Product Description
This book traces the author Eric H. Vieler's experience as a rifle platoon leader during the latter part of the Korean War. Major segments of the story deal with the hazards of everyday existence on the front-line, and some unintended consequences lend humor to an otherwise daily routine. While this book focuses on the author's experiences during a few months of the war, a historical overview is provided to allow the reader a greater understanding of the overall conflict. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent, hard hitting work
Great book for a student of the Korean war or a someone who has litle or no knowledge of the subject. Vieler tells a great story and it ALL TRUE.
I must read.
... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive assessment by experts of the significant literature and research about the Korean War has been designed for students, teachers, and researchers at various levels and for broad interdisciplinary use. Edited by Brune, this one-volume research tool evaluates traditional interpretations and recent findings and trends and points to studies that are still needed on various topics. Twenty-three topical chapters cover the historical background and general references, international aspects of the war and the role and perspectives of major combatants, military policies and the strategies and tactics of the various armed forces, the Korean unification struggle after the war, and the relationship of the U.S. homefront to the Korean War. The book is fully indexed and is easily accessible. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the story of that small band of women who wore U.S. Marine uniforms during the Korean War. These women are a "lost generation" of women Marines who stepped into the breach between two wars and preserved the opportunity to be a Marine for those who were as yet unborn. They were, in fact, a "thin green line"--and they stood fast, just like Marines are taught to do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Saga of women boots in an earlier time
This book is a follow up to the Soderbergh's earlier book about Women Marines in the WWII era. It has an interesting panorama of the Sociology of America in the WWII period and its aftermath, much akin to the descriptionMelady has in his book "Canada's Forgotton War."A Marinehimself, Soderbergh describes in dense prose how the Corps managed tosurvive the 1947 Security Act, which redefined the nature of the ArmedServices. Even so, he points out that the KoreanWar, Vietnam and DesertStorm continued to present the USMC with the challenge to define preciselyits role as a land based fighting force.
On the specific issue ofWomen Marines (or WM's as they are called, in contrast to the earlier roleas WR's--women reservists) the author provides some personal accounts aboutwhat it was like for the women to leave for Korea. He points out the Marinemagazine Leatherneck was 'supportive, if also condescending'of the Womenmarines in the text of its articles but the cartoons continued to cater tothe 'sexist juvenile side' of the readership. Soderbergh also says that formany WMs the Marine Corps was their first exposure to racial segregationoutside the South.
The author touches briefly on the issue of sexualdiscrimination, harassment and gays/lesbians in the military. The Marineswere concerned about Lesbians in the WR as early as 1943. Soderberghprovides testimonials from a few Women Marines which include discussion ofthe all-too-familiar clandestine investigations, pressure to reveal names,etc. Soderbergh believes that the Marines today, if they had their way,would probably choose not to allow gays to 'wear the Marine Uniform underany circumstances.'
Especially memorable is the blow-by-blow accountof a classroom session taught by Captain Smith at Parris Island..sort ofthe Socratic method, marine corps style.

The most moving part of thebook comes at the end where the author delivers two tributes. One is to hisex-wife, also a former Marine, who remains in Soderbergh's mind as '...thattalented sergeant who represented everything that was good about WomenMarines.." The other is his personal interest in WM Germaine CatherineLaville. Laville, who died in a tragic fire while at Cherry Point, has adormitory at LSU named after her. Soderbergh, who was a student at LSU whenhe noticed her picture, had his interest piqued by this woman Marine, anddecided to write a biography of Laville. ... Read more

Product Description
This compelling book recently sparked an investigation by the USMC Inspector Generals office that resulted in a renewal of a fifty year cover up of a war crime. But,this time the cover up was exposed by US News & World Report in a major story written November 3, 2003.

