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Conflict: The History Of The Korean War, 1950-1953

In June 1950 Communist forces poured across the 38th Parallel (the arbitrary, militarily indefensible line of latitude separating the Communist North from the independent Republic of Korea) to unite the country by force. Three bloody, bitter years of fighting ensued during which the seesawing fortunes of this frustrating war thwarted North Korea's ambitions while treating the ill-equipped, overconfident UN peacekeeping forces, mostly Americans, no less harshly. Conflict examines the war in all its military, political, and human dimensions: the battles at Pusan Perimeter, at Inchon, at Chosin Reservoir, at Heartbreak Ridge; significant figures like Syngman Rhee, Kim Il Sung, Ridgway, MacArthur, and Truman; controversies like MacArthur's dismissal, the difficulties of P.O.W. exchanges, and charges of brainwashing and germ warfare; as well as penetrating analyses of the performance of the American soldier, and the war's effect on the U.S. military and our national psyche. As such, Conflict stands as an unsurpassed, vivid contribution to history.

Paperback: 496 pages

Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1st edition (August 22, 1996)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0306807165

ISBN-13: 978-0306807169

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,224,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #407 in Books > History > Military > Korean War #46047 in Books > History > World #46465 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering

As with all of Robert Leckie's books this one is meant as a medium weight overview. Not so detailed that only a history professor could love it, but neither so light that you walk away feeling that you don't have a deep understanding of the context of the war. The narrative is great, keeping your interest even during the "lulls" in the action.

"Conflict" is classic Leckie. Written more as a newspaper account, it is more readable than a stadard treatise on the war. Leckie's inability to suffer incompetence and admiration for the common infantryman is evident in his writing, without the arrogance that Marshall often conveys. This work shows why Leckie was, and remains, one of the best war story tellers in hirtory.

A great book to use for high school reading. In this day and age, it is probably good for the college student. A quick overview of what has turned out to be a SUCCESS project in South Korea. That nation would not be here otherwise1 This by one who was there in 50 - 51 and then later in '68-69.

This " police action " always fascinated me in its potential scope and its lasting ramifications that we still feel today. The author does a great job of detailing the overall strategy of the opposing forces and their tactics for achieving, or trying to any way, victory. Sadly we all know that victory was never to be had, as a demilitarized zone, a potential world war three flash point, still remains.Great book for anyone who seriously wants to see the minds of the men who ran this costly and bloody "police action."

This book was interesting but wasn't as informative in the battles, but was very informative as far as the political aspects. Book arrived quickly and in good condition.

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