histories    13. United States    14. United States.   

Reviews (1)

Perhaps the Finest American Memoir of the First World War
Hervey Allen's memoir is certainly one of the finest personal narratives of World War One, and perhaps the best American memoir of that war.In my opinion, it is a neglected classic.The narrative covers his unit's march from the area around Chateau Thierry in July 1918 to the Fismes/Fismette area in August.The book begins with Allen's unit on an almost bucolic road march through unspoiled French countryside, and ends with its virtual decimation in Fismette.As the title suggests, the closer Allen and his comrades get to Fismette, the more intense the action, until they are literally facing the fire of a German flamenwerfer attack.The story ends abruptly; in a preface to the second edition, Allen compares the ending to a filmstrip burning out suddenly.
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Subjects:  1. 1889-1949    2. Allen, Hervey,    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Campaigns    5. History    6. Military    7. Military - Korean War    8. Military - World War I    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Personal narratives, American    11. Western Front    12. World War, 1914-1918    13. Allen, Hervey    14. American history: First World War    15. First World War, 1914-1918    16. Regiments    17. USA   

Reviews (10)

Can it get any worse?
Having read several books about the Chosin Campaign, I was pleased to finally get the story of what occurred on the East side of the reservoir.Mr. Appleman exaustingly found the details through official Army and Marine combat reports as well as listening to the survivors of this tragic event.The 31st RCT was doomed almost before they started and poor weather, traffic jams, raw Korean recruits, bad luck and command mistakes caused its demise.The Soldiers fought bravely and tenaciously but being out-numbered by as much as 10 to 1 was just too much to overcome.
Hung Out to Die
Never served. I've read plenty of war stories telling of brave men though.This story of the Army's fight trying to get back from the east side of the Chosin Reservoir is the saddest story I've ever read. Honest, In Depth and Heartbreaking.
I've long been very familiar with the 1st Marine Division's history at the Chosin, but until I read Roy Appleman's book I didn't realize just how much I didn't know about the Army's side of the conflict.This tale of desperation and bravery should be required reading amongst all American service personnel and perhaps even in High Schools. Excellently written, this book holds your attention despite the huge amount of very detailed geographic and unit data presented. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Army.    2. Campaigns    3. Changjin Reservoir    4. History - Military / War    5. History: American    6. Korea (North)    7. Korean War, 1950-1953    8. Military - Korean War    9. Military History - Korea Conflict    10. Regimental Combat Team, 31st    11. Regimental histories    12. United States    13. United States.    14. USA    15. War & defence operations   

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Korean War, 1950-1953    6. Military - Korean War    7. Regimental histories    8. United States    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    10. Battles & campaigns    11. Biography: historical    12. China    13. History / Military / Korean War   

Reviews (2)

STRATEGIC SURPRISE!
The war between North and South Korea has been going on for six decades.The armistice has been in effect for over 53 years, despite numerous violations by North Korea.North Korea's economic collapse and its claim to posses both atomic bombs and missiles capable of reaching the United States or any part of South Korea and Japan make understanding the events of 1950 to 1953 relevant today.Gordon Rottman's "Inch'on 1950" is an excellent starting point.
An excellent concise history of an important campaign
Osprey has finally started doing a few titles on the Korean War and Gordon L. Rottman's Inch' on 1950 is a fine addition to the Campaign series. This volume is well-researched and although a bit dry at times, is well-written. This campaign is intriguing as one of the few occasions in post-WW2 history where US military power was able to achieve decisive operational results in a conventional battle. Inch' on 1950 is an excellent concise history of an important campaign that shaped the Cold War.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. History: World    4. Military - Korean War    5. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    6. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    7. Battles & campaigns    8. History / Military / Korean War    9. Korea    10. The Americas   

Reviews (9)

not too bad
Wilson wasn't in the Marines so there seems to be a resultant lack of overblown USMC rhetoric, which is refreshing.He gives a tepid overview of the campaign, but admittedly this is very difficult to do. There could have been more focus on the US Army units involved, but what little he does provide is even-handed and not bogus unlike a couple of other books on Chosin.The title, though, regurgitates the old fable of "Retreat, Hell!We're simply attacking in another direction", which Marine General O.P. Smith admits he never uttered(He was much too understated and professional).

