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91st out of 555 books
—
646 voters
The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of U.S. Marines in Combat
by
Bob Drury,
Tom Clavin
November 1950, the Korean Peninsula: After General MacArthur ignores Mao’s warnings and pushes his UN forces deep into North Korea, his 10,000 First Division Marines find themselves surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered by 100,000 Chinese soldiers near the Chosin Reservoir. Their only chance for survival is to fight their way south through the Toktong Pass, a narrow gorge...more
Hardcover, 353 pages
Published
January 6th 2009
by Atlantic Monthly Press
(first published 2009)
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This remarkable book tells the unbelievable story of a small company of Marines fighting to hold open a mountain pass in Korea. Out-numbered and out-gunned, these 246 Marines hold off 10,000 Chinese soldiers determined to overtake the Toktong Pass near the Choisin Resevoir. The story of their eight day battle is a moving account of bravery and of sacrifice.
Drury and Clavin have given the reader a riveting day-by-day picture of the efforts of this extraordinary group of soliders. The narrative is...more
Drury and Clavin have given the reader a riveting day-by-day picture of the efforts of this extraordinary group of soliders. The narrative is...more
A slow start but don't let that deter you
Although I am a history teacher I have to admit that I am woefully under-informed on the Korean War - at least when compared to our other wars. Sadly, I am not alone in this fact - there's a reason why the Korean War is called "The Forgotten War".
Drury and Clavin start off slowly, in part because there is no context as to why the soldiers are marching around in the subzero weather in northern Korea. However, once they explain the purpose of this particula...more
Although I am a history teacher I have to admit that I am woefully under-informed on the Korean War - at least when compared to our other wars. Sadly, I am not alone in this fact - there's a reason why the Korean War is called "The Forgotten War".
Drury and Clavin start off slowly, in part because there is no context as to why the soldiers are marching around in the subzero weather in northern Korea. However, once they explain the purpose of this particula...more
A thoroughly enjoyable recounting of a heroic stand by a small group of U.S. Marines against a larger force of Chinese/North Koreans during the Korean War at the frozen hills around Chosin. What it does best is provide a sense of what it was like fighting in horribly cold and forbidding conditions; the bravery and resourcefulness of soldiers under extreme stress; the anecdotal accounts that make military nonfiction readable and interesting; as well as insights into some experiences by actual par...more
I've been reading military history for as long as I've been reading, and the stories of the Chosin reservoir have drawn me for almost as long. I think its the extreme nature of the battleground mixed with the fact that the Chinese attack was one of the most successful military surprises in ground war history. One minute, American soldiers think they are safe, and the next they are in the direst of circumstances in the direst of places. I just cant fathom how soldiers could continue on in tempera...more
Of all the accounts of specific battles of the Korean War, none are more vivid, riveting, and intense as the one described in The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of US Marines in Combat. The authors place you right there with the Marines on Fox Hill in one of the most gallant, heroic stands of the Korean War. Although there have been numerous firsthand accounts of the war, specifically Martin Russ’s The Last Parallel: A Marine’s War Journal and Joe Owen’s Colder than Hell, The Last Stand...more
Fantastic story of the heroic Marines of Fox Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, near the chosin Reservoir of North Korea in November, 1950. Although it reads like a novel and as one of the most accessible battle accounts I've read, it is very real and based on interviews of survivors and historical reports. I paused several times in pure awe of the men who fought and died, and by the end was having to pause every few paragraphs to choke back tears. As a Marine, this book speaks to me on a level...more
1 like · like · see review
This account was amazing. I listened to the audiobook version of it and found myself listening almost non-stop until it was over. It's accounts like these that can give us a sense of respect and honor for our fellow Americans in uniform. Granted, a uniform alone doesn't make a person respectable or worthy of praise or honor. However, I gained a sense or respect for the Marine Corps itself and a better understanding of the relation between them and the Navy Corpsman (medics) as well.
