Colder than Hell

A Marine Rifle Company at Chosin Reservoir

By: Joseph R. Owen

Narrated by: Richard Rohan

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Joe Owen tells it like it was in this evocative story of a marine rifle company in the uncertain, early days of the Korean War. His powerful description of close combat in the snow-covered mountains of the Chosin Reservoir and of the survival spirit of his Marines provide a gritty real-life view of frontline warfare.

As a lieutenant who was with them from first muster in California, Owen was in a unique position to see the hastily assembled mix of some 200 regulars and raw reservists harden into a superb Marine rifle company. The action and narrative move fast as the company learns to fight under enemy fire, eat frozen rations, and keep pushing forward when its wounded and dead go down.

©1996 by Joseph Owen (P)1998 by the Naval Institute Press

Critic reviews

"Owen's firsthand account is chilling and rather wonderful." (James Brady)
"Joe Owen's account of Baker-One-Seven's courageous ordeal is blunt, authentic, and compelling - a fitting tribute to his company and to his Corps." (Col. Joseph Alexander, USMC (ret.))

Awesome first hand experience .

The author makes you feel you are right there with him. Better than any documentary I've ever watched. Definitely a must read.

Excellent!

First of all the narrator does a great job with the book. The book itself is a gripping tale of infantry combat in the Korean War. The author tells it like he saw it and the book does not dwell on the larger issues of the war (military or political). But if you want a great 'you are there' story of infantry combat this is one of the best accounts I have read. A classic.

At last!

Refreshingly devoid of the clinical approach & window dressing customarily surrounding this fateful nexus of the Korean War. A well written and absorbing exposition of the early northern offensives from the perspective of those who fought them. A highly esteemed keepsake for the veterans and families of B/1/7.

heroes

Have a personal interest in the store as my grandfather was there. Is a great performance well put together story not dry like most military journals.

Loved it. These men were titans.

I love this book. These men were titans. The narration was great and the story is beyond gripping.

Epic story

I could not stop. Really enjoyed this book. Sad the book is done. And disappointed that the leaders of the USA put these men through this ordeal.

Semper Fi Mortars

Loved the book. Almost made me want to reenlist. Just kidding. This book brought back a lot of memories from the time I served from 99-2003. I was in 81mm weapons platoon. These Marines were 60mm line platoon Grunts. I made several cold weather trips to Norway and Iceland but never under fire like these guys. My heart goes out to the Frozen Chosin Marines that lost their lives for our freedom in that frozen Hell Hole.

Good first Person account of the first year of the

Any additional comments?

Good first Person account of the first year of the Korean Wars first year and the 7th Marines Actions

An Interesting Book

This book gave me a greater understanding of the Korean war from the perspective of a soldier who fought on the front line. The story moved smoothly and held my attention. The book starts slow with some background details that help set the foundation for who the soldiers are who will later be fighting so desperately for their lives. The action soon picks up and you will begin to feel like you almost know the main character as he tells the story of his experience. I highly recommend this interesting book.

Insightful..but poor word choice "Negro"???

The story was insight as it lasted...however, the author could have used a better word choice than using "Negro" over and over again. Some of his readers are offended by it including his fellow soldiers he is honoring...many readers will not appreciate the word choice. overall the story was vivid and could be a good teaching material for solders and cadets.