A Good Read and Introduction
I really enjoyed this book, and found it to be a good introduction to the topic.It's a fairly quick read, and the writing flows quite well.My only major complaint is the lack of maps!(I know they cost more to produce, but honestly a book detailing military operations NEEDS maps!)This book would have received a higher rating from me if it included maps!

Retreat Hell
Very good book on the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. Although it didn't have as much emotional impact or are as personal as the other books on the subject, it does give a broader picture of the campaign by displaying a great amount of information on operational details and chronology as well as the background to the campaign. It is a recommended read for anyone who is interested in at least getting a idea of what the campaign was about. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Korea    2. Campaigns    3. Campaigns and battles    4. History    5. History - Military / War    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Marine Corps    8. Military - Korean War    9. Military - United States    10. United States.    11. History / Military / General   

Reviews (2)

The Must-Have Book of the Korean War
As an Australian military historian myself, I have written numerous books on the Australian military experience overseas, principally in the two world wars.Quite frankly, however, I admit I knew lamentably little about the Korean War, the so-called "forgotten war".In fact, I think it's true to say that most people's knowledge of that war these days would only have derived from watching episodes of MASH.That lack of knowledge for me, at least, changed forever after a friend relentlessly urged me to read Bill McWilliams' superb account of the battle for Pork Chop Hill in 1953.If anything, I found it to be even more evocative and powerful than James Bradley's wonderful "Flags Of Our Fathers" for the descriptions of the battles, and the compelling stories of the ordinary but extraordinarily gallant leaders and men who fought, died or survived in one of the bloodiest, most ferocious engagements of any war.You cannot read past the stories of such combatants and medics as Bob Northcutt, James McKenzie and Dick Shea without giving thanks for their astonishing valour and determination, and yet the book is filled with such stories, told at length or in a few simple but effective sentences.At first glance the book's earlier pages may seem a little overladen with background detail, but once you begin to read you realise that the author has done a superb and meticulously thorough job of research, and does not lead us into any situation without first fully presenting the preceding events, the units assigned, and those individuals particularly involved.It is a masterful blend, as McWilliams first informs us, then sets the scene, and finally takes us through the different battles and aftermath using the stark, sometimes horrifying, often poignant recollections and accounts of a host of participants and/or witnesses.There is a welcome abundance of excellent photographs and maps to show where the engagements took place, and many of the soldiers and leaders who took part.Family members also reflect back over half a century to the deeds and heroism of their loved ones, which adds yet another dimension to this engrossing book.The story of the 7th Infantry, and in particular the different battalions of the 17th and 32nd Regiments, is one that has been told before, but never with such descriptive detail, real-life drama, and compassion.This is certainly a book to be treasured, and read many times.Thank you, Bill McWilliams, for giving us this truly fascinating, truly compelling book.

Helps fill a void in the history of the "Forgotten War"
The Korean War is often called the "Forgotten War."However, in truth, the war of maneuver that made up the first year of the war has been the subject of many excellent books.The stationary, or "outpost war," that was fought from 1951 to 1953 has received far less attention.Bill McWilliams' book, "On Hallowed Ground:The Last Battle for Pork Chop Hill," is a close study of one of the most brutal battles fought during that period.Read more

Subjects:  1. Army    2. Campaigns    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. Korean War, 1950-1953    6. Military    7. Military - Korean War    8. United States    9. United States.    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    11. Battles & campaigns    12. Korea    13. World history: from c 1900 -    14. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (4)

Not very comprehensive
JD Coleman has attempted to illustrate how the battles around Wonju were the high-water mark for the Chinese, much as Gettysburg was the beginning of the end for the Confederates. There is an interesting account of a task force all but wiped out in whatbecame known as "massacre valley" but most of the book has been recounted elsewhere, in greater depth.The author spends a substatial amount of time on the 187th Airborne RCT (his old outfit) and while this is interesting in its detail, the author tends to dwell a little too long on it.Most of these accounts revolve around one or two companies and this gives a disjointed perspective which magnifies things out of proportion to what's going on elsewhere.

