Outpost War (H)

....This Marine author has zeroed in on the final two [2] years of the Korean WAR Victory, why Victory??...it was just that, ask any combat Marine who fought and survived that WAR. Most all Americans thought the WAR was over after the 1st Marine Division's heroic/fighting withdrawl from the Chosin Reservoir sector, far from it...the WAR raged on for almost two [2] years later; in fact, Marine casualties far exceeded what happenned up on the Reservoir, our Marine blood flowed/gushed just as red, I kid you naught...this is the beauty of Sgt Lee Ballenger's two [2] revealing volumes, which Ballenger shines light on 1952 and 1953 on what the hell was going on the Western Front 40-50 miles north of Seoul until an uneasy truce was signed on 27Jul53...this is indeed a tome to fill in the gaps for eternal miltary history...the author researched every one of his chapters through the US Marine Command Diaries so diligently collated; in addition, the writer brings you into each combat situation as if you were a recent replacement...his penchant for this attribute is unique compared to alot of historical books on Korea, men of the pen, who were not directly involved; conversely, Lee was a Marine combat tanker with much Recon stealth and ability. Another attraction is his military acumen to cover Marine Tank Bn sorties which took place every single day or nite, if so required...it's a wonderful read of bad and good times in mortal/close combat or in the mischievious Reserve Areas when Asiatic Marine types act up due to the stressors of too much combat...I love this book as if it was mine...thank you, Sgt Ballenger for shedding more light on this other Korean WAR, it was Harry-[S]-Truman's WAR which he was totally incapable of stopping...it's rarified air being a survivor to Bon Voyage out of Korea..who am I??...I invite you to read Chapter 3..[thank you]......Sgt Lee Ballenger-USMC..."Well Done, Marine"......SSGT CHRIS SARNO-USMC FMF

A Marine Korean War combat veteran, Lee Ballenger has gone far toward filling a major gap in the history of the "forgotten war." Almost all Korean War books dealing with the Marine Corps are about the epic fighting withdrawal from the Chosin. It would almost seem that the stalemate that followed was not worth mentioning. In fact, when the 1st Marine Division was assigned responsibility for western Korea in an extended front known as the Jamestown Line, there was almost constant sharp fighting. The difference was that the conflict was rarely on a grand scale, but rather sharp, short, and vicious fights, often hand to hand. This book is the first of two volumes to chronicle the Marines and their new kind of war. Trained to assault and aggressively attack, the Marines found themselves in static positions, frequently patrolling, but most often in defensive battles for outposts.This is a very good book and long overdue. Most of the information in it is seeing print for the first time and the personal accounts of the fighting are well presented. One of the better recollections is LT William Watson's account of the fighting on Bunker Hill and the Hook. Also of interest was the use of armor in the fighting and patrolling. Like my war, Vietnam, Korea saw a lot of responsibility placed on the shoulders of young sergeants and lieutenants and the very young grunts. Even the upper level mismanagement (I won't dignify it by calling it leadership) was reminiscent of Vietnam. This book is a valuable recounting of a neglected part of our military heritage, a time when the property fought for was not as important as the killing done to hold or retake it. Any Marine-- indeed, any American -- should be proud what was done in the Outpost War. Semper Fi, Mr. Ballenger. I look forward to Volume Two.

Lee Ballenger has written an important work in this first book, and his decision to produce another as a sequel covering the final stages of the Korean War is admirable. For a first-time author, this initial book is a major achievement. It is rich in coverage and attention to chronological and geographical detail. No other comparable written work is available to the researcher on the "forgotten part of the forgotten war" -- Korea 1952-1953. Ballenger gives the Marines earned respect with his recognition of the tactical role played by the First Division of the Corps in defending the Imjin River line in the last 2 years of the war. As an amateur military historian and former Marine, I salute Lee Ballenger and his efforts. His book will have a prominent place in my personal library. It belongs in many others.