From Midland to Mindanao summary When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941; the citizens—both men and women—of the United States found their plans drastically altered. Many citizens responded by joining the armed forces; going to work to make munitions; or as in the case of fresh-faced high-school graduate and Texas AM student and aspiring cartoonist; James W. Mims; being drafted into the Army. Appointed to the Reserve Officers program; Mims saw America as he traveled from base to base; learning to soldier; before crossing the Pacific to help liberate the Philippine Islands as an intelligence officer specializing in photo interpretation. Mims’s story; told through letters and cartoons sent home; details his prewar days at Texas AM and then follows him through basic and other specialized training as he found himself far from home and facing an uncertain future. Then; from bases in New Guinea to Mindanao; Mims matured into manhood amid some of the most massive and violent tableaus of World War II.
#4108057 in Books Beaver's Pond Press 2002-12-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.06 x 6.92 x 8.56l; 1.49 #File Name: 1931646910396 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Past is needed to know the Present.By Chipp JarochThis book chronicles; in the words of the people who lived it; the attack of South Korea by North Korea on June 25th; 1950.The author himself was there when it happened. He provides his ample credentials and is meticulous in the personal information he imparts about those whose words he adds to his own. The reader is given a clear feeling for the arrival of family to join those serving in country; the living conditions in their compound atop a plateau; the daily duties of the personnel; the daily routine for the families; so much a concentration of all the necessities with access to market goods of every variety when venturing out was called for.Very special inside knowledge is shared about the communications passing between these people and not only their counterparts throughout South Korea; but also; the HQ in Japan. The radioman's role is deservedly highlighted as the key it always has been since elctronics were added to warfare. The critical seafaring traffic between S.K. and Japan is given its very just due for the role it was playing in the nation-building of peace time and the role it instantly assumed after the attack.A goodly amount information is provided before the attack comes. The speed with which the south had to react and the ability of the participants to organize themselves into a retreat which became an evacuation makes for compelling reading.Elements of the military and the merchant marine experience of primarily Captain Alexander Roth add a subtext of the founding of the South Korean Merchant Marine Academy replete with a traiining fleet. This story overlaps the attack in that it continued after the demarkation line had been drawn and South Korea was once more free to pursue its interests as a sovereign state. In sum; a welcome insider's snapshot of a moment in time that can be drawn forward to the present day's family rule of that star-crossed country. Numerous photos of documents and of the participants and ships are provided.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A unique and seminal collection of eyewitness accountsBy Midwest Book ReviewRaymond B. Maurstad's SOS Korea 1950 Illustrated is a unique and seminal collection of eyewitness accounts; illustrated with black-and-white photographs; about Americans present in South Korea when North Korea attacked. The compelling personal testimonies paint a vivid picture of the horror and danger of war in this gripping presentation. Enhanced with an extensive and informative prologue; SOS Korea 1950 is a welcome contribution to Korean History Studies collections in general; and Korean War Military History reading lists in particular.
