For Country and Corps: The Life of General Oliver P. Smith

by Gail B. Shisler

Oliver P. Smith fought at Peleliu and Okinawa and then commanded the 1st Marine Division in Korea during the assault at Inchon, the recapture of Seoul, and the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir. Called one of the twentieth century's great Marine leaders, Smith was known as an outstanding combat commander and a man of great intellect and moral courage. This biography, written by the granddaughter he helped raise, illuminates the general's remarkable life. It draws on interviews, oral histories and a thorough examination of letters held by the family and not previously available to researchers. Gail Shisler's investigation of Smith's relationship with his Army superiors in Korea and with his Marine Corps peers and superiors takes exception to previously published descriptions and adds new insights into the Corps' postwar battle for survival.

Genres: Military Fiction, Biography, Nonfiction, History, War

360 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.P. Smith, the character, is unremarkable. He was an honorable, reliable, bright, and reserved man. In other words, he's not normally the sort of guy who stands out in a biography. Despite that, he is a hero who's accomplishments stand apart. Perhaps it's this juxtaposition that makes his story so remarkable.

I have to start by pointing out that Shisler is Smith's granddaughter. She makes clear from the opening pages that she holds Smith in high regard. Unsurprisingly, there is nothing in the book that disabuses the reader of of that assessment. He seems by all accounts to be the standup guy that Shisler revered. While there were a few occasions that I thought her bias showed (i.e. anything pertaining to Gen Almond), it didn't really detract from the book. One is sympathetic to Shisler here because she was in an impossible position. The animosity between Smith and Almond was well known and both figured prominently in every story of the Korean War. So it was a topic she had to cover. I think it's reasonable to forgive her for her revisionism on some points in that relationship.

In retrospect, the first two-thirds of the book is preamble for Smith's leadership of the 1st Marine Division in the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir. Rightly so. While Smith was a fantastic career marine, his shining moment was really in the mountains of Korea.

The 1st Marine Division's breakout from the Chosin Resevoir is the stuff of legend. Gen MacArthur, who put them in the predicament, called it "epic." Smith was praised by the Admiralty in London, by Gen Ridgway, and anyone else who mattered. In some ways, Shisler is retelling a well-worn marine myth. With the help of Gen Smith's meticulous records, however, Shisler documented the leadership challenges Smith faced in pursuing an underappreciated enemy north of the Yalu. Finally, X Corps understood that Smith faced 7 Chinese divisions (to his one) and they allowed the 1st Marine Division to retreat. It's in describing the leadership interactions here that Shisler really shines.

Above all, this is a leadership book. For me, the lesson is simple. You don't have to be flashy to take care of your troops, do the right thing, and accomplish the mission. Smith did the basics right, and his unwavering character in the face of danger is inspiring.

[Tom Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I had a 26 year career in the Marines and knew of Gen Smith’s monumental role in the Korean War, I did not know much else about him. The author does a wonderful job presenting the whole person and explaining why Gen Smith’s character was so integral to his effectiveness throughout his career. I appreciated the author’s descriptions of Gen Smith’s relationships with peers, seniors and juniors in both peace and war. They rang true and are worthy of emulation. In short, this book was a pleasure to read , and I wish it was available when I was on active duty as I would have benefited from it.

[Okechukwu Ihenacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a better man for reading this book

I dated this book a 5 * because it tells the story of how a Marine leader should live. Live a life of service, take your assignments with grace and accomplish them with the utmost diligence. Always serve the Marines in your charge. Be a Marine first and foremost. I would recommend this book as an essential read today; maybe the current Marine Corps can draw much needed inspiration from this legend that is Gen O. P. Smith.

~Capt O. U. Ihenacho

[Henry Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Credit given, credit deserved

This man, General Oliver Prince Smith, never received the accolades due him when he was alive. In my readings I feel like he still hasn’t received his due. So many military figures grab glory when they can, promote themselves always and take credit for actions taken or not taken. O.P. Smith just did his job to the best of his ability and shunned the spotlight. The world is so much less for the people that don’t know who he was or what he did. This is an excellent read and I know I’m a better person for having read it. 🫡

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book, period.

A history of not just any Marine. An truly outstanding individual who embodied the best in leadership and as a person. A person I strive to be like, but not have been tested as was O.P. Smith. Tested and proved exemplary. The author more than did an excellent job describing Smith and his actions. Her work matched the man. And that's saying a hell of a lot. One of the USMCs very best made accessible to all in real style and Love. Should be read by all.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine if Mr. Rogers was a Marine General. And that he saved the 1st Marine Division from certain destruction in Korea.

He existed and is embodied in the person of Oliver P. Smith. Smith's humble life is chronicled here. He was a badass without being having a catch phrase or a swaggering persona.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This great generals biography provides excellent insight into top brass politics. Astonishing how even under the most dangerous circumstances decisions are based on career opportunities and personal loyalities. Provides very detailed description of the Inchon landing and the battle of the Chosin reservoir.

[Roger Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is it not possible to write a biography of a military person without glorifying militarism and the military? In other words, is it really necessary to glorify organized mass murder?

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the life of Gen Smith and the politics of upper level management especially General/Flag officers.

[Mustang USMC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long admired General Oliver P. Smith and very much enjoyed this exceptional biography, lovingly written by his granddaughter. General Smith deserves our utmost respect, as a combat commander, as a Marine Corps officer, and as a bona fide American hero.

We should prefer the quiet, competent, judicious leader —one guided by his faith, to the reputation-seeking bully that too many of our Marine Corps flag officers have become.

Having served as a Marine for three decades, I can attest to the fact that the political environment that existed in General Smith’s final years has only gotten worse; our nation would do well to encourage young officers to emulate General Smith, and rid ourselves of the hotdogs who focus more on their career path than they do on the welfare of Marines entrusted into their care.

[Lee Mandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any students of World War II and the Korean War. General Oliver Smith was a soft-spoken, erudite man, but was undoubtably one of the finest combat commanders in our history. His leadership in the Chosin Reservoir campaign in 1950 set the standard for what a leader truly is. He wasn't a politician, just a brilliant leader who cared about his troops. This is a great biogrpahy.