This Kind of War, T. R. Fehrenbach
This Kind of War, T. R. Fehrenbach
12 Rating(s)
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This Kind of War
The Classic Korean War History

Author: T. R. Fehrenbach

Narrator: Kevin Foley

Unabridged: 24 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 07/26/2010


Synopsis

The fiftieth anniversary of the Korean War makes this an appropriate time to revisit This Kind of War, the monumental study of the conflict that began in June 1950. Successive generations of U.S. military officers have considered this book an indispensable part of their education.

T. R. Fehrenbach's narrative brings to life the harrowing and bloody battles that were fought up and down the Korean Peninsula. Partly drawn from official records, operations journals, and histories, it is based largely on the compelling personal narratives of the small-unit commanders and their troops. Unlike any other work on the Korean War, it provides a clear panoramic view, sharp insight into the successes and failures of U.S. forces, and a riveting account of fierce clashes between U.N. troops and the North Korean and Chinese communist invaders.

The lessons that Colonel Fehrenbach identifies still resonate. Severe peacetime budget cuts after World War II left the U.S. military a shadow of its former self. The terrible lesson of Korea was that to send into action troops trained for nothing but "serving a hitch" in some quiet billet was an almost criminal act. Throwing these ill-trained and poorly equipped troops into the heat of battle resulted in the war's early routs. The United States was simply unprepared for war. As we enter a new century with Americans and North Koreans continuing to face each other across the 38th parallel, we would do well to remember the price we paid during the Korean War.

About T. R. Fehrenbach

During World War II, the late T. R. Fehrenbach served with the U.S. Infantry and Engineers as platoon sergeant with an engineer battalion. He continued his military career in the Korean War, rising from platoon leader to company commander and then to battalion staff officer of the 72nd Tank battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. His works include U.S. Marines in Action, The Battle of Anzio, and This Kind of War.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bryan on May 19, 2010

As a former Army officer, I have read many military history books; and I assert that "This Kind of War" is the best military history book I have ever read. As a retired Army officer and Korean War veteran writing approximately 10 - 15 years after the conflict, Fehrenbach does a masterful job in his......more

Goodreads review by William on November 18, 2008

T.R. Fehrenbach's "This Kind of War" is more of a "U.S. Army" history of the Korean War. It is long on tactical/operational detail, placing less stress on politics, diplomacy and grand strategy surrounding the war. Ferhenbach has an ax to grind, but it is strictly professional. He despairs over the......more

Goodreads review by Maria on July 23, 2017

Soap box: Fehrenbach is a huge fan of General McArthur and is cutting him all kinds of slack for his decisions which cost UN soldiers lives and suffering and prolonged the war. He's even made statements about how it's Truman's fault for not giving McArthur clearer instructions! I'm all but pulling m......more

Goodreads review by Kyle on May 01, 2008

There's lots of sentimental bullshit about lions and legions and stoic defense of the frontiers and the necessity of harsh, just, professional men to do unspeakable things in the service of polite, gentle folk, which is unfortunate because on balance it's a good book. This stuff is partially redeeme......more

Goodreads review by Jack on January 24, 2016

I find the period between WWII and the start of the American troop deployments to Vietnam fascinating. So much history between Europe and Asia; between the West and the Communist Block. I also find Korea rarely covered and for that reason, I regularly grab a book on the subject, albeit not often eno......more