The Korean War: An Oral History

America's ""forgotten veterans of the invisible war'' are well represented in this collection of extended reminiscences by participants in the first seven months of the Korean War. The majority of the voices here are those of infantrymen recounting their experiences during that fluid and bitterly fought phase of the struggle. Campaigns covered include the Pusan Perimeter, the Inchon landing, the liberation of Seoul, the drive to the Yalu and the long retreat following Chinese entry into the war. Although it was clearly necessary to edit the statements collected in the course of research, Knox (Death March, etc.) has compressed away much of the individuality: almost everyone seems to have the same speech pattern. After the first 300 pages, only Korean War veterans are likely to remain engrossed, especially since many of the actions described are similar. The recollections are interrupted occasionally by brief summaries of strategic and tactical developments that set them in context. Photos. BOMC and History Book Club alternates. November 20