The real story in this book is about the struggle of the protagonist to fulfil his duty to fight the enemy and an equally compelling duty to uphold human values.The story is propelled on the combat scenes which continue uninterrupted while the real story, the thing that makes this book so compelling, is laced between the scenes like a fine silk thread that ties the whole thing together.Simultaneously with the combat action he suffers the treachery of his battalion commander working through a Navy Medical doctor to have the protagonist judged mentally ill. He is committed, transported to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda Maryland, gets off a plane and is met by four Navy Corpsmen who force him into in a straight jacket. The sole purpose being to keep him quiet about the war crime. He is then forced to take insulin shock treatments designed to erase his memory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

From Arkie's daughter
I read this book in one of Sam's earliest manuscripts which he had sent to my father to read.He is a born storyteller.If you want to learn more about the Korean War and the effects it had on many unsung heroes, this book is a must read. I had grown up on some of the horror stories of this war from listening to my father.But this is one story he was never able to tell me.It haunted him for decades.He had finally made peace with it in the years before he passed away.This book helped me to understand my father and his demons.He loved the Corps and this was a very bitter experience for him.Thank you Sam for writing this book.

the few, the proud
This novel is one of the very best I have ever read on military service. The author, a U.S. Marine, enlisted for the same reason many young men do. He believed in the values of honor, traditions, history, and duty which are bestowed upon all members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Believing he is being deployed to Korea to liberate the South Korean people he quickly learns that few values exist in combat. Even in the Marine Corps where he has been taught that values are supreme.

In Korea, he experiences the very worst in terms of human behavior among those men whom he was taught were exemplory in character. This novel is a testimony to the brutality and cruelty of all warriors in battle. No matter if they are Chinese Communists or U.S. Marines.Atrocities are detailed which are often committed in hostile environments but are almost never talked about or written in a novel.

A real eye openner to American readers. Enjoy.

Worthwhile Reading
This book provides valuable insight to the daily life of a U.S. Marine during the Korean Conflict. Focusing on the personal struggle between dutyand moral conscience as told first hand by author, this is a story thatwill hold your attention to the unexpected end. Definitely a good selectionfor anyone interested in the Korean Conflict. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Eighth Army Special Operations in the Korean War
This book, along with its companion in the series, "Raiders on the China Coast" gives a lot of information about the history of the U.S. Army Special Forces in the Far East during the 1950's. Much of why we ended up so heavily involved in Vietnam can be better understand with the light of this information. The U.S. by the time of the Vietnam War occured had a long history of covertly fighting Communism in the Far East. In this book Mr. Evanhoe modestly says little about himself, but gives many details of the heroic behind the lines operations and sacrifices of these Korean, U.S., and British special forces personnel. He explains how personnel were selected, trained, and supportedly logistically... of the sacrifices and the costs that occured when they were actually conducted.He gives accounts of where the operations were based and how the locations for these bases were chosen. This is possible because Mr. Evanhoe is writing from the perspective from someone on at a high level on the Allied Joint Staff who was planning and supervising these operations. Even today, the U.S. military is still involved in the Korean Theater of Operations. This book gives useful information for someone to develop an informed perspective to make better foreign policy decisions there. Hopefully, the quality of the committment of those serving in the future for us in this part of the world and representing our interests there will measure up to the glorious legacy of the people in this book.

