This volume completes the general survey of combat operations in Korea that began with the publication in 1960 of Roy Appleman's South to the Naktong; North to the Yalu. It will be followed by a study of theater logistics and an order of battle which; along with the recently published Medics' War; will comprise the series of official Army histories of America's so-called forgotten war. Ebb and Flow records an important chapter in the Korean War. It begins with the last weeks of the pell-mell rush of United Nations forces to the Chinese border and goes on to describe in great detail the test of American military leadership and resources posed by the taxing retreat of the Eighth Army and X Corps across the frozen wastes of North Korea. It also examines the special problems posed to a fighting army during the deadly months of stalemate in the summer of 1951. The part of the war described in this volume raises many questions for the military strategist and provides a treasure trove of lessons for the student of the art of war. The book emphasizes the limitations imposed by terrain and weather on the fighting capabilities of an American army facing surprise attack from a large; disciplined enemy. The operations it describes in such careful detail will help vivify the principles of war for those who would study the profession of arms.
#509880 in Books 2013-08-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.00 x .80l; .95 #File Name: 1938690362272 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great behind-the-scenes look at Mustangs south of the borderBy Nicholas A. VeronicoI was really looking forward to reading Will Martin’s “So I Bought An Air Force…†hoping to gain an insight into the recovery of the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan warbirds and I was not disappointed. Not since John Dienst and Dan Hagedorn’s “North American F-51 Mustangs in Latin Air Force Service†(1985) have warbird enthusiasts had such a great behind-the-scenes look at Mustangs south of the border.Martin’s tales of shady people; corrupt officials; and mechanics working to a different standard were balanced with people who came to his aid just in the nick of time. On his journey to recover the fleet of Mustangs; he certainly met the right people at the right time. My heart went out to Martin’s long suffering wife and kids who had to deal with his long absences from home and the constant possibility that he may never return; lost in the jungle having gone down in an unreliable or ill-prepared World War II warbird.The tales of his forced landings and the total loss of a number of Mustangs – N6153U (possibly 44-63655); N6162U (pos. 44-63649); and N6170U (pos. 44-73193) – and Thunderbolts – N6148U (pos. 44-88548) – can be seen in the more than 60 color photos shot by Martin during his travels. The author’s ability to prevent more aircraft from being lost is directly related to his pre-flight attention to detail and the knowledge he gained from other experienced pilots willing to share their knowledge.If I have one comment; “So I Bought An Air Force†could have benefitted from a serial number list of the aircraft recovered and where they are now. Maybe that could be added to the book’s website?Congratulations to Mr. Martin for a fine book. This volume is a great addition to the Mustang’s historical record.Nicholas A. VeronicoAuthor: “Hidden Warbirds: The Epic Stories of Finding; Recovering; and Rebuilding WWII’s Lost Aircraftâ€5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Nicaragua 1960 and the tale of P-51 MustangsBy tigerSo I Bought an Air Force: The True Story of a Gritty Midwesterner in Somoza's NicaraguaSo I Bought an Air Force: The True Story of a Gritty Midwesterner in Somoza's NicaraguaMove over Tom Clancy ; there is a new military history writer in town; only this time the history is real; not a made up adventure novel. It's Nicaragua 1960; part of the Somoza Era and the attempt to save a fleet of WW II war-birds; mainly P-51 Mustangs for History.The Author against overwhelming odds was able to save a number of P-51 Mustangs; the plane many historians have said hastenedthe fall of the Third Reich by their superior performance over the ME-109 German Fighter. The story is real;the action is real; and it's a great read for all WW II Aircraft Enthusiasts. I just bought 7 Books for family and friends for Christmas1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. that I contacted the author to let him know how much I not only enjoyed the bookBy J. HeiskellWhen I started reading this book; I had a very hard time putting it down! Following the authors story from the get go; he takes you through all the seemingly impossible tasks of getting these planes back to the USA; and I felt as if I was there; facing life threatening situations. In my opinion; this is a must read. I was so compelled; that I contacted the author to let him know how much I not only enjoyed the book; but respected him for having the fortitude to accomplish bringing back these awesome warbirds. He even replied to me; and told me I mad his day! Thank you Will Martin.
