America's Tenth Legion: X Corps in Korea, 1950

by Shelby L. Stanton

Focuses on the X Corps campaign on both coasts of Korea, and examines its impact on the Army, the war, and the soldiers themselves

Genres: Military History, History, Nonfiction

372 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Capt. Shelby L. Stanton graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program at Louisiana State University, Shelby was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Regular Army. Shelby went to infantry officer school and was awarded the Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab. He served for six years on active duty during the Vietnam War as a paratrooper, combat rifle platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne) of the 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division; with the U.S. Army Special Forces, Thailand, as a Ranger Advisor to the Royal Thai Special Warfare Center, at Lopburi. He commanded a Special Forces long-range reconnaissance team in Laos and southeast Asia.

Overseas, Shelby was wounded in action in hostile fire at Nam Yu, Laos. Shelby medically retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of captain and numerous military accolades. For his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Special Forces Combat Patch, Combat Infantryman Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, Thailand Parachute Badge, Thailand Fourragere,and Royal Laotian Parachute Badge.

After separating from the U.S. Army, he returned to Louisiana State University where he earned a Masters in Educational Administration and a Juris Doctor. He was admitted to the bar in the states of Louisiana and Texas.

Starting in the late Seventies he would have a brisk second career as a military historian of the 20th century U.S. Army.

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shelby L. Stanton is a military historian who has had his share of controversy over the years. He has been accused of lying about his decorations that he claims to have received while serving with the United States Army ,at the end of the Vietnam conflict, and lying about serving with the Special Forces (Green Berets). In addition Stanton has been accused of stealing government documents from the Library of Congress and the Department of Defense. Having spent some time looking into the issue I have come away with no certainty one way or the other. I simply don't know. As far as I can tell Stanton hasn't been published in almost twenty-five years, but I also don't know if that is tied to the allegations that have been leveled against him.

Whatever the case might be Stanton still wrote some very well researched books in the eighties. My father was a Vietnam veteran and had many of his books in his library. Stanton's histories take a real "nuts and bolts" approach, providing a blow by blow account of actions involving regiments, battalions and companies. America's Tenth Legion: X Corps in Korea, 1950 examines the first four months of the Army's 10th Corp from the Inchon Invasion in September 1950 (it's greatest success) to the Chinese Intervention in November 1950 and the infamous Battle of Chosin Reservoir (it's biggest defeat even though the Marines performed admirably in the retreat). This is a book that will appeal strictly to the hard-core military history buff who is looking for a detailed unit history. It also examines General Ned Almond's leadership style (the commander of 10 Corp and a controversial figure in his own right) and his personality.

If you have a mild interest in military history then this book isn't for you. Unless you've served in the military ,or are very well versed in all things military, this book will probably be a trudge to say the least. However for those who fall into the second category the book is detailed and heavily annotated. It's fascinating to have a blow-blow account and to gain a real understanding of how 10 Corp conducted it's retreat from Northeastern Korea after the Chinese intervened. This is a type of history that is hard to find. Most historians opt for a more general accounting, which is usually fine, but there are times that I want more detail. This book is probably for the more specialized and advanced military history buff. It's still well written and moves along briskly. Whatever the truth is about Shelby Stanton I like his style of writing and find it to be very accessible. I recommend this book.

[Nate Bigler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the history but there is obviously a lot more to learn about the Korean War. The author focuses on key leaders and events and a few heroes, but otherwise glosses over a lot of information that would have tripled the length of the book. Can't decide if I approve or not. I learned a lot about the place where my grandfather spent 1952 and that's a good thing. I thought of him while I read the book and empathized for the the Soldiers and Marines who endured the war. Overall, I can recommend the book.