Lost Bastards

by L. Todd Wood

Towards the end of the Korean War, 26 American soldiers were inserted into the conflict on a hill, with a company of ROK troops, that is now inside the Demilitarized Zone on the Korean Peninsula. They were on a secret mission to test ‘battlefield radar’ for the first time, which eventually gave GIs the ability to spot the enemy and direct fire on the battlefield, providing a significant advantage during the war. Shortly after arriving, thousands of Chinese soldiers overran their position. The Americans fought for survival for two weeks and only fourteen made it out alive. They were cut off from American forces. They were told to hold and defend their position at all cost. They were Lost Bastards. A story of hardship, love, and heroism of The Korean War, based on the story as told by the children of Dick Carpenter, USA retired (deceased), based on his recollections, FOIA requests, and discussions with veterans.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2016

About the author

L. Todd Wood graduated from U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and chose helicopter flight training. An assignment to the 20th Special Operations Squadron flying MH-53J Pave Low helicopters saw him deployed globally in support of counter terrorism. His customers included SEAL Team 6 and Delta Force under control of the National Command Authority. In 1994, he left the Air Force as a Captain and joined an investment bank which eventually brought him to Wall Street trading emerging market debt. He has conducted business in over forty countries. His first novel, " Currency", was published in December of 2011. Although historical fiction, it jumps to the future to deal with the national debt and its security implications. " Currency" has been endorsed by the Hon. David M. Walker, former Comptroller General of the U.S. The book has received national press and extraordinary reviews.

He is a national security columnist for the Washington Times and has contributed to Fox Business, NY Post, The Moscow Times, Zero Hedge, Breitbart, Jerusalem Post, and others.

Reviews

[Johannes Froebel-Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patton, MacArthur, Eisenhower and before that Washington, Grant, Sherman, even Napoleon who was a household term due to an ancestor who fought him in Germany: these larger than life figures from wars past are known to most Americans. However, my own father was in the Korean Conflict (78oth Field Artillery Battalion-Bronze Star) yet I knew little about his role in it or about the war in general. My father was not with the brave men in Wood's book, but I now understand the context of of the conflict much better. As all who will read or have read it, I too now am better informed about the secret mission these soldiers were involved in and can only MARVEL at their bravery, their patriotism, and their dedication. It is, for me, a MUST READ for anyone with parents, grandparents or other friends and relatives who were involved in Korea. I hope it will be a full length motion picture. I only wish my father were still here to be able to share the book with him. Kudos to Wood for not letting us forget Korea, for informing us about this "lost chapter," to the Carpenter Family and those of all the servicemen involved. This book should be in every military academy library as well as public and university libraries.

[Bradley P. Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I gained a new respect for what troops endured while worrying about home and what is happening in the war zone. The narrative with journal excerpts was particularly compelling.

[JJ Broenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit to my lack of knowledge about the war in Korea (involving Americans), I have found US History education has not offered me much on the subject area. With having said that - it is one of the reasons I enjoyed reading this account from the perspective of Dick Carpenter. The story was full of combat and conflicts and I felt like I was experiencing many of these first hand as I read. 'The Lost Bastards' were an amazing group that went unrecognized for their valor and accomplishments because of the top secret nature of their orders working with a test radar weapon during the Korean war. I feel enriched to have read this account of the events from one outpost's point of view and as a veteran myself I identify and salute all those that served On Hill 433.

[Don Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books about military combat, but I can't say that I've read any better than "Lost Bastards." This book is a wonderful tribute to the men who fought the "Forgotten War;" the men who fought and died on Hill 433 in Korea; and to the family and legacy of Major Dick Carpenter. One of life's greatest mysteries is why L. Todd Wood doesn't have permanent residence at the top of every best sellers list. He has produced two literary masterpieces with Currency and Lost Bastards, and Sugar is a gem also. Todd's books are timely; and, perhaps frighteningly, prophetic. Yet, God's ways are mysterious, and ancient Troy never believed Cassandra!

[Sarah Parmater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story. A must read for everyone. L.Todd Wood brings you face to face with his writing and give you food for thought. I enjoy reading his works, great job.

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book about a secret mission during the Korean War. Even though there were very graphic fighting scenes, I believe this book should be read by everyone. It is a very vital part of American history.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story and a wonderfully written book.I enjoyed it from cover to cover! Definitely movie worthy material.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story based on the personal accounts of Sgt./Lt. Carpenter. Easy read, interesting story.