Eighth Army Special Operations in the Korean War
This book, along with its companion in the series, "Raiders on the South China Coast" gives a lot of information about the history of the U.S. Army Special Forces in the Far East during the 1950's. Much of why we ended up so heavily involved in Vietnam can be better understand with the light of this information. The U.S. by the time of the Vietnam War occured had a long history of covertly fighting Communism in the Far East. In this book Mr. Evanhoe modestly says little about himself, but gives many details of the heroic behind the lines operations and sacrifices of these Korean, U.S., and British special forces personnel. He explains how personnel were selected, trained, and supportedly logistically... of the sacrifices and the costs that occured when they were actually conducted. He gives accounts of where the operations were based and these locations chosen. This is possible because Mr. Evanhoe is writing from the perspective from someone who has personal knowledge of conducting intelligence operations for several years while in the U.S. Army in the Far East. Even today, the U.S. military is still involved in the Korean Theater of Operations. This book gives useful information for someone to develop an informed perspective to make better foreign policy decisions there. Hopefully, the quality of the committment of those serving in this part of the world in the future for us and representing our interests will measure up to the glorious legacy of the people in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This book describes the logistical systems and requirements of the North Korean People's Army and Chinese Communist forces during the Korean War. The author examines the performance of the Communist logistical system from June 1950 to July 1953, explaining the failure of the United Nations air interdiction campaign in terms of the constant improvement of Communist logistical capabilities. The author concludes that the United Nations air force damaged, but was unable to destroy, the Communist distribution system. The North Koreans and Chinese Communists were able to supply their front line units sufficiently to enable them to conduct a strong static defense, which prevented a United Nations victory, and in the last months of the war, to mount strong, sustained offensive actions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A War of Logistics
"It has frequently been stated by commanders in Korea that the one man they would like to meet when the war is over is the G-4 [Logistics Officer] of the Communist forces.How he has kept supplies moving in the face of all obstacles is a real mystery.He has done it against airsuperiority, fire superiority, gutsm and brawn."

Brigadier GeneralDarr H. Alkire Deputy Commander for Material U.S. Far Eastern Air ForcesJune 1951

The war in Korea was primarily a war of logistics.Thestrategic and operational decisions of both sides were based largely onlogistical considerations.The principle challenge faced by both sides wasto provide adequate support to their forces in the field across longdistances and often, through inhospitable terrain and weather.

On June25, 1950 the North Korean People's Army (NKPA) swept south across theKorean border, shattering the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army and the myth ofAmerican military invincibility.Suffering defeat and heavy losses intheir first battles against the NKPA, U.S. Army forces in Korea were thrownback to Pusan and almost off the peninsula.After massive reinforcementand a brilliant amphibious landing at Inchon (which severed the NKPA'slogistical lines), United Nations forces counterattacked in September,capturing the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and driving to the YaluRiver.The assault almost completely annihilated the NKPA.Only massiveintervention by the Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) in October and November1950, in the form of some 300,000 troops, saved North Korean forces fromtotal destruction.The Chinese inflicted heavy losses on UN troops,forcing them to retreat below the 38th parallel.By mid-1951, the conflicthad devolved into a static war of trenches, small patrols and limitedoffensives.By mid-1953, more than a million North Korean and ChineseCommunist troops had fought UN forces to a standstill along the 38thparallel.The Communist forces were supported by 10,000 Soviet and Eastbloc advisers and backed by almost 2,800 artillery pieces and 500 tanks. An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, bringing the conflict to anend.

During the three years of fighting, the U.S. Army suffered almost140,000 casualties, the South Korean Army almost 273,000, and other UNforces, 14,000.Communist military casualties were horrendous: 620,000North Korean and almost 910,000 Chinese, for a total of almost 2,000,000military casualties on both sides.In addition, more than two millionNorth and South Korean civilians were killed or injured and practically allof North and South Korea had been devastated.

Shrader's study focusesprimarily on how the North Korean and Chinese Communist were able tosustain their forces in the field for three years against the well equippedand more technologically advanced forces of the U.S. Army and the UNCommand.It addresses logistical organization, methods, requirements andoperations of the North Korean and Chinese armies from June 1950 to July1953.It concludes that, although the numerically superior NKPA and CCFwere never strong enough logistically to employ their maximum combat powerto defeat the UN Command and eject it from Korea, they were able tomaintain an almost uninterrupted flow of supplies to frontline units.Thisflow was sufficient to enable them to conduct a static defense strongenough to prevent a UN victory and, in the last months of the war, to mountstrong, sustained offensive operations.Indeed, just prior to the signingof the armistice, the CCF savaged the ROK Army, inflicting some 50,000casualties while incurring an estimated 108,000.Despite an intense UN airinterdiction campaign of over 250,000 sorties, the NKPA and CCF werestronger than ever when the armistice was signed.

