When in 1950 the United Nations called upon its members to provide aid to South Korea; more than forty nations responded. Some of these sent troops which fought under the United Nations Command; some sent commodities and medical supplies. Some nations offered moral and political support but for a variety of reasons were not able to send aid. This book looks at the nations involved; what was behind their willingness to provide troops or aid; or what prevented them from doing so. The military contribution of the nations involved is discussed. The combination of troops; and their individual needs; made the logistics of this enterprise difficult; but in the end troops from 17 nations fought together to defend the freedom of South Korea.
#4317641 in Books 2011-03-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.90 x .70 x 6.90l; .85 #File Name: 0786466065213 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A good read; but not the unbiased account it claims to beBy CFSUPDATESubsequent to reading this book; I read "My Life in the Irish Brigade;" the memoir of Pvt William McCarter. With the added context of McCarter's account; it seems obvious to me that the Callaghan had an axe to grind with General Maegher. Its not that the information he presents is false; but rather that he omits almost any information that would tend to present Maegher in a more favorable light. For example; while he retells McCarter's tale of saving the drunken Maegher from falling in a campfire; he omits McCarter's stories which illustrate Maegher's good nature; care for his men; and ample generosity. Perhaps; the author is trying to bring some balance to the historical narrative about Maegher by citing mostly negative episodes; but that is no better than a biased account which favors Maegher. Changing my rating from 4 to 3 stars.ORIGINAL REVIEWI am a civil war reenactor and read this book to enrich my reeancting experience (my unit depicts the 88th NY). Callaghan's work is a quick read at just under 200 pages. He has a nice writing style that pulls you through the story; much like a good work of fiction. He follows the Irish Brigade from their initial recruitment until they were mustered out of service in 1865. For those wanting to do more detailed research; the book includes detailed footnotes to many primary sources; including ethnic newspapers of the day.Callaghan does a good job of giving a broad brush description of the major battles; so that the reader can understand the context of the Brigade's actions without getting bogged down. There aren't many illustrations; but the one's provided complement the narrative nicely. Simplified battlefield maps illustrate the Brigade's movements.The political leanings and enlistment motivations of the New York Irish are very well covered.Callaghan states that he is trying to be more objective than past accounts; which I gather often mythologized the Irish Brigade. His treatment of General Maegher; however; struck me as a bit unfair. Undoubtedly; Maegher; who was something of an ethnic celebrity before the war; was a political general. Callaghan convincingly documents Maegher's issues with alcohol and it seems pretty clear he was not respected by officers of the regular army; the War Department; or the Lincoln Administration. However; Callaghan gives Maegher virtually no credit for the Irish Brigade's battlefield performance; which ranked it among the elite units in the Federal Army until it was finally "used up." At a minimum; Maegher must be given some credit for appointing superior subordinate officers and NCOs and maintaining a high level or unit cohesion and morale. While it's likely that Maegher was drunk at some of the Brigade's major engagements; it must also be noted that the Brigade's performance didn't suffer because of it as both Federal and Confederate officers marveled at how the Brigade acquitted itself in battle.A related criticism is that Callaghan doesn't adequately account for the Brigade's superior battle field performance. If it wasn't Maegher's leadership; then was it the result of their training? regimental commanders? NCOs? the unit's ethnic bonds? It certainly wasn't their equipment; as the Brigade was initially equipped with smooth bore muskets; putting them at a distinct disadvantage (not really touched on at all). In the end; the lack of an explanation seems to imply that Irish are just natural fighters.I purchased the hardback version new a $49.95. While it may seem a bit pricey in comparison to some of the related books on the Irish Brigade; I felt like I got my money's worth. Callaghan packs a lot of information into a few; well written words... no fluff here at all. The book met my expectations in every respect.TABLE OF CONTENTSSaved by Sumter (Irish in America)You Are All Green Alike (Recruiting the 69th Militia)The Fighting 69th (Bull Run)Standing by the Union (Irish Motivations)Commissioning a Brigade (Reorganization into NY Volunteers - 69; 88th; etc)Frolics and FrustrationsFort Monroe to Fair Oaks (Peninsula Campaign)Column of Generous Friends(Peninsula Campaign)To Malvern Hill(Peninsula Campaign)Rebels Resurgent (Lee invades Maryland)The Longest Saddest Day (Antitam / Sharpsburg)To FredericksburgVision of Hell (The Stone Wall)Our Noble Little Brigade has Disappeared (Aftermath)A Sideshow of the Big ShowGettysburg (The Wheatfield)Fire in the Rear (New York Draft Riots)What There is Left of It (Reorganization; Petersburg; Appomattox)
