Colder than Hell: A Marine Rifle Company at Chosin Reservoir

by Estate of Joseph R. Owen

Joe Owen tells it like it was in this evocative, page-turning story of a Marine rifle company in the uncertain early days of the Korean War. His powerful descriptions of close combat on the snow-covered mountains of Chosin Reservoir and of the survival spirit of his Marines provide a gritty real-life view of frontline warfare. As a lieutenant who was with them from first muster, Owen was in a unique position to see the hastily assembled mix of regulars and raw reservists harden into a superb company known as Baker-One-Seven. His fast-moving narrative describes enemy night assaults, foxhole fights, patrols through Chinese lines, and dramatic examples of Medal of Honor gallantry, and he supports his account with tales from other survivors.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, War, Military History, Nonfiction, American History, Memoir

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colder Than Hell: A Marine Rifle Company at Chosin Reservoir gets 3 Stars for its no-nonsense portrayal of a Marine Rifle Company in the first 5 months of the Korean War. The title is a bit misleading because the Chosin Reservoir only fills the last quarter of the book. It is really a tale of the mortar section of B Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment from August to December 1950. A bunch of ill-trained reservists and a couple regular Marines come together, quickly train up at Camp Pendleton, CA and then are thrown into battle just after the Inchon landings. Later transferred to the other coast, Baker 1/7 reaches the Chosin Reservoir and are one of the most forward units when the Chinese attack. 2nd Lt Owen tells the company's story without much explanation of a wider picture. Honest, unvarnished description of the brave and not so brave, very focused on the small unit actions. Lost a star due to no maps in the beginning. Does have some map sketches later that help. A good companion to The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of U.S. Marines in Combat. If not for the brave stand of Fox Company, Baker Company would not have made it out of the Chosin Reservoir. 2Lt Owen tells the story of fighting their way to Fox Hill and beyond. A good, quick read.

[Timothy Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a documentary on the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and decided to read the book as well. This was a well-written account of a Marine's (Lieutenant Owen) time fighting North Korean and Chinese Communist regulars. The details of the battles, strategies, weapons, etc., and the enemies they faced were sobering, especially when you consider that many of these Marines were "a hastily assembled mix of some two hundred regulars and raw reservists."

They fought wave after wave of enemy soldiers, breaking through their lines many times. They also fought a relentless cold, frostbite, hunger, and fear. Many of the soldiers had lost limbs to the cold. The Marines of Baker-One-Seven didn't back down despite the many hardships they faced.

It was just over 270 pages written in the first person. It is a reminder of the horrors, hardship, and sacrifice of war.

[Jflay · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off what a hell scape to fight a war. 20-30° bellow 0° in the mountains in the snow and ice absolutely insane these men were able to survive. This book has a lot of valuable information and some very good stories in it as well. My only complaint is how short the section on chosin reservoir seemed compared to the rest of the book. Loved the people in it and also loved the amount I was able to learn about the Korean War and the marines involvement over there. Just goes to show even when the odds are stacked against you you can still come out on top.

[Dave Beeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent account of Marine Corps small unit in action during the Korean conflict. The author was a 2ndLt, 60mm mortar leader in a Marine rifle company. This tale takes you from the formation of the company at Camp Pendleton (a mixture of WWII vets, active duty and reserve Marines) through the "attack in a different direction" at the Chosin Reservoir. From a bunch of individuals who's knowledge of mortars ranges from the non-existent to expert, a team of proficient Marines is formed ready to support the rifle platoons. Sweat in the hot Korean summer, freeze in the winter, climb hill after hill as "Baker" (B) Company First Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment battles the soldiers of the North Korean and People's Liberation Army of Communist China.
The weapons may have changed but terrain hasn't. For all those who want to put the current North Korean regime back in the bottle; read this book to see what today's soldier and Marine would experience if we crossed the 38th parallel. Not a pretty picture.

