This Kind of War

T. R. Fehrenbach's "This Kind of War" stands as one of the most enduring and comprehensive accounts of the Korean War, offering readers a sobering examination of a conflict often overshadowed in American military history. First published in 1963, the book has maintained its reputation as essential reading for understanding not only the Korean War itself but also the broader challenges of limited warfare in the nuclear age.

Fehrenbach approaches the Korean War with a dual perspective that sets this work apart from typical military histories. The narrative chronicles the major battles, strategic decisions, and tactical operations that defined the conflict from June 1950 through the armistice in July 1953. The author provides detailed accounts of pivotal moments including the initial North Korean invasion, the desperate defense of the Pusan Perimeter, General MacArthur's audacious Inchon landing, the advance to the Yalu River, the massive Chinese intervention, and the subsequent grinding stalemate that characterized the final two years of fighting.

What distinguishes this work is Fehrenbach's willingness to examine the institutional and cultural factors that shaped American military performance during the war. The book documents how the rapid demobilization following World War II left the United States military unprepared for the challenges of the Korean peninsula. The narrative details the struggles of poorly trained and inadequately equipped American units thrust into combat against a determined enemy, highlighting the difficulties faced by occupation troops suddenly called upon to fight a conventional war.

The author's treatment of ground combat is particularly noteworthy. Fehrenbach provides extensive coverage of the experiences of infantrymen, from the initial retreats through the stabilization of the front lines. The book examines how American forces adapted to the demands of the Korean terrain and climate, the challenges of fighting a well-trained and motivated adversary, and the tactical lessons learned through costly experience. The narrative does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of combat or the instances where American units performed below expectations.

One of the book's central themes concerns the nature of limited war and the political constraints that shaped military operations. Fehrenbach explores how the Truman administration's decision to fight a limited war for limited objectives created tensions between political leadership and military commanders. The author examines the controversy surrounding General MacArthur's dismissal and the broader questions about civilian control of the military in wartime. These sections remain relevant for contemporary discussions about the relationship between military strategy and political objectives.

The work also addresses the broader implications of the Korean War for American military doctrine and force structure. Fehrenbach argues that the conflict demonstrated the continuing need for conventional military capabilities even in the nuclear age. The book suggests that the war revealed the limitations of relying on strategic airpower and nuclear deterrence while neglecting the ground forces necessary to fight limited conflicts. These observations influenced subsequent debates about American defense policy and military readiness.

Fehrenbach's writing style combines narrative drive with analytical depth. The prose remains accessible while tackling complex military and political issues. The author draws on official records, published accounts, and interviews to construct a comprehensive narrative that moves effectively between strategic overview and tactical detail. The book balances coverage of high-level command decisions with attention to the experiences of soldiers in the field.

The book does reflect the perspective and understanding available at the time of its initial publication. Some interpretations and assessments have been refined by subsequent scholarship with access to additional archival materials, particularly from Chinese and Soviet sources. Nevertheless, the core narrative and many of the book's central arguments have stood the test of time, which explains its continued presence on military reading lists and in academic courses.

"This Kind of War" serves multiple audiences effectively. Military professionals find value in its tactical and operational lessons, while general readers gain a comprehensive understanding of a complex and often misunderstood conflict. The book's examination of the challenges inherent in limited war remains relevant for contemporary military and political leaders grappling with similar issues. For anyone seeking to understand the Korean War and its lasting impact on American military thinking, Fehrenbach's work remains an indispensable starting point and a compelling historical narrative that continues to inform discussions about warfare, strategy, and civil-military relations.