Schrader's study isbased primarily on declassified documents of the NKPA and the CCF assembledby the UN Command during and immediately following the war.Using thesesources, the author puts to rest a good many myths about the Communistforces, most notably, that their logistics doctrines, organizations, andmethods were primitive and incapable of supporting large formations inmodern warfare.Shrader shows that Communist logistics were, in fact,characterized by flexibility and innovation, which allowed them tocompensate for their comparative lack of material resources and moderntechnology as well as restrictions on their freedom of action imposed by UNforces.

I enjoyed this book immensely for the unique perspective itprovides on the Communist armies of the Korean War.I was surprised tolearn just how professional, well-trained, well equipped, and relativelywell-supplied the NKPA and CCF really were.Also, there is too often atendency to believe that China's intervention in Korea was of an ad hocnature and poorly planned and supported.Shrader shows convincingly thatit was, in fact, an extremely well planned and supported endeavor.He doesso in a style that is very readable.

The Korean War was America's firstunpopular war and has been relegated to the dustbin of history. For thisreason, it is often called "The Forgotten War."Yet as weapproach the 50th anniversary of the beginning of that war, we owe it toourselves, our children, and more importantly, all those who served, tocome to terms with our involvement in Korea.Shrader's study, sure tobecome one of the standard works on the conflict, reinforces the lessonthat one should never underestimate an enemy's willingness or ability tofight and continue fighting. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the eloquent, moving story of an American family from the end of the Depression through today, told largely through the remarkable World War II letters of father James Quirk. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

How Did I Miss This One?
Wars and Peace is the work of a Vietnam Veteran, Rory Quirk, whose father, James served in WWII and later Korea, as a behind-the-scenes major player. For a seemingly humble, low-keyed guy, James is an eloquent writer as is his wife, Elizabeth; although we see far too little of her work, since it was apparently difficult for James to hang onto her letters as he traveled the front with the likes of Generals Bradley, Paton and Ridgeway. James' letters offer never before published insights into these leaders with some comical anecdotes about Paton that suggest we heard more of Quirk than Paton in earlier press releases, in stark, often amusing, contrast to post-Quirk Paton statements. The Korean letters, researched painstakingly by the younger Quirk, reveal frightening historic events that need to be responded to by those who might still know the truth. Matthew Ridgeway, about whom I read nothing in my history books, is depicted as an incredible leader and strategist deserving of great recognition and adulation. On the other hand, General MacArthur; about whom we spent so much time; comes off as an egotistical, narcissistic insubordinate. Go figure. It would have been good to hear and know more of Elizabeth Quirk, whose letters on VE day and the first birthday of their son, Rory, portray an intense love and loneliness that suggests that perhaps this is all we need to know. This is Elizabeth. Quirk brings us through the third family war with the devastating effect his service in Vietnam had on his father, the loyal patriot. Contrasted are his views of this war then and now, through his memories of 3 former college classmates who died young for something we either don't understand, or worse, for nothing at all. Quirk's father wrote his letters almost 60 years ago and they are remarkable if one thinks of his writing them late at night after, harrowing experiences. We are fortunate to read them unedited. It is uncanny to detect the similarity of style if not language, between father and son who have not exchanged a word in over 30 years. Quirk connects these human stories with flawless historical research, offering a context to the events depicted in the letters. I still don't know how I missed this when it came out. I hope it will be out in paper soon and in print large enough for seniors. It should be on tape for the visually impaired who may well hear this as their last human connection to their past. And if they haven't yet, and I believe I would have seen it, The New York Times must review this important work. This would be great book club material for serious readers interested in the human impact of war beyond the obvious.

By A Family of Gifted Writers
This is a family memoir, in the form of parents' letters and a son's narrative, gracefully written by three individuals who lives were touched by World War II, Korea, and Vietnam: a father, who served with Bradley,Patton, and Ridgeway; a loving and supportive wife who served on thehomefront; and a son who served as a U.S. Army Ranger in Vietnam.It's afine memoir of an American family's courage and sense of duty during thisAmerican century.