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent first-hand account of Marine Lt. Joseph Owen's combat experience during the Korean War.
One of the first Marine units to be sent to Korea (and full of newbies), Baker 1/7 (7th Marines, 1st Battalion, Company B), had a rough start but pulled together into a superb fighting unit. Lt. Owen recounts the extreme difficulties and fighting they endured against the Chinese the last few months of the year 1950. Temperatures 25 below zero at night, hot during the day, food rations from 1944, a fierce and relentless enemy, and on and on and on.

In WWII, 1st Batt. 7th Mar. was a unit to have been home to several renowned characters such as Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller (one of my favorites!!) and MOH and Navy Cross recipient, GySgt. John Basilone. By the end of December 1950, several more Medal of Honor and Navy Cross recipients were added to the list of 7th Marines' brave Americans and Marine Corps legends.

Well written, and quite a page turner.

UPATED NOTE: On googling his name, I came across a Silver Star citation which he was reward for his bravery in Korea. Not once does Lt. Owen mention anything of this. In fact, almost the entire book he tries to play down all his actions and show the character of his men instead. A most excellent man indeed.

[Christopher Paludi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for lessons at the tactical level of war and at the level of platoon command. Excellent in itself as a story of warfighting and as a complement to Last Stand of Fox Company if one is reading ‘broadly and deeply’ about the Frozen Chosin.

Relationships between officers as well as between officers and their enlisted Marines leave the military reader — especially this newly commissioned bootenant — with much to consider and emulate as we seek to maintain the standard set by the men who came before us. We see the effects of our bearing on our men both in training and in battle, and we are reminded time and again that it is the NCOs who make the Marine Corps the best fighting force on earth. Kurt Chew-Een Lee, then a 1stLt, particularly stands out for his discipline under fire, standing upright in the face of bullets to command his Marines (as well as for his going AWOL and stealing a jeep from the field hospital in order to rejoin 1/7). The author, then a 2ndLt, is to be applauded for his commitment to tough training; we must follow his example, both to kill the enemy and to save the men under our command. Troops who weeks before were mere high school students or farm boys become fine fighting men by straining to meet the standards set by their chain of command — set by the Captain and brought into being by the Lieutenant through his NCOs. His men grumble and resent 2ndLt Owen, at first; but they then soon find what is absolutely necessary if the human spirit is to shine: pride, that espirit de corps which puts a smile on the face and a song in the mouth of the Marines fighting for their lives against impossible odds.

Civilians will benefit from a glimpse into the world of men under arms, particularly the strength of the relationships between men who endure such hardships. The battles described herein were some of the toughest and most terrifying ever fought, yet the Marines sacrifice for each other and joke through it all. The author orders his runner, who has accompanied him through hell, to take command of their section when he is assigned a rifle platoon; the Marine tries to refuse, the men attempt to joke, and they break down into tears at their parting. These flashes of the human spirit in such tender moments as well as in the glory of the fight are so fundamental to the combat experience that they may be overlooked by some or even to others seem cliché. Yet they indicate the very substance of life, which is love — our devotion to another heart redeems our sufferings and gives rise to our spirits. If one is to understand the human heart it is necessary to know the warrior and his brother in arms. Our civilization begins with two such friends on the beaches of Troy, and it is to the great detriment of mankind that today our society seems to forget its basis, this bond between the brave who fight so others may be free.

[Alex Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

RETREAT HELL

Colder than Hell is a raw and personal account of the Korean War from the perspective of Second Lt Owen. I particularly liked Owen’s recounts of his feelings of leaving his family before the war started, and also while in the midst of war. The feeling right before Owen deploys to Korea and how the family feels about it is something all veterans / vet families will find too familiar.

Sometimes I have to remind myself throughout this book that these are REAL PEOPLE, and these events really happened to them. All the laughs, the hard times, and deaths. All very real.

For any Marines highly recommend this book to expand on the rich history and legacy we all share as Marines.

[Andrew Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you deep into the experience of battle with a charming, expressive narrative. The Marines experience of North Korea is beyond intense. I definitely felt a small portion of the emotional bond between soldiers who looked out for each other through the most hostile environments known to man. I definitely recommend reading this book. If you are looking for a fast paced, edge of your seat ride, look no further. I definitely feel proud to be an American and be protected by the toughest, most self sacrificial group of humans on earth. Thank you veterans present and past!!

