Often called the "Forgotten War;" the events which occurred in Korea from 1950 to 1953 will always be remembered by those confronted by the challenges of war when lives; democracy; and freedom are on the line. Danger Forward is a descriptive memoir of selected Korean wartime experiences written fifty years later. The then 1st Lieutenant Eugene Ritzo; a 30-year-old Ranger trained Infantry Platoon Leader; faced; along with his comrades; a tough; well-led and determined foe. Outnumbered by the Communist Armies of North Korea and China; sometimes one hundred to one; United Nations forces employed superior combat skills; efficient logistics and overwhelming firepower on land; sea; and air to fight the invaders to a standstill; successfully ending the aggression and obtaining a truce that stands today. This conflict was possibly the last modern war that involved conventional wartime combat principles such as defined front lines and a readily identifiable enemy. Bloody and hard fought battles with heavy casualties on both sides combined with extreme cold weather; steep mountainous terrain; destroyed bridges and bumpy dirt roads clogged with refugees made the "Forgotten War" unforgettable. Danger Forward gives tribute to the South Korean soldiers as well as providing first hand impressions of wartime Korean civilians and their culture. Richly detailed; enlightening; and occasionally humorous; this account of the author’s service as a mine warfare and demolitions officer in the US Army during the Korean War ensures that this war is no longer "forgotten."
#1305892 in Books Schocken 2005-10-04 2005-10-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.71 x .98 x 5.32l; .80 #File Name: 0805242007256 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great guide to Dr. RambamBy Michael LewynThe most interesting parts of this book focus on Maimonides the physician (as opposed to Maimonides the religious leader; where Nuland's discussion is a bit too sparse here and there). Maimonides (known to most Jews as Rambam) did not develop new medical knowledge; but wrote ten books synthesizing existing medical knowledge in a clear and concise way; and even occasionally criticizing the Greco-Roman masters whose works dominated medieval medicine. By the low standards of the Middle Ages; this passed for genius.Nuland links Rambam's religious and medical careers by pointing out that in both areas; Rambam focused heavily on codifying existing knowledge in ways that would be easy for the public to use.Nuland also engages in interesting speculation about a variety of other issues; including:1. Why were Jews so likely to be doctors in the Middle Ages? Nuland asserts that (a) Christians were uninterested in medicine because they were more ascetic; (b) because priests could not take employment as doctors; the Christian talent pool for medicine was artificially diminished and (c) because Jews' wealth could easily be taken away; Jews had a strong incentive to seek portable skills (as opposed to investing in fixed assets such as land).2. Why was Rambam so uninterested in accommodating or discussing competing religious views? Nuland speculates that because of Judaism's dire condition in those days (beset in persecution in some places and the temptation of assimilation into Islam in more tolerant places) Rambam may have felt the need to "circle the wagons" by encouraging as much uniformity as possible.3. Why did Rambam (who generally opposed Messianic speculation) suggest in his letter to Yemenite Jews that prophecy might return in 1216? Nuland suggests that Rambam may have been trying to defang Messianic fever by setting a date so far in advance that he could not be disproven during his lifetime.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well written; easily read; useful summary of Maimonides.lifeBy pengeekFive stars because fairly short; readable; and informative about a Giant figure of early medicine who contributed much to the ethics and personal commitment to healing his community's spiritual and physical malaise in an inspiring way. I knew little of him but his name until reading this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Intriguing and informativeBy Trudie BarrerasAll of Dr. Nuland's books are well worth reading. "Maimonides" is different from all of the other books I've read by him; in that it was narrative; and did not deal with a modern topic. However; it was extremely intriguing and informative. It gave a fascinating insight into both the cultural circumstances of that historical period; as well as into the personality and genius of a unique person. I believe that the author's special gift is to take complex and confusing information and synthesize it into a form which is not only meaningful but fun to read. I am reading Nuland's books more for inspiration and enjoyment than for anything else; and I have been extremely blessed by all of them.
