This Kind of War

The Classic Korean War History

By: T. R. Fehrenbach

Narrated by: Kevin Foley

Length: 24 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

This Kind of War is a monumental study of the conflict that began in June 1950. Successive generations of U.S. military officers have considered this book an indispensable part of their education. T. R. Fehrenbach's narrative brings to life the harrowing and bloody battles that were fought up and down the Korean Peninsula.

Partly drawn from official records, operations journals, and histories, it is based largely on the compelling personal narratives of the small-unit commanders and their troops. Unlike any other work on the Korean War, it provides a clear, panoramic view; sharp insight into the successes and failures of U.S. forces; and a riveting account of fierce clashes between U.N. troops and the North Korean and Chinese communist invaders.

The lessons that Colonel Fehrenbach identifies still resonate. Severe peacetime budget cuts after World War II left the U.S. military a shadow of its former self. The terrible lesson of Korea was that to send into action troops trained for nothing but "serving a hitch" in some quiet billet was an almost criminal act. Throwing these ill-trained and poorly equipped troops into the heat of battle resulted in the war's early routs. The United States was simply unprepared for war. As we enter a new century with Americans and North Koreans continuing to face each other across the 38th parallel, we would do well to remember the price we paid during the Korean War.

©2010 T.R. Fehrenbach (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The awful beauty of this book [is that] it cuts straight to the heart of all the political and military errors, and reveals the brave souls who have to bleed and die for mistakes made. A timely reissue of a military classic." (General Colin L. Powell)

The lesson of the Korean War

The lesson of the Korean War

The lesson of the Korean War was that it happened. What surprises me is we let it happen again in Vietnam, and Iraq.

To not fight a war all out with the muscle and might of our great nation means more brushfire wars (police actions) will take place. Precious blood and treasure will be spent and nothing will be gained.

To read about the different battles for hill tops, and frozen reservoirs was riveting in detail. To read how backward we were just 55 years ago is a bit troubling. We didn't have good radio communication, ect.

To hear about the mountains of artillery shells we fired was a bit of a shock. How we sent tanks that were almost impossible to off load the transport ships, showed how going to war is very hard to plan.

If you buy this book it is a good history lesson, and you won't be disappointed if you buy it for the history and the storytelling will keep you entertained.

In-depth view of the war

I bought the hardcover version of this book years ago because my father was a marine who served in Korea. I didn't know him very well, but knew it was an important part of his life. So this book, audio and print, gave me some insight into what he may have experienced as a young man.

As other reviewers have pointed out, there is some hammering home of the author's point of view, but it didn't get too frustrating for me. Here's my pet peeve. The word "an" is supposed to be used before a word that begins with a vowel sound. There's a section of the book that talks about the ROK. In print and in voice, it is "a ROK" something or other. It's only "a" if you're spelling out the acronym or reading the title, not the acronym. So there's my soapbox for this review.

The author lets us know how some of our troops could become callused after witnessing atrocities perpetrated by the North Koreans and Chinese on their brothers in arms. Here I have to come clean that I have not studied this war in depth so I can't say how accurate this information is. I'm taking the man at his word because he was there.

It was very revealing for someone who grew up watching the TV series MASH. Yes, there was some realism there in the operating room and situations, but it's not the same as actual combat. Watching the show isn't the same for me now. That says a lot for this book and the reality it brought home to me.

Outstanding!

If you could sum up This Kind of War in three words, what would they be?

At last a truly comprehensive study of the Korean War; Fehrenbach has an understanding of how the most powerful military force in the world of a few short years before was so badly mauled and who exactly was at fault, he pulls no punches.

What was one of the most memorable moments of This Kind of War?

The arrogance and ultimate futility of 'Task Force Smith

Have you listened to any of Kevin Foley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Do not recall if I've listened to him before, his mispronouncing of some military terms was mildly annoying however, overall the performance was quite good.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

However impractical... yes, and I made a noble attempt too.

GREAT book, should be a mandatory read

from the dramatics of battles, the heartbreak of errors made, to the backdrop of American society post WW2 impact on the attitudes and readiness of our military this book has it all. transcends time to current day readiness and lethality emphasis for our nation's military

Well performed, need maps

Audible needs to figure out how to include the maps in books like this. There is literally a chapter called “maps”. Sure would be nice to see them when listening to a military history.

Wonderfully told

Wonderfully told, it surprised me, this was a great listen, great narration as well. I would recommend any day of the week.

Insightful, moving history

This book is a fantastic review of the Korean War and grapples with what the relationship is between a modern liberal democracy and the forces it employs to enforce it's will. Great history and very well read.

An amazing account of the Korean War.

A very detailed history and explanation of the Korean War, both tactical and strategic. He provides the background and perspective to every event and decision. This is a must read for Army leaders.

Great Book

Good book for anyone unfamiliar with the Korean War. Recommend for military leaders, fans of history, and anyone who’s just generally interested in understanding some of the root issues behind today’s problems in Korea.

Should be required DOD reading

The author hits so many things on the head about having a civilian lead military (it is needed) but seeing how the military of today mirrors the military of 1950-1953 from weak in the start to fierce to weak is striking. and not so much the military but the Officer Corps weak political men after leaving the director command of platoon level.