Touching.Inspirational.Duty.Success.And family.
A great inspirational book for young and older families.After all is said and done, whether success is achieved through financial rewards or attainment of immense power, the most cherished parts of our life are, andshould be, our loved ones.

Brilliantly told important American tale.
An emotional and gripping story quintissential to the 20th century American family experience.I loved every page.

A brilliant and poignant ribute to an American family.
This is a fascinating and brilliantly written book that allows you to a feel very close to seminal American wars.This private but heroic family deserves our attention, ... Read more

Product Description
In many respects, all wars are alike. All soldiers compete for position and mobility; all forces struggle for the larger territory, the greater power. Yet each war has as well its distinguishing characteristics--its unique features, its most-remembered events, its particular frustrations that haunt the dreams of its veterans. In Korea, it was the hills.

The Korean hills offered observation, artillery, and mortar advantage to whichever country controlled them. On these hills, thousands of soldiers fought decisive battles for a few feet of land or for higher elevation.

This reference work identifies more than 400 hills, outposts, complexes and phase lines that were key components of the Korean War, allowing researchers to relate individual battles to the larger narrative of the war. Each entry details major operations fought in the area, including the units involved, the area's strategic value in the overall war, the type of combat, and the munitions involved. Geographic features known by both numbers and names are cross-referenced for ease of access. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

False Pretenses
The Hill Wars Of The Korean Conflict: A Dictionary of Hills, Outposts, and Other Sites of Military ActionWhat a disappointment. Thought I would find at least a few maps. Not so, just sketches which born no relationship of the topographical contours. Lots of technical errors.No space for it on my bookshelf. To say something good about it - it does provide a list of the outposts which might be useful to someone.

Interesting read
a lot of detail and stories.I'm giving it to my Dad - Korea vet that fought in these hills - for Fathers Day.I'm sure he'll find it very interesting

If You Were There in 1952-1953, You've Been Waiting More Than 50 Years for This Book
Actual Reviewer:W.R. Mobley, Fort Lee, NJ

This dictionary is a useful reference for the scholar of the Korean War to have at hand while reading military histories of the conflict.It is divided into 3 sections:the first lists hills designated by numbers (their elevation above sea level, in meters), in numerical sequence.The second section lists hills with given names, in alphabetical order together with alternate names.The third section lists named ridges, outposts, complexes, and phase lines in alphabetical order.Each entry (usually) describes the principal actions that occurred there; the months, days, and years; the military units involved; the appalling numbers of casualties; the outcome; and sometimes the post-armistice status.The 24 maps dispersed throughout the text (sometimes out of sequence) are cited by number when pertinent, but without their corresponding page number, so the reader must flip through the book to find the map each time one is cited.

Since each entry in a dictionary is a unit unto itself, it should have a map and page citation if pertinent.Needed is a list of maps with their page numbers positioned after the Table of Contents.If all the maps were collected together at the back, it would not be necessary to cite page numbers.Furthermore, the maps should have captions identifying the sector.

The book is marred by a few imperfections: some typos, misspellings, and wrong numbers, years, units, and words.It is hoped that these will be rectified in a second edition.
... Read more

Product Description
Focusing primarily on politics and foreign policy, America at War analyzes U.S. involvement in three wars since the end of World War II: Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. The main questions asked are: How did the U.S. become involved in these wars? How were the wars conducted? And how did the U.S. get out of these wars? ... Read more

Product Description
The author, a young conscript, fought with The Glorious Glosters at the legendary Imjin River battle. Heavily outnumbered by the Chinese and subjected to 'human-wave' infantry attacks, he and his colleagues suffered the trauma of being overrun and the vast majority of those who were not killed became POWs. This serious reverse of fortunes shocked postwar Britain but the bravery of the Battalion caught the public's imagination. The inhuman treatment suffered at their captors' hands by the survivors, including the author, has possibly never been fully realized. This memoir written from the perspective of a fighting soldier will surely bring home some most unpalatable truths. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Story of Courage
My uncle Dave wrote this book. He just died in Australia. He was given a funeral with full military honors.
Growing up I always heard stories from relatives about his days as a prisoner of war. He never spoke of them. He appeared to want to get on with the business of living. He married Jan and started a family.
He was a good soul. He and my mother came from a family of 7 children in England.
The brutality of war and the innocence of a young man from a loving family is a heartbreaking story. I know he suffered but he tried to get over it like so many other veterans. I am proud of you Uncle Dave. May You Rest In Peace now. ... Read more

