PDF TOO YOUNG FOR A FORGETTABLE WAR by WILLIAM EDWARD ALLI in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A moving American storyBy Charles HughesAs a fellow Korean vet who unknowingly crossed paths with Bill Alli in Korea and one who has just finished reading his account of his experiences there; I can attest to the honesty and accuracy of his descriptions of that war; a war in which he and his comrades struggled up mountains toting heavy "light" 30 caliber machine guns and 20 lb ammo cans in support of their infantry company. While there are light and humorous episodes in this book there are also vivid descriptions of violent battles that he and his Marine comrades were involved in at the notorious "Punch Bowl" in September; 1951. In addition to accounts of battles; there is also the moving story of his family history; his growing up in Detroit with a Turkish heritage by way of his father; and of his seeking out Turkish United Nations forces while he was in Korea. His interest in Turkey and other cultures influenced his career after Korea when he served as a U.S. foreign-service officer in Pakistan. And he no doubt influenced his son; Lt. Col. John Alli USMC; who took the widely-recognized picture of the snow-blanketed Korean Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. that now appears on U.S. Postage stamps. If you want to learn about a good man who served his country at a critical time in history; and if you enjoy a good read; buy this book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not Too Young to Narrate the ExperienceBy Robert M. PattersonI've known Bill Alli slightly for almost 45 years. I didn't know he had the exquisite ability to write as he can. This is a great narration of personal experience told more than 50 years afterward. It is a marvelous read. I was too young for Korea and; although I have an older brother who spent a year there (in safer circumstances than where Bill Alli found himself); and I have read widely in military history; I have never before received the flavor of the experience from someone who was actually there. I'm glad I read this book.My father and Bill's came from the same area of Turkey; which leads to my only criticism of the book. Bill states that only Christians in Turkey had last names at the time (1890-1915). In fact; the Greek Christians did not; at least not generally. My dad and his siblings all adopted (different) last names when they attended secondary school in Turkey. A formalized last name came only after the "repatriation of 1922-23" when the Greeks were expelled from Turkey.This is a small quibble of no consequence in a fine book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Book from a Soldier's Point of ViewBy L. WhiteA great book about war as written by a soldier on the lines. Unlike other memoirs by higher-ranking authors discussing the strategic or tactical aspects of a war; this book deals with the day-to-day trials of a grunt soldier; even explaining the challenges of toilet issues in freezing weather. For this reason; this is not a book for young readers.For those who glorify war (espeically those who have never fought in one); this book is an eye-opener as to the realities of daily life on the front. It also vividly explains the impact on reserve forces called to active duty to fight a war.The book is organized into short chapters; each dealing with a limited number of issues; and does jump around a bit; but it quite readable and enjoyable in a folksy style.