Been reading a book mentioning the Marines and the Pusan Perimeter.

[the ringo kid]

I am reading a book that gives detailed history at the causes, start of the Korean war. One thing that surprised me was-at how FEW, Marines we had on active duty in June of 1950! The book said-28,000 total. That included the aviators and such. Also, I didnt know that they were threatened to combine the Marines with some other branch like the Army?

One thing that also amazed me-was, that units not being full size compliments. A company had two platoons instead of four, a Battalion had two companies instead of three-a Regiment had two Battalions instead of three-etc. The good thing is-the units were well trained and already accustomed to being spread very thinly (ie-reduced personnel) for when they fought and especially at the Frozen Chosin.

My hat's off to all you guys no matter what service you served in, but on this one-for the Marines during that time. I also read some negative things about the Army's 24th Infantry Division. As a reader-and also what was printed-the negativity had to be placed on most of the officers especially the commanding general of that division. The 2nd Cavalry and the 25th Infantry divisions only problems were not leadership--but lack of equipment. I wonder what Truman was thinking having ONLY given $13,000 billion for the budget for all the services combined?????

 

[Targets Guy]

We downsize all the time after a war. We never learn a thing. Peacetime is bad for the military. Leadership goes to yes persons and butt kissers. Takes a war to get rid of them and get military leaders in place, then when they win the war they are no longer wanted. They use their hands to pick up food at DC formals.

 

[Targets Guy]

My Uncle (who passed last year) was a combat engineer during Korea. He told me some wild stories about placing explosives along the Pusan perimeter to keep out the North Koreans and then removing those same explosives to aid the allied forces to break out and head north.

 

[the ringo kid]

My Uncle (who passed last year) was a combat engineer during Korea. He told me some wild stories about placing explosives along the Pusan perimeter to keep out the North Koreans and then removing those same explosives to aid the allied forces to break out and head north.

Ill have to look it up to be sure? because I forget which famed WWII General was in charge in Japan-trying to maintain a professional force-and he didnt last too long but, I THINK it was Ridgeway or McAuliffe or someone like that? Shame too-because he was a damned good General.

 

[Muley Gil]

Ill have to look it up to be sure? because I forget which famed WWII General was in charge in Japan-trying to maintain a professional force-and he didnt last too long but, I THINK it was Ridgeway or McAuliffe or someone like that? Shame too-because he was a damned good General.

MacArthur was in charge at the beginning of the Korean War.

 

[the ringo kid]

MacArthur was in charge at the beginning of the Korean War.

True, but I meant just the C.G of some of the combat troops stationed in Japan. I know it was one of the ETO Generals-but I forget which? He was also a Paratrooper General. This general was appalled at the "readiness" of the men under his direct command, and wanted them to spend time in the field. They were used to having Japanese house boys to even shine their shoes. I think he then commanded both the 24th and 25th I.Ds? Anyway, ill rehash later when I get back home to look again.

 

[Muley Gil]

Walker was in charge of the 8th Army (I think!!!!).

 

[the ringo kid]

Walker was in charge of the 8th Army (I think!!!!).

He was, but the other one im thinking of-was also its commander before him. Ill go see if I can find a copy of the book here and post his name.

 

[the ringo kid]

OK, General J. Lawton Collins was Chief of Staff-so im getting closer...

 

[Dave_n]

I think it might have been Ridgeway. Dave_n

 

[the ringo kid]

I was correct, It was McAuliffe. ) His tour didnt last too long likely because it riled MacArthur and some of the other generals because he wanted his men combat ready while the others were lax. He commanded the troops in southern Japan in 1948.

Quoted from the New York Times: "the troops didnt like me. In fact, im just about the biggest son of a beach in these parts. The only excuse for an army in peace or war is that it be ready to fight. This army here is no damned good. I'm turning the place upside down and seeing that all the men get out in the field on maneuvers. I want them to sleep on the ground and get their feet wet."

 

[Weimar]

The best book I have read on the Korean conflict is is the Chosin Reservoir, really great story on the army and marines. VERY readable, it was one of the books suggested at the Advanced NCO Course. Battle of Chosin Reservoir - Wikipedia

Roy Appleman
East_of_Chosin

 

[Targets Guy]

Give "The River and the Gauntlet" a try. By S.L.A. Marshall.

About the longest US Army retreat in history.

 

[caduceus]

Ringo kid, read George 3 7th Marines by Dr. Jim Nicholson. You can search and find it reasonable priced. It is written by Dr. Nicholson not only through his eyes but the Marines he served with. Very personal style of writing. Believe you would enjoy.

 

[Abbynormal]

MacArthur should have been sent to pasture when he walked off the Big Mo.

He was worthless in Korea and ALMOST lost it completely. He did suck it up
and succeed with the Inchon landing and then shortly thereafter Harry T
finally sent Doug to the sidelines.

It was on Doug, the massive casualties incurred in Khoisan!

 

[the ringo kid]

The best book I have read on the Korean conflict is is the Chosin Reservoir, really great story on the army and marines. VERY readable, it was one of the books suggested at the Advanced NCO Course. Battle of Chosin Reservoir - Wikipedia

Roy Appleman
East_of_Chosin

Who is it by? Im currently reading: The Frozen Chosin-forget the authors name? but its good-only delves into a lot of pre-KW history and politics-which I skipped some of. This one centers mostly on the Marines. I would like one centering on both Army and Marines-just to be fair on both. At the same time, im reading Patton at the Battle of the Bulge.

 

[the ringo kid]

Ringo kid, read George 3 7th Marines by Dr. Jim Nicholson. You can search and find it reasonable priced. It is written by Dr. Nicholson not only through his eyes but the Marines he served with. Very personal style of writing. Believe you would enjoy.

Thank you, I will see if I can get a copy? Im at a book store now and will have them look it up-if not? a used book store is also nearby that should be able to get one for me.

 

[the ringo kid]

MacArthur should have been sent to pasture when he walked off the Big Mo.

He was worthless in Korea and ALMOST lost it completely. He did suck it up
and succeed with the Inchon landing and then shortly thereafter Harry T
finally sent Doug to the sidelines.

It was on Doug, the massive casualties incurred in Khoisan!

I can agree there. The thing on his side-is its been said he was suffering from dementia. I think Omar Bradley should have been in charge-or someone alike?

 

[johnt671]

During the Vietnam War the Marine Corps was at a little over 180,000 Marines. This led to 13 month tours for Marines versus 12 months for the Army.. There have been a lot of attempts to do away with the Corps by the Army to do away with the Corps through the years, but all so far have failed.

 

[the ringo kid]

And thankfully so.