Reviews (1)

A masterpiece
A masterpiece of historical significance high-lighting the part played by one ship,and the men serving aboard, during World War II and the Korean war ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. History / Military / Korean War    3. History / Military / Naval    4. Military - World War II    5. Japan   

Reviews (1)

Definitive Developmental Study
This is a book that will stand forever as a developmental history.Having just reviewed the other three works in this set, I am surprised that no one has thought themselves competent to review this one. Competence or its lack does not seem to deter some reviewers. :) Mine comes from two sources, one I have been collecting and studying this materiel since I was a boy. Second, I was there in the fifties. Went in in 1956, just three years after the Korean War was over, so the ranks of NCOs and officers were full of vets. Much of the service slang of the time such as "Chogy"which means hustle, hustle, quick step, came from that conflict.
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Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. African Americans    3. Fugitive slaves    4. History    5. History - Military / War    6. History: World    7. Military - General    8. Military - Korean War    9. Pennsylvania    10. Underground railroad    11. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    12. Korea    13. USA    14. Uniforms & insignia   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - Korean War    5. Military - Weapons    6. History / Military / Weapons    7. Korea    8. Military vehicles   

Reviews (2)

US Army Forces in the Korean War 1950-53
US Army Forces in the Korean War provides detailed descriptions of the Army's organization during the Korean conflict.The book has many charts and tables laying out unit's manning and equipment tables.The order of battle tables for all Army divisions that took part in the conflict alone are worth the price for the serious Korean War buff or veteran as they provide detailed lists and dates of service for assinged and attached units.In addition, the book gives an overview of the conflict, Army tactics, equipment and doctrine of the period.There are plenty of maps to orient the reader to the conflict, and the book is well illustrated with photographs.My only minor complaint is the small size of some of the photos.To its credit, the book covers not only combat units, but support and service support units are also described.This book has a ton of information on the US Army in the Korean War at an affordable price, you will not be disappointed.

A Good Adjunct to Other Sources, such as Clay Blair
Retired US Army Colonel Donald W. Boose, Jr. provides an authoritative survey of the composition and doctrine of the US Army in the Korean War in Osprey's Battle Orders #11. Readers looking for detailed line and block charts of various US Army units in this period, as well as details on tables of organization and equipment, will be well satisfied with this volume. However, readers should note that the omission of US Marine, UN and ROK units (which were often attached to US units) renders this account a partial one.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. History: World    4. Middle East - General    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military - United States    7. Modern - 20th Century    8. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    10. History / Military / Korean War    11. Korea    12. The Americas    13. Warfare & Defence    14. c 1945 to c 1960   

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 (1)

A Good Read But Not Scholarly History
The book is a homey narrative written many years after the fact.As a consequence, it has some factual errors.Divisions were (and are) commanded by Major Generals, not Lieutenant Generals.The commander's name is misspelled.The caption on the photo of Capt. Boniface's body speaks to another incident at a later time.Nonetheless, the author's folksy style makes it an easy read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Military    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military - United States    7. Biography: general    8. Korea    9. USA   

Reviews (1)

Great!
This is by far the best book I have ever read on the Korean war.It is just the right length to give an easy to follow strategic overview, that is complete in essentials for that level.And for those readers desiring a look at the "little people" involved, there are two sections, one about a soldier's experiences, and another about a Korean family's experiences.There are more than an adequate number of maps, making it easy to follow the ebb and flow of battle.The writing flows along in a nice, easy to read manner.The author is a student of wars of attrition, and his interest and expertise show on every page. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Korean War, 1950-1953    4. Military    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military - Pictorial    7. Military History - Korea Conflict    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    9. History / Military / Korean War    10. Korea    11. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    12. War & defence operations    13. World history: postwar, from c 1945 -   

Reviews (1)

A War Story, Very Well Told
A great book!Korea, a Lieutenant's Story, is a personal account of the Korean War as experienced by a young U.S. Air Force officer in 1950-1951.The book is page-turner.It is a war story told by a skilled storyteller and heavily sprinkled with interesting information about officer training, flying and flight operations, battles, inter-service relations, and military life.
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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. Korea    7. The Americas   

Reviews (2)

This is War!
My father, who was an artillery Captain in the Philippines during WWII, frequently pulled this book off the shelf to show me what war was like. He said that it was as close as you could get without actually being there. Hedied before he could see "Saving Private Ryan," but I think hewould still say so even after seeing the movie.