Product Description
This book brings to life one of the most bitter and inglorious conflicts in american history. Drawing on his interviews with hundreds of veterans of Korea, Knox masterfully weaves personal stories with military records to create a vivid, day-by-day chronicle of the war's first savage months of fighting. Index; photographs and maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Tremendous
This is the first of two volumes of compelling history; I picked it up after finishing Fehrenbach's This Kind of War (also highly recommended) and it made a great companion read. The format allows for insightful observations by the men who lived the extraordinary months of June to December 1950, fighting a determined enemy who caught the U.S. and its allies flat footed and unprepared for combat in nearly every way.Fortunately, our warriors steeled themselves and, fighting over rugged terrain and in extreme weather , saved South Korea and proved our collective will to prevent communism's unchecked spread.The author skillfully weaves observations that illuminate both tactical and operational level actions and decisions, and he accurately portrays the human dimenson of men fighting for reasons that are both noble and fundamental, most notably, for each other.I greatly enjoyed this effort and highly recommend it along with the second volume, Uncertain Victory by Donald Knox and Alferd Coppel (Knox died unexpectedly halfway through this book); it covers a longer time range (1951 to 1953), but is equally compelling.

An excellent book on a little-known war
This book was my introduction, appart from what little I was tought in school, to the Korean War.Knox does an excellent job of bringing the Korean War to life by letting the actual soldiers tell their tales.From the initial reaction of the troops in occupied Japan who were first sent there, to the bitter fighting at the Chosin Reservoir, Knox weaves an inthralling picture of what happened through the eyes of the soldiers who were actually there.If you are looking for a good narative that incompasses both the strategic and tactical aspect of the ground war in Korea, this is the book for you.

The Korean War: Pusan to Chosin
I like is book mainly because it gave me a better understanding of the thoughts and feelings the troops had in the different conficts of the Korean WAR.

I have review other books on the subject but I believe this book gives the reader a more personal look at this difficult time.It is worth the time to read and ponder the words.Thank you for a book well written.

The area of the book that I feel can be improved is a better matching of the military troop thoughts and the time frame of the conficts as to the duration of the WAR.

As Close As You'll Get
This is the best military oral history I've ever read, and it's as close as you will get to having been there. Although there are interviews and statements from all ranks, the concentration at the company level made this book especially compelling in giving a sense of the daily combat for thosehundreds of nameless hills in korea. It gave a real feeling of life anddeath to the thousands of men who were wounded and killed. The interviewson the first month of the war on being overrun and then forming the Pusanperimeter are particularly vivid. For anyone who is reads military historythis is a must read.

I cannot put the book down!
I became interested in the Korean War only after having joined the Army myself.My father fought in the war with the Army, but never talked about his role much, or what he went through. I bought Mr. Knox's book afterglancing at it on the book store shelf.The first person accounts bringyou right into the war.By allowing the participants to tell the storyfrom the first-person the reader gets a 360 degree view of each battle.The book reads almost like fiction instead of history.I feel theadrenaline rush of battle, the exhaustion of victory and the frustration ofgrabbing that weapon for yet another 10 mile movement-to-contact withoutsleep.I feel the loss when one of the "characters" is takenaway on a stretcher, knowing that I'll not be hearing from him again. Inow have a slightly better understanding of what that dirty little"police action" was like.I don't think I'll be able to findmany more books that can match the emotion of this. ... Read more