I used to wor...more
I used to wor...more
I was 14 years old when this battle was fought and though I knew some things about the Korean War, I didn't know very much. This book is a must read for every young man or woman who has romantic visions of war and saving the country. It is also a must read for every elitist, intellectual snob who looks condescendingly at the soldiers who enlist to fight the battles that protect our freedoms. The heroism that was exhibited under the most impossible circumstances is mind-boggling! I cannot believe...more
Filled with lots of small technical errors that undermine the credibility of the story, but still a stirring account of one of the great stands in American military history. A company of Marines held open a pass in the mountains of North Korea in November 1950, when the temperature fell 20-30 degrees below zero by night, against a regiment of Chinese soldiers, so most of the 1st Marine Division could escape encirclement and annihilation by an entire Chinese army group. After five days of fightin...more
This gripping account of U.S. Marines in combat during the Korean War is a must-read! I was thoroughly engrossed by the storytelling. Despite the fact that it is a historical work, it reads like a novel.
The descriptions of bravery and selflessness of the Marines of Fox Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines fighting to defend Toktong Pass near the famous Chosin Reservoir in some of the most austere winter combat conditions imaginable (think alpine fighting where temperatures did not rise above minu...more
The descriptions of bravery and selflessness of the Marines of Fox Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines fighting to defend Toktong Pass near the famous Chosin Reservoir in some of the most austere winter combat conditions imaginable (think alpine fighting where temperatures did not rise above minu...more
The Last Stand Of Fox Company takes the reader up close to Korean War action that most know nothing about, particularly since this was the "Forgotten War" and oft overlooked.
To get a broader view of the close action and personal horror and bravery detailed in "The Last Stand...", I would highly recommend reading David Halberstam's "The Coldest War" first, then delving into "Last Stand..."
The only way to get a more intimate view of one of the US Marine Corps' proudest moments is to be fortunate...more
To get a broader view of the close action and personal horror and bravery detailed in "The Last Stand...", I would highly recommend reading David Halberstam's "The Coldest War" first, then delving into "Last Stand..."
The only way to get a more intimate view of one of the US Marine Corps' proudest moments is to be fortunate...more
Jan 06, 2013
Dakota
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Dakota by:
LCpl Cox, USMC
Shelves:
military,
favoritebooks
I am not a Marine and I don't imagine that I ever will be. However, I don't think you need to be a Marine to appreciate the story of heroism and brotherhood that is this book. This is not a book that glorifies war or attempts to justify war in any way. There is nothing political about it. This book is about the men who were asked to fight in the name of the United States in a country that one Marine Officer claimed Genghis Khan wouldn’t have tried to tackle. Throughout this book the experiences...more
At the Marine Museum, four signature 20th Century battles are honored. We all know about 3 of them, Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Khe Sanh…but Fox Hill? I had never heard of this battle. The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of U.S. Marines in Combat is one of the best accounts of a small-unit action in a major battle I have come across. For 6 days, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, Seventh Regiment fought off the CCF 59th Division and held open a key choke point on the main supply route to the Chosin...more
4 likes · like · see review
Excellent rendition of the critical efforts of a badly outnumbered American unit amid horrific winter conditions. Most enduring image: Medal of Honor winner Hector Cafferata catching Chinese grenades and throwing them back. In one instance, Cafferata used his entrenching tool as a bat, swatting a grenade back the way it had come. The book is full of instances of heroism in a battle in which 233 Americans held off 10,000 Chinese for a week, inflicting grievous losses and suffering 75 percent casu...more
A good recounting of a horrific battle against terrible odds and even worse weather. Fairly narrow in scope, providing a well researched and narrated timeline of events. There was not enough background of politics, history and strategy for my interests, and I would have liked to have seen things from Chinese and North Korean viewpoints as well as American. Still, a fairly gripping narrative of intelligence, endurance and bravery in a too-often forgotten war.
What those Marines of Fox Company 2/7 endured in that absolute arctic climate is a true example of what being a "hardass" is really about. All those Marines fought like warriors and most were killed. Do yourself a favor, read this book.
Interesting note: The air temperature was cold that many wounded Marines whose wounds would of caused death by blood loss, were saved because blood vessels were restricted and blood would freeze quickly.