[samuel reitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great first hand account of the early battles of the Korean War. Before this book I knew little to nothing about the Korean War and how involved we were. After reading this book, I now have a better understanding of the US involvement in the war. Not only this, but the extent to which the Chinese were involved in the war as well. The way its told delivers so much respect for the individuals who participated in the war and demands empathy for those who perished. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.

[Kristoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad my time in combat had me b****ing about the dangum heat. Great read. Great writing. Tiny little anecdotes in the midst of such big picture nightmare history that it pains a reader who didn’t keep a stinkin’ journal. Can’t imagine how any connoisseur of Marine Corps or military history wouldn’t stay up too late on a work night reading this book. It’s one I’ll come back to and read again. Semper Fi.

[frank kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read

I loved this book. I can appreciate the can do attitude and esprit de corps that these men portrayed. I am proud to be a Marine and reading About the courage these men had during severe weather conditions under heavy fire and yet watching out for each other like family. They were truly brothers in arms and representatives of the finest fighting force that exists, Marines!

[Cody Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse into the sheer brutality of "the forgotten war"

Traces the path of baker 1/7 from an undisciplined and untrained newly constituted unit, to men of extraordinary heroism and endurance as they are ravaged by -30 weather and the horses of Chinese. Outnumbered and equipped but never outfought, these men have left the onus for us all to live up to their legacy.

[Patti Merz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marines at their best

I’ve read many books about WW I, WW II, Vietnam and Korea, the unbelievable conditions our military has fought shows courage and dedication beyond belief. These wars should be taught in every history class in every school in theUnited States. God Bless the Marines who seem to always be out front. Thanks to everyone who has veered served....

[Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the Korean War, and especially to any future infantry officers. The book allows you to picture combat through the eyes of a young Lieutenant as he develops a relationship with his Marines and his chain of command under the pressure of combat.

[Stevejs298 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I give the author especially high marks for his honesty in characterizing the fear he had to overcome in battle. It's hard to believe that anyone can pick thir head up and move forward under these circumstances.

[LecturerRich · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an amazing story - makes you realize just what a mess Korea was.

[Eric T Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was introduced to me through the Jocko Willink podcast.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography written by 1stLt Owen, USMC. The story recounts his time from getting his Marines ready, to the end of his combat tour in which he is injured. Semper Fi.

[David Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done personal account of Chosin

[Phil Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps no other book shows the horrors of war as does Colder Than Hell. I am glad I never had to fight in a war. This book makes you appreciate the sacrifices of our vets. All vets gave some and some gave all.
The book is about the Korean War. The last sentence of the book makes you scratch your head. It states that the war ended in a truce

[Deanna Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this to read in a university history course and wish I could remember that instructor's name now to thank him again. This soldier's point of view from the ground during the Korean War is simple, informative, entertaining, and personable. You feel like you're there yet removed and looking in from the outside at the same time. Wonderfully done.

[Nshslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a page-turner that you will not want to put down. Told from the perspective of second lieutenant Joseph Owens, readers will gain a first hand knowledge of what war was like during the Korean War.

Starting in California, Owen’s and his mix of 200 regulars and reserves spend a few vigorous weeks training to prepare for the war in Korea. Over a span of six months Owen watches his young men harden into a true Marine rifle company. They endure combat through the hot and filthy rice paddies of Korea and the ice-cold mountains, where they suffer from horrific frostbite as temperatures drop to -30O F. They adapt to the military life where there is little sleep and constant fear of death. The men learn to deal with brutal wounds and to move on from deaths of their fellow soldiers.

Owen’s precise descriptions of the battles and the actions really bring the story to life. One also learns great details about the weapons that are used and the specific jobs and responsibilities of military officers. Readers feel the many hardships the marines endured; from weeks languishing aboard a Japanese transport, suffering from dysentery to long days and nights battling in sub zero temperatures with little to no sleep and frozen rations. The cold was as much an enemy as the Chinese soldiers they fought (their dedicated enemy fought in high top sneakers and were sometimes found frozen to death in their caves).

