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Summary: Readable, moving. Even the doggies will enjoy this one.
Review: As a former Marine, this is one of the best. Easy to understand and follow. Humor added at just the right moments.
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Summary: Magnificence under harrowing circumstances
Review: To criticize this book would be a sacrilege to the men who fought there. Even now, almost fifty years after the event, it is clear from this book that the Chosin campaign is still not being viewed with a clear perspective. A lot of emotion is still getting in the way. Some of it is good emotion, some of it bad. Readers with no military experience or familiarity with Marine/Army rivalry should be alert to this before they begin reading this book. It will explain the excessive and distasteful other-service bashing that is found on almost every page. If there is grace in valor (and I believe there is) that quality is missing from this book. Nonetheless, it tells a great tale of heroism and endurance. Indeed, it could be said that the Chosin campaign extended and redefined the awful limits within which men can endure and survive. Done with reading it, it now occupys a place on my bookshelf sandwitched in between Prados and Stubbe's VALLEY OF DECISION: THE SIEGE OF KHE SANH, and Bill Ross's IWO JIMA: LEGACY OF VALOR. It is unfortunate that BREAKOUT's publisher did not study these books before committing this one to production (or if it did it paid no attention to them). Had the publisher paid attention, then this book never would have gone to press without including topographic maps and terrain shots. Both could have contributed so much more to this book
Rating:
Summary: very well done
Review: Remarkable story of perseverance, individual courage and bravery. I hope the upcoming 50th anniversary focuses more attention and respect (well deserved) for those who fought in Korea.
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Summary: Absolutely brilliant work by Martin Russ. He does it again!
Review: Breakout is the very best of the best books written about the Chosin Reservoir battle. Martin Russ defines the Marine Corps and the true meaning of Semper Fi by accurately describing the men who fought courageously at the Chosin. As a former Marine, I heartily recommend this book to any one who is even remotely interested in the Korean War or in the Marine Corps.
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Summary: Outstanding presentation of the Marines at Chosin.
Review: For those of you that wonder why the Marine Corps exists, Martin Russ gives you the answer in "Breakout." This book shows a side of the Corps that outsiders rarely see, but we as Marines have always known. MajGen O.P. Smith, LtCol Ray Davis, and Col "Chesty" Puller led their Marines through one of the most desperate situations in the history of warfare. The book demonstrates how the Marines fought, bled and died not only believing in the "cause", but believing we are different from other armed forces of the world. Even the horrific cold, pain, and Army beauracracy were endured and defeated. This book is a must read for all Marines. Our Corps has never demonstrated our Core Values any finer. Semper Fi!! 1stSgt Ken Gills
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Summary: Could not put this down
Review: After this book I have a respect for the Marine Corp. that can never be diminished. Extremely well written, I found myself stopping to take deep breaths in disbelief at the bravery of those Marines
Rating:
Summary: A must read for all Marines
Review: For a Marine, this book is a must read. During my 12 years in the Corps, particularly my time with the Second Battalion of the 5th Marines, I have heard about the Chosin Reservoir campaign on numerous occassions. At every ceremony, Ball, and mess night, the courage and valor of the Marines who fought their way out of the Chosin Reservoir is recounted. However, this is the first time I have read a detailed account of the battles. Russ' book is outstanding, his attention to detail and attempts at telling the whole story are superb. My only complaint (and a small one at that; not enough to diminish the 5-star rating) is that, as other reviews have implied, the tale gets muddy from time to time. Individual accounts and stories overlap in their time frame and it is often difficult to follow the sequence of events. The maps are also disappointing. A few more maps, with better detail and unit positions designated on them would be nice. Still, this is one outstanding book about an gallant chapter in Marine Corps history. SEMPER FI!
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Summary: Great Rambling Tale
Review: This book is breathtaking in it's subject and the way it tackles it. I can highly recommend it, the only downside is it sometimes gets a little muddy. I have to agree with another reviewer that a couple of smaller maps would go along way clearing up the mud. Overall, this book is a must read for anyone interested in military history.
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Summary: Definitive history of Chosin
Review: I usually prefer war novels like "The Triumph and the Glory" or "The Bridges of Toko-ri" to histories, but Martin Russ has written such a magnificent account of the epic Chosin Reservoir campaign that I am thankful that I broke my habit. Only Stephen Ambrose's fine histories about the European campaign in WWII can compare to this book. Well done indeed!
Rating:
Summary: Great reading about that epic battle.
Review: Written and told like it was in that "Frozen Hell". I was a participant in the battle and have read all accounts of the fight at Chosin and this is the best. This is a must for all members of the 1st Marine Division that served at Chosin. Martin roasts Ned Almond and MacArthur. If anything he was lenient in his reporting and criticism of their inept leadership during this epic battle. Many young American youth lost their lives and are still buried at Yudam-ni, Fox Hill, Hagaru-ri, Koto-ri and Hungnam due to their inept leadership and the great egos that they both possessed.
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