BEING THERE THRU THE CAMERA LENS
This is THE most unforgettable view of the first days of the then called "Police Action" in Korea. Author Duncan lived with the men and portrayed all the comraderie, terror and fear that they did.His workmakes an indelable image in our mind & is easy to grasp the magnatudeof it. My now deceased husband was one of those young Marines and one ofthe walking wounded who lived in pain his whole life.He treasured thisbook and knew the subjects.He found it a way to bury his emotions and goon with a "normal" lifestyle.This book had to help Trumanchange and understand it was not a simple mop-up action....but This WASWar! Although out of print, my family is trying to get copies to pass on totheir children to help us better understand their father.It is especiallyappropriate at this time when attention is being given the KoreanConflict's 50th anniversary.I wish they would reprint it and distribute acopy to all high school and college libraries. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History: American    3. Korean War, 1950-1953    4. Military - Korean War    5. Military History - Korea Conflict    6. Photography    7. Pictorial works    8. Land forces & warfare    9. North Korea    10. Photographs: collections    11. South Korea   

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)

A Fine Tribute
David McLaren's "Mustangs Over Korea" is thoroughly researched and presented with astonishing detail.The topic is at once chivalrous, romantic, and tragically farcical.The United States was caught unprepared as it reacted to the opening of Korean War hostilities in 1950.For instance, the scaled-down, post-World War II U.S. Air Force had no choice but to scrounge together obsolescent, prop-driven Mustang fighters to provide the initial air combat support to resist the communist invasion of South Korea.The dire need for pilots was largely met by calling up reservists-veterans of WWII who were asked to interrupt career and family pursuits back in the states.Gruesome combat conditions ensured that separation from home for many of these young men would be permanent.The primary audience for this book will be veterans of the Korean War who were in some way involved in F-51 Mustang operations."Mustangs Over Korea" is usually anecdotal in approach, since so much of the text depends on recollections of the aging combatants.Military unit records, which seem to excel in documenting casualties, are also a key source for this book.Accordingly, much of the text chronicles pilot losses.The reader can gain a great deal of gritty insight from the anecdotes and the appendices, but additional analysis is sometimes wanted.A notable exception is McLaren's intriguing analysis of the apparent strategies of the (opposing) North Korean Air Force.The book's second printing would benefit from professional editing to remove the text's frequent lapses in grammar and punctuation.

A fine acount of the Mustang in the forgotten war .
This is one of the best historical books I have come across . The korean war is at best only lyttle known , but the author went to all ends to make this a top class reference work . Also included are some photographs thatyou will not find anywhere else and a fine appendix that covers pilots andaircraft from all the countries involved in the conflict . ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerial operations    2. Aerial operations, American    3. Aviation - History    4. History - Military / War    5. Korean War, 1950-1953    6. Military    7. Military - Korean War    8. Mustang (Fighter planes)    9. Transportation    10. Air forces & warfare    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history    12. China    13. Korea   

Reviews (5)

A real American hero
An excellent book outlining the life and military career of James Kasler.His patriotism to his country was vividly displayed in the chapters dealing with his prisoner of war years during the Viet Nam war.He endured more pain and torture than most men could bear.Every American should read this book.

Uncommon Valor is a common trait
Perry Luckett and Charles Byler have opened a new generation's eye's to a period of time that many would rather like to forget. After all the political embarressment and face-saving, it's time to honor the actions of the honorable. The legacy that the pilots left through their deeds is one worth telling. Men such as Col. James Kasler have paid their dues in full by standing to be counted for what they firmly beleive in even when that meant torment and punishment.
A Warrior for Our Age
This is not your usual run of the mill biography. This is the story of a warrior.
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Subjects:  1. Air Force    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Fighter pilots    7. Kasler, James H    8. Military    9. Military - Aviation    10. Military - Korean War    11. Military - United States    12. Military - Vietnam War    13. Officers    14. United States    15. United States.    16. Air forces & warfare    17. Biography & Autobiography / Military    18. Biography: general    19. USA   

Subjects:  1. 1945-1989    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Korea (North)    6. Korean War, 1950-1953    7. Military    8. Military - General    9. Military - Korean War    10. Relations    11. Soviet Union    12. World politics    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    14. Korea    15. Warfare & Defence    16. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (1)

A "MUST READ" FOR AIR WAR OVER KOREA BUFFS
NOTED AUTHORS ROBERT DORR AND WARREN THOMPSON HAVE COMBINED THEIR CONSIDERABLE EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES INTO THIS SUPERIOR ACCOUNT OF THE WAR IN THE AIR OVER KOREA DURING THE EARLY 1950`S. OF THE EIGHTEEN BOOKS I`VE READ ON THIS SUBJECT (MY HOBBY IS SPEAKING TO CIVIC CLUBS AND HISTORY CLASSES ON THE AIR WAR IN KOREA),THIS BOOK IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE IN COVERING ALL SERVICE BRANCHES AND AIRCRAFT INVOLVED IN KOREA, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ROBERT FUTRELL`S 821 PAGE "UNITED STATES AIR FORCE IN KOREA." THOMPSON HAS INTERVIEWED MANY PARTICIPANTS IN THE KOREAN WAR AND BOTH AUTHORS HAVE INCLUDED MANY EXCELLENTPHOTOGRAPHS FROM THEIR EXTENSIVE COLLECTIONS. THE BOOK INCLUDES FOUR CHAPTERS, EACH BEING ONE YEAR OF THE KOREAN WAR YEARS. THIS STRICT CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER MAKES IT EASY FOR THE READER TO UNDERSTAND THE WAR AS IT HAPPENED. THIS IS A GREAT HISTORY BOOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerial operations    2. General    3. History: World    4. Korean War, 1950-1953    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military Aircraft - 1945 - 1955    7. Military History - Korea Conflict    8. Transportation    9. Air forces & warfare    10. Aircraft: general interest    11. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. China    14. History of engineering & technology    15. The Americas    16. Weapons & equipment    17. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (1)