Interesting note: The air temperature was cold that many wounded Marines whose wounds would of caused death by blood loss, were saved because blood vessels were restricted and blood would freeze quickly.
Amazing story about a company of Marines that held a stretch of road for nearly a week in temperatures nearly 40 below zero with little food and inadequate clothing against the cold. I used this to teach my student in homeschool about the Korean war. Fascinating to read about the human bravery and spirit. Also interesting to realize things like mortars and bazookas do not operate in such cold temperatures because the gas cannot expand enough.
Semper Fidelis. Truly Marines are different than other US military.
This is the story of one of four signature engagements by the marines in the 1900's , and the only one no one has heard of. Set by the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, it is an extraordinary story of heroism , sacrifice and the bond between Marines , including giving one's own life.
For students of military history, it is compelling.
This is the story of one of four signature engagements by the marines in the 1900's , and the only one no one has heard of. Set by the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, it is an extraordinary story of heroism , sacrifice and the bond between Marines , including giving one's own life.
For students of military history, it is compelling.
A rivitting and horrifying story of how one Marine Rifle Company was able to basically hold off a Communist Chinese army division in minus 40 degree weather -- effectively saving all forces encircled at the "Frozen Chosin." This has to be perhaps the most hellish war account I have ever read. And it says everything about what makes America and our fighting forces great.
4.1. Even though there are a lot of names and descriptions of battle, this book was much easier to read than We Were Soldiers Once and Young. It is about the Korean War and the Battle for the Chosin Reservoir. It is the story of one company's stand atop a hill looking over the MSR and what it took to hold open that small mountain pass for the rest of the retreating Marines.
From the bestselling authors of Halsey's Typhoon comes the true story of a Marine company's heroic last stand during America's 'Forgotten War.'
Listen to The Last Stand of Fox Company on your smartphone, notebook or desktop computer.
Listen to The Last Stand of Fox Company on your smartphone, notebook or desktop computer.
A great read about one of the most important battles in the history of the United States Marine Corps. This battle is up there with Iwo Jima and Khe San. The Korean War, a conflict that has been "orphaned to history," claimed 50,000 American lives, yet few of us know anything about it. Definitely read this book.
i have read other works by the author,Bob Drury,and this was his best yet.i couldn't put it down.he tells the story of these men and you just get so involved with them and whats happening.Plus i knew little of the Korean War and this story of one small unit in a tough situation was a real eye opener,a great read
Military history isn't really my thing, and this was for a work bookclub. Still, I found myself getting into the story after about 1/3 of the way through. Any problems with the book aren't the fault of the storytellers, just that I am somewhat ignorant regarding military strategy and it was difficult to keep the large number of characters straight.
Brilliant account of one of the most heroic feats in American military history. I was moved to tears as well as great pride in the telling of this story. Few people outside of the U.S. Marines know this story. Lots of statistics, but the personal accounts make this book.
I find the history on the Korean War very interesting. In two books now, I've learned a lot about that conflict and how it was so closely tied to WWII. But I find the detailed reporting on the hour by hour of the battles tedious...although for the soldiers it was harrowing.
Great book! Well written and researched. It also has very detailed maps and add greatly to understanding the description of the battle for Fox Hill.
Quite bluntly, this is the way a book of war should be researched, written and presented. A really great job by the authors.
Quite bluntly, this is the way a book of war should be researched, written and presented. A really great job by the authors.
I've ranted about crappy editing in military works for years. Now, I need to add clueless book narrators to the mix. I may read this in print someday, but I couldn't listen to the reader mispronounce "X Corps" and "Garland rifle" after the first disc.
This was an excellent book and it cives us a chilling look at what confronted the marines and army personnel as they faced off with hundres of thousands of Chinese soldier on those frozen slopes of North Korea. Excellent book and a well told story.... I understand that the Parka that Captain Barber wore is on display at the Marine Corp Museum.. Guess I will head over there today and check it out..
One of those books that makes you ask how did anyone survive? Also this points to the big differences between Chinese views on the worth of life relative to ours in the 50's. A big difference, one I hope is not so great today.
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Mar 25, 2009 01:05pm