In the fifty years since the Korean War dominated America's headlines; the poor state of readiness of U.S. armed forces at the beginning of that conflict has faded from memory. Yet; in those early days of desperate combat-when victory and even survival were far from certain-many Americans were rapidly deployed to this new-found war zone; deplorably unprepared for the challenges that awaited them. By focusing on one unit-a Marine Corps Reserve company called to active duty with no warning and virtually no time to prepare-this meticulously researched and vividly presented account makes clear what these individuals faced and how they coped. This is a human story that takes the reader into the personal lives of the participants and provides a view of post-World War II American society. Through the lens of this detailed look at one company in a nearly forgotten war; important issues come into view that are relevant today. The efforts of the Marine Corps to remain adequately prepared for combat in a time when economic and political considerations mandate a military drawdown have particular relevance to current debates; and the trials and tribulations recounted here are rife with lessons for today's planners; trainers; and warriors. The authors have blended documentary research with newspaper accounts of the day; interviews with participants; personal correspondence; and diaries to reconstruct this amazing story of what happened when a group of young people from middle America were called upon to make an unexpected journey.
#85128 in Books Applewood Books 2010-06-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.75 x .32 x 4.25l; .19 #File Name: 155709073432 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. but all the same it's an excellent and worthwhile and very short document to readBy Nathan AlbrightThe Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln is 200 words long; in ten sentences; and is one of the masterpieces of American political speech in defending the universality of human rights and the legitimacy of republican government. It is also available for free for those who want to read it from time on their e-readers. Seriously; downloading this document should be a no-brainer. Students used to have to memorize this task; and it is one of those writings that deserves to be read and reflected on over and over again. Given its recognized greatness; I am aware that what I say about this document is entirely redundant; but all the same it's an excellent and worthwhile and very short document to read; and one that deserves its fame.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. 5 reviewBy readerInteresting take on Lincoln. For some contemporary views of Lincoln you'll also want to read the following 99-cent historic ebooks:1 The Real Lincoln: From the Testimony of His Contemporaries (1904)2 The suppressed Truth about the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1922)3 The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln: Six Months at the White House (1867)4 Personal Recollections of President Abraham Lincoln; General Ulysses S. Grant and General William T. Sherman5 Licoln and the Matson Slave Case6 The Outbreak of Rebellion7 Abraham Lincoln8 Memories of the White House: The Home Life of Our Presidents from Lincoln to Roosevelt (1911)9 Abraham Lincoln (1917) (Heroes and Leaders in American History)10 Abraham Lincoln2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. It's riveting and importantBy Gisela HausmannWatching Steven Spielberg’s movie reminded me that I had never actually read the Gettyburg’s address. Born and raised in Europe I only learned the highlights and about the speech’s historical significance.Reading the famous speech was a riveting experience.The following lines hit home:“… It is for us the living; rather; to be dedicatedhere to the unfinished work which theywho fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.It is rather for us to be herededicated to the great taskremaining before us ... “Don’t these words apply to so many other issues: the extinction of poverty; saving the environment; creating a stable peaceful environment for all… and so much more?A must read for all! These lines will never lose significance!Gisela Hausmann; author blogger