I enjoyed the book very much and would recommend it for anyone interested in history due to it’s personal, enthralling, and informative style.~Student: Isaac M.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my FAVORITE military history books. A detailed personal account, blow by blow at the platoon/squad level in the Korean War.

I admit I didn't know much about the Korean conflict and wanted to know more. I consider it our duty as Americans to know more about all those that have served and died.

This story grips you from the spin up of training in 1950 at Camp Le Jeune NC, on to Camp Pendleton in California, with grueling 120lbs of gear on your back running up the hills until you puke.

Shipping out to Korea, the unit is faced with heat and humidity in South Korea and moves into sub-zero freezing winter in North Korea. Battling every inch of the way and losing so many good men along the way. Bullets, frostbite, mortor rounds, snipers, inadequate supplies, you name it, there were many ways to end up dead in Korea. Many young, clean shaven, active and reserve soldiers became men, performed acts of heroism witnessed only by their buddies, and died on those battlefields.

This story tells it like it is. I wasn't there, and can't imagine what they went through, but this story comes close I think to letting you feel the hell and terror of fighting for every inch of dirt, wondering if the next bullet has your name on it.

Highly recommended and bless all those that have served.

[Aubrey Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. It kept my attention and was full of great examples of leadership and gallantry. One valuable lesson taught here is one our nation and particularly our politicians need right now. There are huge plans underway to drastically shrink our military and revoke funding that is needed to maintain our military's readiness. This book is the story of the impact policies like these can have. Only 5 years after the victories...military triumph of WWII. The leaders in this book found them leading organizations of predominantly untrained men with obsolete worn out relics for weapons into some of the most gruesome fighting imaginable. The result was death for many... By the end of the fighting every one of the officers in this unit was injured and taken out of the fight. This was largely because the lack of experience of their forces made in essential that they lead from the front at great risk to themselves.

[David Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the only book about the Korean War that I've read so far that was authored by an actual participant. It must have been written a year or two after the event, because it contains so much detail.

It chronicles the journey taken by the 5th Marine Regiment from Camp Pendleton in August, 1950, to the end of the tragiheroic Chosin Reservoir campaign in December, 1950. Many soldiers were killed or wounded in that short four-month period, and things happened that those soldiers would never forget.

However, this book could have used a good editor. It is not terribly well organized, and searching for exact dates is nearly hopeless. Still, it's well worth the read. It sits on my bookshelf now, festooned with several dozen post-it flags.

[Carol Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb look at Marines in combat, Korean War Era.

Joseph Owen was a young career Marine officer when the Korean War broke out in 1950. Overnight, the Marine Corps had to go from peacetime to wartime, with experienced officers and NCO's in short supply. This book is about how one young officer did the impossible in a matter of weeks, taking a team of untried kids, broken down clerks, and reservists who had been out of uniform for years, and making them into a mortar team able to turn the tide in Korea.

[Sleepy Boy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting first hand account of one 2nd Lt and his platoon/company fight from their call up in the US to the frozen hell of the Chosin Reservoir. Roughly 225 men landed, 27 walked down after the campaign was over. As most first hand accounts go the book wont give you much idea of the strategic overview of the campaign, but this cant be held against it as it is not that genre of book. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the Chosin Campaign or first hand Korean war accounts to learn a bit of 'the way it was' on the ground.

[Jessie]

Completely resonated with me as a Marine Officer. I learned how to conduct myself and felt I was able to relate to the events in the book because of the training I am currently going through. It also made me feel like a whimp for ever being cold when it's 30* and not -30* outside while sleeping in the field. Excellent complement to my job.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pretty amazing, as a Marine with combat experience in Iraq I still can't wrap my head around the things they went through. Very well written, easy to follow and you really feel like you know the men.

The 0331 [machine gunners] platoon commander - Chew-Een Lee recently passed away which is what brought this book to my attention.

[Jeff W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first class account of an oft forgotten war. It is a first hand account told by the Second Lt. of a U.S. Marine company in Korea. Fascinating and poignant, it is very insightful joining the company from training the unprepared reservists to their march out from Chosin. A very interesting and engrossing read, I found the book read quickly as well.