Rating: 
Summary: Half-truths, Distortions, and Outright Fabrications
Review: While reading this book, I had the distinct impression that I was reading Cold War pro da from some left-wing, anti-America publication. The negative slant was so apparent and one-sided, I felt the authors would have been right at home writing for Pravda or Granma. As a student of military history, I became convinced the book was full of half-truths and outright fabrications. I wasn't surprised to learn that the book was debunked by Mr. Robert Bateman, a serious scholar and former member of of the Seventh Calvary. Nor did it surpirse me that a major source of the book turned out to be a fabricator. U.S. soldiers in Korea found themselves in a life or struggle - some atrocities undoubtedly ocurred although not to the extent purported in this book. These atrocities were overwhelmed by countless acts of selflessness and kindness towards Korean civilians. The major point missed by the authors is that over 52,000 U.S. servicemen died defending the South Korean civilian's freedoms during this terrible war. Thousands of others were wounded in action, suffered in POW camps, and were emotionally scarred by the experience. What about the atrocities committed by the North Koreans? The authors pay scant attention to this issue. In fact, they seem to suggest that the South Koreans would have been better off under North Korean rule. One look at the stark differences between the two countries now shows the U.S. servicemen saved the South Korean civilian population from decades of oppression, starvation, and hopelessness. One final point, in 1986 I traveled to South Korea as a Marine to participate in a military exercise. When I got off the bus in Pohang, Korea, I was unextectedly greeted by an elderly Korean gentleman. He grabbed my hand, shook it vigorious, gave me broad grin and went on his way. Although we could not communicate verbally, I'm certain he was expressing to me his gratitude for the sacrifice of the U.S. servicemen during the war 36 years later. Unfortunately, the lies in this book have contributed to the growing rift between our two countries - its lies and distortions have been used to foment anti-American feelings in Korea particularly among the younger generation. Shame on you - Handley, Choe, Mendoza and the AP. Give back your Pulitzer!
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