Not very comprehensive
JD Coleman has attempted to illustrate how the battles around Wonju were the high-water mark for the Chinese, much as Gettysburg was the beginning of the end for the Confederates. There is an interesting account of a task force all but wiped out in whatbecame known as "massacre valley" but most of the book has been recounted elsewhere, in greater depth.The author spends a substatial amount of time on the 187th Airborne RCT (his old outfit) and while this is interesting in its detail, the author tends to dwell a little too long on it.Most of these accounts revolve around one or two companies and this gives a disjointed perspective which magnifies things out of proportion to what's going on elsewhere.

Fascinating but long first-person account
This is a fascinating first-person account of the brutality of the Forgotten War.It's equally fascinating to us today how America and China both paid dearly to defend the two Koreas, with Red China losing 10-20 times as many men as the U.S., and 50 years later, neither country is appreciated (or liked) by their respective protege.Wars, indeed, are silly and futile, especially when you die for others.Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. General    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Korea (South)    7. Korean War,1950-1953    8. Military - Korean War    9. Military History - Korea Conflict    10. Wonju-si    11. Wæonju-si    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Battles & campaigns    14. Korea   

Reviews (6)

An intense account of military combat
"Pork Chop Hill," by S.L.A. Marshall, is a nonfiction work about combat during the Korean War.The title page bears the subtitle "The American Fighting Man in Action--Korea, Spring, 1953."The book's copyright page notes that a William Morrow edition was published in 1956.In the preface, author Marshall recounts that he went to Korea in 1953 to work as a war correspondent, but at Army request he took on the job of investigating and analyzing infantry tactics.He describes how he held question-and-answer sessions with groups of soldiers who had been in combat.This interesting glimpse behind the making of the book adds to the text as a whole.
A very informative novel that keeps one wanting more
What made me choose this book? Firstly I wanted to read the book because my grandfather fought in one of the battles' right next to pork chop hill and he said it would be a great book to read because it really gave a good account of it. I also wanted to choose a military novel because as a future officer of the Army I wanted to see a first had account of military strategy, which is what it gave me.As I read the preface, I found that SLA Marshall was a brigadier general at the time and he was a military operations analysis officer. And that this book was recounted from the perspective of surviving soldiers through interviews immediately following the fighting. This intrigued me more to read it because I knew I was getting a first hand account of what happened at Pork Chop Hill.I feel this is a must read as future officers, because it is an extremely comprehensive book on military strategy and combat.

Pork Chop Hill by S.L.A. Marshall
Marshall's spellbinding version of the battle of Pork Chop Hill remains one of the most comprehensive books about military strategy and ground combat ever written.War veterans and military strategists would love this book. Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: American    5. Korean War, 1950-1953    6. Military - Korean War    7. United States    8. History / Military / Korean War   

Reviews (1)

Rare type revalations during & out of combat
Finally, a revealing look at what goes on, in and out of mortal combat encounters with a cunning and resolute enemy. Very fine coverage of higher awards for courage under fire, but more importantly, for the exposure of awards promised; however, not given, due to crass and mindless officers, staff Nco"s and "in the rear with the gear" paper pushing pogues.The author lets it all hang out [the truth ] and so rightly so, I dare say. It doesn"t take too long into this rare type of text to learn there are Semper Fidelis Marines and then the Semper Fi, Mac marines. Read this tome and you tell me !!.Excellent account subject by a WIA combat Marine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. History    3. History: World    4. Korean War, 1950-1953    5. Marine Corps    6. Marines    7. Medals    8. Military History - Korea Conflict    9. Purple Heart    10. United States   

Subjects:  1. Great Britain    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: American    5. Korean War, 1950-1953    6. Military - Korean War    7. Military - Other    8. Personal narratives, British    9. Prisoners and prisons, Chinese    10. Prisoners of war    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    12. Battles & campaigns    13. Biography: general    14. History / Military / Other    15. Korea    16. USA   

Reviews (5)

I LIKED IT - WARTS AND ALL
Very nicely done account of a very horrible event.Granted, I suppose it is not the type of book that is "everything to everyone" but it does give one author's perspective on one huge event.The author perhaps misses covering all the sides to all the hundreds of personal stories which unfolded here, but overall I enjoyed the work and suggest it's reading and indeed, it's addition to your collection.

