White Tigers: My Secret War in North Korea

by Ben S. Malcom, Ron Martz

Operating from a clandestine camp on an island off western North Korea, Army Lt. Ben Malcom coordinated the intelligence activities of eleven partisan battalions, including the famous White Tigers. With Malcom’s experiences as its focus, White Tigers examines all aspects of guerrilla activities in Korea. This exciting memoir makes an important contribution to the history of special operations.

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

282 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fascinating read about the complexities of unconventional warfare and the road that led to the establishment of the Special Forces branch of the U.S. Army. While the whole book is really fascinating, almost the best part is the lessons learned and how we would still do well to remember many of these lessons today.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating and heretofore untold stories of the Korean War is that of the special operations of the United Nations Partisan Infantry Korea (UNPIK). Operating from a clandestine camp off the coast of North Korea, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ben Malcom coordinated the intelligence activities of eleven partisan battalions, including one known as the White Tigers. With Malcom’s experiences as its focus, “White Tigers” examines the various aspects of guerrilla activities in Korea. Macom’s first-hand insight combined with previously classified details makes a unique and important contribution to the history of special operations. The authors have accurately described the missing link between World War II’s partisans and today’s Special Forces in a way that makes Rambo-type fiction boring. A good read for military history buffs.

[David Szatkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sheds light on a period and part of history that I know very little about - the Korean conflict (1950 - 53). This book is not a history or memoir of the Korean conflict in general, but rather the author's unique experience of working with partisan fighters during that conflict. Well worth reading and considering how partisan fighters are either praised (if they are on your side) or terrorists (if they are not on your side). In any case, the author illuminates units and military history in a way that is readable and thought provoking.