This carefully researched book provides an operational level analysis of European warfare from 1792 to 1815 that includes the tactics; operations; and strategy of major conflicts of the time.• Integrates topics as diverse as naval warfare; maneuver warfare; compound warfare; and counterinsurgency• Covers major campaigns during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars that reflect elements of operational art• Includes short biographies of key figures that help add depth to readers' understanding of the players behind the battles• Provides a chronology of major campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars• Uses modern models to examine campaigns of the period
#157282 in Books 2009-02-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .58 x 6.00l; .76 #File Name: 1438925727232 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Nightmare on White Horse MountainBy Bryan GibbyThe ten-day epic struggle for White Horse Mountain rarely merits more than passing reference in most books about the Korea War. However; at the time; the successful defense of the place known as "Hill 395" was a huge boost to ROK and UNC military forces alike. Negotiations at Panmunjom had broken down (been broken off in fact); Eighth Army was stymed in offensive potential; and nobody really knew how the ROKs would fight. When it was all over; the ROK 9th Division was king of the hill; the Chinese 38th army was smashed; and U.S. artillery gunners had fired some of the largest artillery concentrations in history. It was a crucial turning point in a war that appeared to be going no where.Sobieski's book is a unique blend of factual reporting (based on the U.S. IX Corps's Special After Action Report); in-depth interviews with American participants (artillery forward observors) of the battle; and some informed interpretation that brings the battle action alive. The narrative is gritty; up front; and fast-paced. The author successfully puts the reader in the middle of the action; you get to know the men and their unit - the 213th FA Battalion.The book contains one map; several illustrations that are quite good and support the narrative; and some well thought-out context for the battle. ROK and Chinese soldiers get coverage; though the sourcing is not authoritative -- still; it works. Keep your eye on the front cover photograph -- the story behind that helmet will blow you away.There are some nits to pick at - some more editorial work is needed and some of the writing can be more firm. Fortunately; though; these are minor points; they do not detract from the narrative. The author has taken some liberty with flow; chronology; and details; but these are acknowledged and explained. The result is a great book that allows the reader to see what close combat was like in Korea; the vital role played by U.S. supporting arms; and the courageous resilience of the Korean soldier against tremendous odds.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A Hill Called White Horse; A great read!!!!By Guy DeyoungA Hill Called White Horse is a fast paced and exciting read. The book covers the first two days of a battle during the Korean War in which the U.S. Army played a supporting role to a unit of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army. U.S. armor; artillery; and airpower all took part supporting the ROK 9th Infantry Division in its defense of a hill unofficially called White Horse. The book focuses on the men of the 213th Field Artillery battalion; and specifically on two of the Forward Observer (FO) teams that were key players in the battle. The White Horse battle provides a perfect vehicle for the author to focus on a supporting arm (field artillery) in a battle where U.S. forces were in a supporting role.This book wastes no time in getting rolling. The chapters are short; usually 2 to 3 pages on my Kindle; and as another reviewer has noted are almost like scenes from a movie. In the beginning of the book you meet the key players; get an overview of the situation; and get the set up for the battle to follow. Once the battle starts the pace of the book is break neck.The author does a great job describing the power of the field artillery and how much destructive force it can bring to bear in support of the infantry. He also does a wonderful job describing the choreography that is necessary between the forward observers; the fire direction center; and the gun crews in order to quickly put steel on target. The book conveys these concepts not in a dry classroom type way; but through the vehicle of the story of the battle for White Horse. The characters in the book are tired and dirty; working under fire; and dealing with radios and field phones that may not work from one moment to the next. Through it all they work together to overcome all the things that "Murphy's Law" throws in their way.There is also an intensely human element to this story. The main characters in the book are real people; as are the events that are described. You can't help but admire the professionalism; bravery and dedication of the soldiers of the 213th FA. You can feel good for the ROK Army's 9th Division as the book covers a battle where the ROK Army performed well which is somewhat rare in American accounts of the war in Korea. You can also feel more than little sorry for the Chinese soldiers trying to advance up White Horse under a storm of artillery; mortar; rifle; and machinegun fire.A Hill Called White Horse is a great read. There seem to be more and more books coming out on Korea. Hopefully someday we can get rid of the "Forgotten War" label because books like this will have given our Korean War veterans their due.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Forgotten Heros in a Forgotten WarBy Mustang827Thank God somebody got around to telling this amazing story! I served in Korea in 1971; and never even heard of the battle of White Horse. What a shame that such a magnificent battle has faded in obscurity. The author deserves a medal for proving truth is better than fiction. This book takes you into the OP as the Hill is being inundated by wave after wave of attacker. You never know from page to page who will die and who will survive.