THIS KIND OF WAR is the most comprehensive single-volume history of the Korean-American conflict that began in 1950 and is still affecting United States' foreign policy. Fifty years later, not only does this enlightening account give details of the tactics, infantrymen and equipment, but also chronicles the story of military and political unpreparedness that led to a profligate loss of American lives in Korea. The author, T.R. Fehrenbach, an officer in the conflict, provides us with accounts of the combat situation that could only have been written by an eyewitness in the thick of the action. But what truly sets this book apart from other military memoirs is the piercing analysis of the global political maneuverings behind the brutal ground warfare that marked this bloody period of history, one which has been all but forgotten. Hailed as "a must for all soldiers and former soldiers" by an Amazon.com reviewer, THIS KIND OF WAR restores the Korean War to its rightful place in American history, as a touchstone for United States foreign engagement and a lesson for politicians ready to shed American blood on far-away soil.

Includes index. Originally published: This kind of war : the study in unpreparedness. New York : Macmillan, 1963.

pt. 1. Beginning: Seoul Saturday night. The crime of Marquis Ito. To make a war ... The plan of General Chae. Disaster. The U.N. cloak -- pt. 2. Battle: Task Force Smith. The late Company A. Taejon. Retreating. Perimeter. Fire brigade. Death on the Naktong. The turn iof the tide. Seoul recaptured. Revenge. The taste of triumph. In the never-never land. Kunu-ri. Into the Valley of Death. Terror by night. Changjin Reservoir. Chipyong-ni. Vae, Caesar. Proud legions. Gloster Hill. Death Valley. May massacre -- pt. 3. Blundering: Truce talks. Bloody Ridge. Heartbreak Ridge. Stalemate. behind the wire. Frustration. Koje-do. Twenty rolls of toilet paper, one quart of mercurochrome. Summer, winter, spring, and fall. The last spring. Cease-fire. Lessons.