Product Description
Unprepared to fight the most unpopular war in their country's history, thousands of young Americans struggled with fear, loneliness, anger, and disillusionment in the jungles of Vietnam. On their return home, those who survived had to deal with the aftereffects of their war experience in virtual isolation. (20010801) ... Read more

Product Description
Kenneth “Tex” Atkinson, Commander, U.S. Navy (retired), received his wings in July 1949. He was commissioned an Ensign in October of that year and served as a carrier pilot until 1960, when he transferred to the Naval Reserve. From then until his retirement from the Navy, he flew in a Patrol Squadron in New Orleans, retiring as a Squadron Skipper in 1968. Atkinson made five carrier tours, flying over 100 combat missions in Korea. He holds the usual assortment of awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Atkinson spent most of his early years in and around central Texas; hence the nickname, “Tex.” This book is a combination of his first-hand experiences as a Naval Aviator and personal memoirs of growing up in the 1930s and ’40s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Personal Story Of A Personal War
In "From the Cockpit" Tex Atkinson paints a vivid portrait of his life, with the focus on his youth spent as a Navy attack pilot in Korea. Atkinson discusses his biographical background in a flowing and interesting manner which serves to put the aviation component in a better perspective than if he had simply told about his flying adventures. The Korean War is sadly overlooked today, overshadowed by the victory of World War Two, and the tragedy of Vietnam. Korea was a conflict never really resolved: it took thousands of lives and ended exactly where it started with no net gain for either side. Unfortunately the lack of decisive victory in the 1950's is causing ever more dire situations on the peninsula today.

Tex Atkinson details his aviation career, and focuses on his stint flying F4U Corsairs and AD (A-1) Skyraiders, mostly the latter. As a pilot I have always felt the Corsair was the most graceful aircraft of its era (possibly of all time), and had heard that it was a wonderful aircraft to fly, although unforgiving especially at low speeds. Mr. Atkinson reinforces those preconceptions and vividly conveys the challenge of flying the Corsair, and especially of bringing it aboard the carrier. In contrast I always viewed the Skyraider as a brute force aircraft; unglamorous, but tough. In that regard Mr. Atkinson reinforced my impressions of the aircraft as a tough and capable aircraft, but also showed its true endearing qualities, notably the excellent powered flight controls, stability as a bomber, and stable landing characteristics. For this enlightenment I am grateful.

The book is easy to read, but often thought provoking, especially as he discusses the relationships he had (and has) with his squadron mates, relationships that left permanent impacts on him, despite their frequent sad brevity. Korea is an important war to study: there was much valor on display, and the decisions and mistakes made between 1950 and 1953 continue to shape the world today. For those unfamiliar with the air war over Korea, this is a great place to start. Thank you for your service, Tex!

Highly Recommend
I highly recommend this book to anyone who really wants to know what it was like for someone in the Korean War.It is easy to read and you feel like you are right there with him.Excellent!

Darn good stuff!
A damn fine read! It's just like he's sitting by the grill smelling steaks and sipping martini's as he spins his tales of yesteryears! ... Read more

Product Description
Published to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Korean War, this book contains combat photographs forming a narrative of courage, grimness, ordeal and loyalty. It follows a group of marines through a series of battles, and contains text to explain the circumstances of each photograph. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

David Douglas Duncan's Masterpiece
Over the years, I have collected a large number of military photo histories from the American Civil War to WWI and WWII to Vietnam. And while many of them are very good, the quality of the action captured by the camera is rarely as intense and riveting as that captured by David Douglas Duncan in this outstanding volume.

Duncan captures the American forces at their lowest ebb as they retreat towards Pusan, pursued by a brutal North Korean opponent. We see first hand the stress of combat and the stark and brutal cost as American lives are lost. We see US forces on the move and on the firing line both on the retreat to Pusan and in the later fighting to secure Seoul.

Duncan is never in the rear photographing the support elements...no...he and his camera are at the tip of the spear and the result is some of the best combat photography I have ever seen.

