COMBAT: MAGIC BULLET

Jock Miles-Moon Brothers Korean War Story

by William Peter Grasso

Die For a Tie : As the Korean War devolves to a bloody stalemate in 1951, that’s what GIs feel their leaders in Washington are asking of them. After winter offensives prove catastrophic to both sides, American commanders resort to magic bullets —unconventional weapons, tactics, and units, like Brigadier General Jock Miles’ regimental combat team—to stem the relentless Chinese human wave attacks at battles like Bloody Ridge and Heartbreak Ridge. As the war’s main battlefield becomes a conference table in Panmunjom, Jock and his men grapple with an uncertain future as they fight a war they cannot win but must not lose. Book 4 in the Jock Miles-Moon Brothers Korean War series.

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2020

About the author

A lifelong student of history, William Peter Grasso served in the US Army and is retired from the aircraft maintenance industry. His devotion to all things historical, military, and aviation remains unabated and continues to inspire his fiction.

Reviews

[Jon Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Well written, I enjoyed the tank warfare, and the episode dealing with Australia. My Uncle was on the front lines of Korean War, and he never talked about it. It was the start of the politicians running a war they knew nothing about. It was also the start of officers having their tickets punched, they didn't need to be a good leader, just a political ass kisser. The troops paid for it in blood. They tore down the greatest army in the world, and sent a lot of men forward to be used as cannon fodder.

[Robert L Baxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

Yes, this is a fiction. But the events described could have very well happened. A lot of mistakes happened in the “Forgotten War” this book hinted at some of them. There were some highly trained men, that fought with distinction. There were also some arrogant leaders that only wanted to get a ticket punched for promotion. I have enjoyed Mr Grasso’s books

[Gabriel Echavarria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good ending to a long story

This is a fitting ending to a long line of exiting and enjoyable books. Many of the events are based on real historical facts which those who have read historical documents covering the same time will recognize

[L. R. Hintonl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I am old enough to remember the Korean Police Action from start to finish to finish and had contact with soldiers going to Korea and heading back from Korea! This happened because my father was Career Navy CPO (Chief Pitiful Officer as he said) and got assigned to Sangley Point NAS, Philippines (Manila Bay, PI) in late 1950. In late 1951, my dad finally got on base housing, so in early October my Mom and our crew (3 boys and 2 girls, ages 9-almost 2) loaded in the third level down from the main deck at Treasure Island NB (SF Bay) with 1,500 plus Soldiers and Officers of the 101’s Army Airborne headed for Okinawa and on to Korea! Once e hit good, I became the middleman between them and the drink machine on the Main Deck! They were cheerful and marched off the pier in Okinawa after 15-18 at sea. We were supposed to sail directly to the Philippines from Okinawa, but we were directed to Sasabo, Japan to pickup returning troops from Korea. We loaded as many as possible (1,500-2,000), before heading for PI. At 9 years old, I was shocked at the difference in the troops going and coming back, but I made money in buying drinks for them from the machine. Life is funny and have enjoyed all of Mr. Grasso Books and recommend them to everyone, who enjoys a believable “war story”! 😎🇺🇸

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the raw depiction of war in this series of books and the detrimental effect of “politics” on soldiers and airmen actively involved in the fighting. Not too sure about the the language and racism displayed, and hope today’s readers realise it’s a depiction of the language of that time.
I learned early on that the smartest soldiers are the SNCOs, typified in this series by Bubba and Top I hope they continue to serve and survive.
As Grasso indicates, nothing was learned from the Korean experience as evidenced by the fiasco that was Vietnam and I suspect the Gulf Wars. Those who do the fighting and dying continue to be the victims of ambition, greed and the grasping for power of those in whom we trust.

[Steve Minnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRASSO HITS ANOTHER HOME-RUN!!!!

I am a William Peter GRASSO Fan!!!!

He is on equal footing with W.E.B Griffin!!!!

I really like following the lives of the two Moon brothers and Jock.
Being a military brat, Grasso’s books resonate with me and truly give me a feeling of camaraderie.

[James McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

7:00 am, got email saying the book was out.
7:01 bought book
7:30 started reading book (post morning coffee)
... ... ...
11:00 pm finished book

As always a great read. And leaves me anticipating the next one, again as always!

[Daniel Hutmacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

This is a good read. I found the story to be interesting.
What I didn't like was he added two characters, Tommy Moon and his CIA agent girlfriend. They didn't add much to the story.

[brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true gem

This book Was a true Jim I couldn't put it down That was always waiting for the next Action to come Once again you've captured what the soldiers truly feel. I look forward to the next book. Thank you for a great piece of work

[Tim Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books get a little more boring and sillier ,the further we get into the Korean War. The setups for the narrative are too simplistic and the solutions to the setup problems,are even worse. Time to move on from Korea

[Paul H Elkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book most engaging. Actually the whole 4 book series has been engaging so far. I could have done with out some of the "side trips" however they did not detract from the main flow of the story.

[Genie Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick's opinion

Good story about an ugly war or police action. I do not remember ever reading about a awful way of dying like Mrs Miles bad guy cousin. The WW 2 and Vietnam stories follow the same people. All very good. Thanks

[Steph And David And Josh And Rob and Dan and.. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember “Never Forget their Sacrifice”

These series are a tribute to the lives that kept our Nation Free. Not just American, but freedom loving and defending people around the globe.
Well written, feeling like your there, action series which was hard to set down. Well Done!

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles and the Moon brothers in action as the war winds down in Korea. Lots of good action vignettes on and off the battlefield. An excellent supporting cast of dynamic women aptly takes care of business away from the combat zone.

[John Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series of books. My only criticism is that except at the very end, everything follows the happy path. The Americans always anticipate the actions of the Chinese and North Koreans. There are no battlefield 'fog of war' mistakes. Very few friendly fire accidents.

[Pat Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bing read the entire series

I spent 13 years in the Army. I always appreciate authenticity in a novel, great character development and a damn good story.

[Thomas M. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Enjoyed front to back. Great story, good characters. Looking forward to the next one. These keep getting better and better.

[Bob Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast and an easy read

[James L. Goodloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I recommend this series if you enjoy military fiction. Start with the 1st in the series and read all the way through with no breaks.

[Audrey Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No.Korea

Read and enjoyed all your Korean book series.Like politics and religion,politics and war should not go together either.Keep your books coming.

[Heidi Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super!!!

Another excellent novel/history book by Mr. Grasso. I have read nearly all of them, and no one compares to him. Keep it up!!

[Sam Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite amazing

Extremely well written, tell like it is. Bring the Generals to the front, make them earn the rank.
Rock on!

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

and the atomic cannon

Well done four volume set about Korea.
This final installment has a lot more external to Korea but more individual character bits.
A fun read for the new year.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grasso continues to keep the reader turning pages to his military history novels. There's a lot of military jargon and history which enhances his story telling.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series.

[Robert W Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Liked this novel a lot. Very entertaining. I would love to read !ore by this author.
Please send me ideas.