Leadership in the Crucible: The Korean War Battles of Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-ni

Voorkant
Texas A&M University Press, 7 apr 2003 - 272 pagina's
At the pivotal battles of Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-ni in February 1951, U.N. forces met and contained large-scale attacks by Chinese forces. Colonel Paul Freeman and the larger-than-life Colonel Ralph Monclar led the American 23rd Infantry Regiment and the French Bataillon de Corée, respectively, in the fierce and dangerous battles that followed the precipitous U.N. retreat down the Korean Peninsula.

In Leadership in the Crucible, Kenneth Hamburger details the actions of the units in the United Nations counteroffensive following the Chinese intervention, including routine patrols, the harrowing battle of Twin Tunnels, and the pivotal siege of Chipyong-ni. The regiment was cut off from artillery fire support and was resupplied only by parachute drops. Repeatedly attacked by superior Chinese forces during the two nights and final day of fighting, the U.N. units finally welcomed relief by the armored Tank Force Crombez of the 1st Cavalry Division.

From extensive personal interviews and a careful reconstruction of the written record, Hamburger brilliantly analyzes the roles that training, cohesion, morale, logistics, and leadership play in success or failure on the front lines of limited war. He also addresses the vexing problem of when, and at what level, commanders have the right and even the responsibility to question lawful orders they believe are flawed.

In this careful consideration of combat leadership at all levels, Hamburger offers his readers stories of men sustaining themselves and one another to the limits of human endurance. By thoroughly sorting out the chaos, carnage, and courage of the battles, he provides a uniquely detailed description of these two crucial battles and a well-organized discussion of unit cohesion and command that is sure to become a classic in the field of leadership studies.
 

Geselecteerde pagina's

Inhoudsopgave

Introduction
3
Chapter 1 The 23d Infantry Regimentand Col Paul Freeman
13
Chapter 2 Baptism by Fire on theNaktong River Line
24
Chapter 3 Disaster in the North
46
Chapter 4 The French Battalion andLt Col Ralph Monclar
64
Chapter 5 Matthew Ridgway and a New War
80
Chapter 6 Wonju and Patrols to Twin Tunnels
88
Chapter 7 The Battle of Twin Tunnels
105
Chapter 9 Isolated and Encircledat Chipyongni
151
Chapter 10 Fighting and Surviving on theSecond Day
173
Chapter 11 Task Force Crombez Runs theGauntlet
192
Chapter 12 Aftermath and Reflections
218
Notes
231
Suggestions for Further Reading
247
Index
251
Copyright

Chapter 8 Prelude to Chipyongni
126

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Over de auteur (2003)

Kenneth Hamburger is a retired U.S. Army Commander. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy, continues to teach courses on the Korean War at the American Military University, and leads staff tours of European battlefields for active duty U.S. Army soldiers.

Bibliografische gegevens