Lastly, there is an intimacy to these pictures that is unique to Duncan's style. It is very rare to see pictures of soldiers in combat and to associate their name with their picture, then with their face, then with the combat strain so evident in their eyes. Duncan's subjects are not anonymous soldiers, but indeed our American Soldiers caught in one of history's most terrible conflicts.

I don't believe any reader can look at these pages and into Ike Fenton's eyes and not be geniunely moved by the sacrifice made by those who protect our freedoms. Duncan and his camera have captured that sacrifice more than any word ever could.

Recollection of Korean War
Because I served in Korea during the war, David Douglas Duncan's photos are especially important to me. Now I own the book where his work was published and I am delighted! And I am grateful there is a place--Amazon--to acquire material like this at a modest price.

A TRUE Narrative of the Korean War
Awesome book ... I learned about it from the man on the cover ... First Sgt. Beauford Haynie (USMC - Retired) ... a must have for any true American that loves the USA and supports our Troops ... no matter the War ... no matter the Enemy ... no matter the Commander in Chief ... War is War ... a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words ...

Family Experience
The leading Marine on the cover of this book is my father and the man behind with the BAR was a member of his fire team.My father told me about his experiences in Korea from the Pusan Perimeter to the Inchon landing ending with the Chosin Reservoir and his long recovery from his injuries.This book will help keep my fathers memory and experiences alive for my family's children and grandchildren.My father knew Mr. Duncan and enjoyed his company during these times.

Photos of the Forgotten War
This book was originally published in 1951 on the one year anniversary of the onset of the Korean War.Life Magazine photographer David Douglas Duncan was working in Tokyo when the war began.Within a few days, he was taking photographs on the rapidly changing front line.This book is a compilation of combat photos that he took during the first few months of the war.There are many memorable photos of battles around the Pusan Perimeter, the return to Seoul and the epic retreat from the Chosin Reservoir.

Duncan was a Marine combat veteran of the Second World War.His connection to the Marines on the ground is shown in the remarkable empathy of his photographs.Duncan was not afraid to get up really close to the combat.His close up portraits of exhausted Marines during the Chosin retreat are some of the most memorable images of the Korean War.This is a work of not only remarkable war photography but also of portraiture.If that were not enough, the text that accompanies the photographs is also a great example of combat reportage.This is an excellent book and I give it my highest recommendation. ... Read more

Product Description
Cecil G. Foster was born in Midland County, Michigan, on August 30, 1925. He endured economic and emotional hardship during his youth, living in a poor environment, losing his mother before he was six, and being separated from his brothers, sisters, and father. He joined the Army Air Force in 1943 as a private at the height of the World War II buildup and retired in 1975 as a lieutenant colonel. During his 32 years with the Air Force, Foster served in several different capacities-pilot, celestial navigator, radar-navigator-bombardier, intercept director, and squadron commander. A major focus of this work is Foster's Air Force career in the Korean War where he was one of the highest-scoring aces of the air war. His record of nine MiGs destroyed places him 12 on a list of 38 aces. Every one of the aircraft he destroyed was shot down in the area known as "MiG Alley," a small section of airspace along the Yalu River, which separated North Korea from China. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommended for students of military aviation history
MiG Alley To Mu Ghia Pass: Memoirs of A Korean War Ace is the military memoir of Cecil Foster, a young man born into poverty and hardship, and who joined the Army Air Force in 1943 as a private, eventually retiring in 1975 as a lieutenant colonel. Foster served a multitude of tasks during his Air Force career, but perhaps the most outstanding and remarkable part of his autobiographical history was his service as a high-scoring ace pilot in the aerial battles of the Korean War. Foster's record of nine destroyed MiGs earned him 12th place on a list of 38 aces. Each of the aircraft he destroyed was shot down in a section of airspace called "MiG Alley," which runs along the Yalu River that separates North Korea from China. MiG Alley Mu Ghia Pass is an involving, personal look into one of the countless people who have staked their lives to serve and protect the United States of America. Highly recommended for students of military aviation history in general, and the Korean War in particular. ... Read more