The outbreak of the Korean conflict caught America (and the Marine
Corps) unprepared. The Corps' salvation was the existence of its
Organized Reserve (an organization rich in veterans of the fighting in
World War II), the availability of modern equipment in storage and, as
always, the bravery, initiative, and adaptability of individual Marines.
In this follow-up to his enormously successful Marine Tank Battles in
the Pacific (Combined Publishing, 2000), Oscar Gilbert presents an
equally exhaustive and detailed account of the little-known Marine tank
engagements in Korea, supported by 48 photographs, eight original maps,
and dozens of survivor interviews.
Marine Corps Tank Battles in Korea details every action, from the
valiant defense at Pusan and the bitter battles of the Chosin Reservoir,
to the grinding and bloody stalemate along the Jamestown Line. Many of
these stories are presented here for the first time, such as the unique
role played by tanks in the destruction of the ill-fated Task Force
Drysdale, how Marine armor played a key role in the defense of Hagaru,
and how a lone tank made it to Yudamni and then led the breakout across
the high Toktong Pass.
Marine tankers--individually and as an organization--met every challenge
posed by this vicious, protracted, and forgotten war. It is a story of
bravery and fortitude you will never forget.