Objective, incisive, knowlegable, a valuable resource
Mr. Nelson has produced a well researched and thoughtful, objective look at a topic that has been of great interest to me (Vietnam-era Navy Vet). This book is more of a strategic review of the mission of the PT boat thana retelling of individual events, yet it is still an enjoyable read for thePT buff as well as historian. His analysis of the PT's torpedo attacks inall the theaters of WWII (especially at the Battle of Surigao Strait, P.I.)takes on a subject, untouched in any previous book, with logic andauthority. He sheds new light on the oft-told PT 109 story. The authorraises the achievement and ability of the PT to assume the non-torpedo roleof gunboat (in the South/SWest Pacific) when the Navy had nopurpose-designed vessels for "littoral warfare".Lessons fromthe past have bearing on the future as today's small, flash-pointconventional conflicts have proven."Hunters in the Shadows" isa great add to any PT boat library; it stands up there with "At CloseQuarters" and the superb photo-essays of authorsAl Ross and VictorCuhn, to name a few.It is also a tribute to the men who served on andserviced the "wooden wonders." (check out the PT Boat Museum'sWebsite for more about these remarkable vessels) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - Korean War    5. Military - Naval    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - History    7. History of specific subjects    8. Military vehicles    9. Naval forces & warfare    10. USA   

Subjects:  1. Asia - Korea    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Military - Aviation    6. Military - Korean War    7. Air forces & warfare    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    9. History / Military / Aviation    10. Korea    11. c 1945 to c 1960   

Subjects:  1. Armed Forces    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. History    4. History - Military & Wars    5. History - Military / War    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Korea (South)    8. Korean War, 1950-1953    9. Military - Korean War    10. United States    11. United States - General   

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   

Editorial Review

Douglas MacArthur, in William Manchester's memorable phrase, was an American Caesar, a general accustomed to having his own way on or off the battlefield. He surrounded himself with fawning aides, commanded imperiously and sometimes impetuously, and did not kindly accept criticism.Read more

Reviews (19)

MacArthur, And War
"MacArthur's War" provides the reader with an up close view of the initial portions of the Korean War with particular emphasis on the role of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.It is not, however, a one-dimensional view.Much of it focuses on the role of the on the ground American soldiers and their commanders, all of whom served and suffered under MacArthur.
Should be on your Korean War Reading List
There is no question that Douglas MacArthur had a long and distinguished career. And that he showed great Barvery in World War I. That he planned some great island hopping strategy during World War II. And did much to help Japan reform and rebuild. But Korea is not an area where his career shines. Continued MacArthur incompetence
This book just reinforced my opinion of MacArthur, after reading about how he botched the defense of the Phillipines in WWII. He had an 8 hour warning from the Pearl Harbor attack, and yet let his planes be caught on the ground and destroyed. He had a 2 year supply of guns, ammo, food, and fuel in Manila for a defense at Bataan, and failed to move it there, so his men starved. He had months to train the Filipinos, and they ran at the first sight of Japs.Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - General    5. Military - Korean War    6. Military Science    7. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    8. Biography & Autobiography / Military    9. Korea    10. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    11. USA    12. War & defence operations   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Book
This book is every Navy seaplane pilot or aircrewman's book.The PBM Mariner was a great airplane, and it's history in naval aviation is without question.Long before aircraft could fly nonstop, the Mariner was always on station running surveillance, SAR missions, combat patrols, and many other missions too numerous to mention.Author Richard Hoffman has done a magnificient job of chronically documenting the Mariner's accomplishments and missions, and pays just tribute to the men who ran the gauntlet of the oceans to keep them free and accessible for all ocean going vessels.I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in naval air and seaplane history.It's well worth the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. History: American    4. Mariner bombers    5. Military - Aviation    6. Military - Korean War    7. Military - Naval    8. Military - World War II    9. American history    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    11. Korea    12. Maritime history    13. Naval forces & warfare    14. USA    15. War & defence operations    16. World history: Second World War