Great, except for Army side....
Hammel does a great job of recounting effectively the Marine breakout from the Chosin Reservior.It's obvious that he used the citations from many of the Medals of Honor and Navy Crosses that were awarded to add detail.The maps, though few, are nevertheless very helpful, and the TOO of the First Marine Division is a great addition.A great, exciting, and generally accurate read. Unfounded
This is yet another book on the Chosin campaign.My gripe with the book deals with the portrayal of the army units on the east side of the reservoir, whom Hammel seems to have worked into the book in a slap-dash manner.I believe he hastily added these occasionl glimpses without much interest, as their portrayal is riddled with inaccuracies.For example, he falls into the same trap that Mr Martin Russ ('Breakout') has in his research involving Captain Ed Stamford, the marine tac-air controller attached to the army.The supposedly jaundiced view Stamford has of the "doggies'" ineptitude actually stems from an "as-told-to" article in which Stamford basically was interviewed by a marine writer for a dubious magazine article published in 'Catholic Digest' and 'Blue Book' magazines.Stamford was greatly annoyed by it and didn't want it used as a source, and he hadn't cleared it for publication.He said he was incensed by its tone and rhetoric.Hammel lists this article in his bibliography.He obviously didn't interview Stamford; that's part of the reason for the negative portrayal, and partly why legions of casual readers on the subject think the US Army behaved in a less than honorable manner.This book came out years ago, probably before the more authoritative works on the subject were released. His book was interesting, though, for the list of Navy Cross recipients in the appendix. I would recommend the official USMC history by Montross and Canzona, which is actually a volume of its Korean war history, and 'Escaping the Trap' by Roy Appleman. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Changjin Reservoir    3. Changjin Reservoir Region (Korea)    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Korea (North)    8. Korean War, 1950-1953    9. Military - Korean War    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history    11. China    12. History / Military / Korean War    13. Korea    14. War & defence operations   

Reviews (2)

The Korean War, No Victors, No Vanquished
Jes�s Torres
A good, well-rounded introduction to the Korean War
Stanley Sandler writes a concise and seemingly standard history of the Korean War.This is a well-rounded account, including perspectives on the political issues, negotiations, and reactions on the home fronts.Of course, full accounts of the progressive military campaigns fill out the rest of the book.Sandler does a good job of encapsulating this in 270 pages.He is at times supportive and at times critical of the U.S. and U.N. effort in Korea.The same can be said of the personalities involved on all sides, except for both Kim Il Sung and Syngman Rhee who were determined to pursue the war to disasterous ends. Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. Korean War, 1950-1953    5. Military    6. Military - General    7. Military - Korean War    8. Military History - Korea Conflict    9. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    11. Korea    12. USA    13. War & defence operations    14. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (4)

Clear View of Battle
Moorehead brings the risk and result of WWII's European Theatre warfare into clear and concise presentation. This work must be one of the most effective accounts of the fight, as it proves both accessible and deep. The author maintains an unbiased and wide-ranging perspective upon events while capturing the horror and heroism inherent to battle. While a fan of Stephen Ambrose's works, I must say that Moorehead -- as a first-hand witness�-- provides landscapes and portraits of WWII unrivaled by any historical author.

Superb description of what it was like
Moorehead was first and foremost a supremely talented writer.This book is chiefly an account of his experiences following the Allied advance, as much memoir as reportage.The most vivid passages are set in Italy.No other book gives such an immediate feeling for the time and place.

Experience and judgements
I enjoyed this book immensely.Moorehead writes of his wartime experiences in a vivid and personal way.He has the ability to tell what is happening, his reaction to the events, and what he thinks the futureholds.Fascinating reporting and reflectons.His prose flows and I wasswept along by it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1910-    2. Australia    3. Biography    4. Campaigns    5. History    6. History - Military / War    7. Military    8. Military - Korean War    9. Military - World War II    10. Military History - World War II    11. Military Personal Narratives    12. Moorehead, Alan,    13. Personal narratives, Australian    14. War correspondents    15. Western Front    16. World War, 1939-1945    17. Moorehead, Alan   

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Children's 9-12 - History - Military / War    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. History - Military & Wars    6. Inchon    7. Inch°æon    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Korea (South)    11. Korean War, 1950-1953    12. Humanities   

Subjects:  1. Army    2. Diaries    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Hughes, Dudley J    7. Hughes, Dudley J.    8. Korean War, 1950-1953    9. Military - Korean War    10. Personal narratives, American    11. United States    12. United States.