Once North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel in 1950; the lives of many Americans half the globe away; were disrupted. President Truman authorized a call up of enlisted; inactive reservists--like Richard B. Holmsten; an about to be married 20-year-old with a bright future. Replacements were needed for artillerymen killed during one disastrous day in August 1950. He was assigned to the Headquarters Battery of the 8th Field Artillery Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division. This memoir begins with Holmsten's transition from civilian to newlywed soldier. It covers training at Fort Lewis (Washington state); the voyage across the Pacific; and the readying of a Fire Direction Control Center for 105 Howitzers near Kaesong. It covers the early days of the conflict as the unit moved during the flux of battle; the problems faced as the unit retreated south of Seoul; and the efforts put forth as the unit struck north again. The major campaign covered concerns the crossing of the Han River in March 1951. The crossing was a massive but fast operation; and Holmsten's unit was responsible for firing 70;000 rounds of artillery against enemy forces. The daily happenings; hopes and fears of soldier life are explored; including the often-contentious relationship of enlisted reserve versus regular army. It concludes with the author's rotation back to civilian life. Photographs accompany the text.
#1163107 in Books Chartwell Books 2010-07-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.25 x 8.75 x 1.00l; 2.38 #File Name: 0785826637192 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A lot of things I was never taught in school.By binksmomI remember learning about WWII in junior highschool. I didn't know then; but everything seemedso good vs. evil-and the Allies were the good guys.This book really made me take a closer look atwhat was going on behind what people werebeing told. I know the Allies were the good guys;but Stalin wasn't one of them. China's role alsosurprised me. I was so ignorant of so manythings about this war. Very enlightening.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. World War 2 Day By DayBy SithlordThis book gives you great detail of world war 2 by day and gives you dates and brief describes of what happened during the war. A good book for people that love history and enjoys reading about world war 2 or had a grandparent involved in the war.The dislikes about the product is the detail is brief and sometimes kind of short in detail.But overall this is a great item that everyone should have1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great bookBy Paul Sultanaeasy to read day by day diary of events of World War II.Really puts you in the picture of what was going on everywhere during the years 1939-45
