Full Description
This is a study of the Korean War of 1950-1953 from the inside--the nuts and bolts of armed conflict. The perspective is American, with the principal focus on the relationships of the people involved: North and South Koreans, the Chinese and Soviets, and how the U.S. and its allies engaged with them all. The lives of ordinary soldiers are examined--U.S. forces, with attention paid to the other side as well. The book examines such important aspects of military operations as supplies, equipment and weapons, tactics and strategy, intelligence, and psychological warfare, as well as the effective elimination of racial segregation in the U.S. military. Also studied is the vexing matter of prisoners of war, on both sides. Finally, there is an effort to fit Korea into the generalities of American military experience in Asia, from the war with Japan to Vietnam.
Contents
Table of Contents
Preface: The Evolution of a Reluctant Soldier
Introduction
One. Prelude to War
The Korean Past (by Joseph Bibb Siren)
Two Koreas
An Army at Rest
A First World Army
White Allies
Two. Participants in War
Conflicting Koreans
Americans and Koreans
Chinese and American Soldiers
Communist Bloc: Russians, Chinese and Koreans
United States and Other United Nations Supporters
Race in War
GI Joe and Other Soldiers
Three. Aspects of a War
Uncle Sam's Supplies
Contrasting Tactics and Weapons
On the Sea and in the Air
Intelligence and Special Operations
Psychological Warfare
Prisoners of War
Back Home
Four. Peninsula War, International Consequences
China Confronts America
Cease Fire
Strategies and Outcomes
United States
People's Republic of China
Republic of China (Formosa Annex)
USSR
Japan
Britain
France and Vietnam
Turkey
Conclusion: The Measure of It All
Reference Notes
Bibliography
Index
