The Saber and Scroll Journal • Volume 9 , Number 3 • Winter 2020
Book Review : Roy E . Appleman ’ s East of Chosin : Entrapment and Breakout in Korea , 1950
Lynne Marie Marx American Military University
Roy E . Appleman . East of Chosin : Entrapment and Breakout in Korea , 1950 . College Station , Texas : Texas A & M University Press , 1987 . ISBN 9780890962831 . 399 pages .
Roy E . Appleman was an army
combat historian , a World War
II and Korean War veteran , a National Park historian , and the author of several Korean War historical works including East of Chosin : Entrapment and Breakout in Korea , 1950 . With Korea known as “ The Forgotten War ,” Appleman elected to investigate the 31st Regiment Combat Team ’ s ( RCT ) experience at the Chosin Reservoir near Manchuria , China . East of Chosin is a vital entry in Korean War historiography since , previous to its publication , the Battle of Chosin Reservoir received very little documentation or research . Appleman combed through documents , written interviews , and oral histories to piece together the story of the 31st RCT . Therefore , East of Chosin is a critical book for any historian to examine to see if Appleman ’ s theories have stood the test of time .
Appleman ’ s central thesis is that the loss of life at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir occurred as a result of deficient divisional leadership and organization ; almost nonexistent communication ; shortage of weaponry , ammunition , and supplies ; insufficient planning ; and inhospitable environment and terrain . He also argues that with some changes , such as more reliable radios for effective communication between officers and assigning Brigadier General Henry I . Hodes to command , as he was familiar with 31st RCT , more soldiers would have survived the breakout .
Having clearly stated his argument , he supports his theories concisely with well-written chapters and the excellent use of written histories and oral interviews . For instance , he includes interviews about the deficiency of experienced command leadership . Marine
193 doi : 10.18278 / sshj . 9.3.12