book reviews and summaries, comments, analysis
Good grief Brady. Suck in your gut! Trim down to that lean and mean trenchwise Marine of 1952. And by all means, keep writing books if they are as engaging a human interest story as this one. A chronology of life as a platoon leader in the static, bunker warfare of Korea's second year, I found Brady's book a refreshing contrast to many first person accounts, Korean War accounts in particular. No exhilirating offensives here; no retreats, no advancing in a different direction. Only night patrol warfare with its attendant, alternate boredom, tragedy, hollow victories. Marines lost to mines, to frostbite, to friendly fire, to random shell or mortar fire. Starlight was enough for Brady to patrol by--moonlight cast too many shadows. John Chafee-- later Governor and Senator from Rhode Island-- urged the young author to know his troops 'as Marines, as professionals; but not as men.' A frozen turd once cued Brady that injured Chinks were too far ahead to make further pursuit worthwhile. Brady the Marine agonizes if Chinese fleeing a napalmed village were women or men-- but Brady the journalist uses an economy of word thats conveys the intensity of combat; the need to reach a quick decision, stick-- and live-- with it
There is reflection and commentary here, too. Brady compares tactical approach of Army vs. Marine rifle companies. The latter were better organized and equipped. "NO way a man in combat can give orders to more than 3 men." In battalion reserve Brady's Marines tangles with civilians, even were accused of rape. He hated the loss 'of pride, of discipline, of professionalism' that came from being away from the War. On a hospital ship in In'chon harbor for a routine examination, he decries the treatment from Sailors.
Perhaps Dean Acheson can claim to have been 'Present at the Creation' of the post WWII cold war order. Brady was more than present--he was a part. And he trumps the cocky Secretary of State: Brady was there at its final destruction--the Berlin Wall-- as well. Admittedly as a paunchy journalist, but hey, the guy paid his dues. He just raised a few beers for the New World Order.