Chosun

by J. Scott Payne, Deanna Compton (Illustrator)

Sergeant Charlie Riegle is disgusted that 8th Army in Japan is little more than a sexreation program. Commanders order the force to shape up, but it’s still ill-prepared when called upon to blunt the murderous communist invasion of South Korea. As a veteran infantry NCO, Riegle helps poorly armed and heavily outnumbered GIs defend the Pusan Perimeter. Later, he leads reconnaissance missions into North Korea and its Siberian winter. He earns a battlefield commission as masses of Chinese "volunteers" enter the war and combat sweeps south, then north and back again in that tortured peninsula.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2019

About the author

I grew up in Kansas City and am a product of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. After interning at the Kansas City Star, I did 1.3 hitch in the Army in Korea, Vietnam and -- worst of all -- Washington, D.C.

I returned to journalism but, tired of tropical weather, moved to Michigan where I've lived ever since, during that time doing graduate work at the University of Michigan.

Though retired now, I've been unable to stop writing. My first novel, A Corporal No More, will arrive on Kindle soon and I'm well underway on a second book.

Reviews

[Linda Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. Scott Payne is at it again – this time taking on the Korean War. His protagonist, Sergeant Charlie Riegle, a veteran of World War II, becomes disillusioned with civilian life in rural Michigan and decides to re-enlist. He is sent to join the 8th Army in Japan where he finds discipline is lax and the troops he will be commanding ill prepared for any type of conflict.

Unfortunately for him, he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. After North Korea launches a full-scale invasion of the South, Charlie finds himself having to shepherd a group of very green GIs as they try to defend the Pusan Perimeter.

As with his other novels dealing with WWII, Payne is meticulous with historical detail. The Korean War was a relatively short conflict, but extremely bloody, and the scenes of carnage involving these young soldiers will grip at your heart. Chosun is extremely well written and, while military fiction is not my genre, I found it hard to put the book down. It’s a real page-turner!

Chosun is most highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the police action in Korea and for those who enjoy military historical fiction.

I received a free copy of this novel as part of an Early Reviewers Program.

[MICHAEL MOGILEVSKY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line, based on actual events of 1950-51. I am familiar with the descriptions of the principal leaders on our side, having lived in Japan until 1950. I attended some of the formal parades of the Supreme Commander in 1948, 1949, and one in 1950, as a civilian . I followed the progress of this war; eventually, I partook in the occupation of an airbase in Central Korea as an enlisted aircraft electrician. That is why I enjoyed this story. One fault with the recounting of all this:

Spelling was awful in spots! So was some of the grammar. Poorly edited by the publishers of this narrative. This spoiled some of the narrative for me.

The Supreme Commander was truly an egomaniac with a God complex, who deserved to be removed and a better commander to replace him (Ridgeway). Notably absent in this story was mention of one of SCAP's favorite generals: GENERAL "BIDET" ALMOND, WHO WAS A POOR GENERAL IN THIS WAR.

[Charles Nordstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GI’s Book by a GI

This is an outstanding historical fiction about the “Forgotten War.” Its authenticity will be apparent to any veteran from the Korean War, but also from later wars as well. To the non veteran, it portrays soldiers as multidimensional human beings who love, cry, frighten and anger like everyone else, but in circumstances unlike any other.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Gets you down and dirty. Find out what its really like from the lower ranks. How the high and mighty pontificate orders and the real heros carry them out. NCO run the services, without their guidance and direction nothing would get done. Enjoyed the style of the author, brings the events into focus just like being there. 5 star.

[Allan Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Served two tours in South Korea (1956 and 1973) and recognized many of the locations. Also observed the diffferences in the development of the country from right after the war (police action?) until my second tour. Development continued until it is my understanding that the country is as modern as most countries in the world. The story line and the characters in this book are outstanding, holding a readers attention from the time that the unit is in Japan before the action until the conclusion some years later. If you are interested in the events during this action or just enjoy reading war stories, this book gets my top rating.

[Pastor Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good story

Glad to read the story of a enlisted man's journey in the war my father fought in... and suffered from until his death. He too applauded MacA's retirement, as he cost to many lives because he trusted those under him.
Thank you

[Bill Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very good

Good military history lesson. Very descriptive and also entertaining. Realistic description of the ugliness of war and how politics interfere with the boots on the ground.

[David Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written fun

For an intense dramatic story of a time when things were not going right. When being under prepared and under trained, was the moment. Great story. Great characters. Well done.

[Norman P. Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realism at it's best

A very realistic and factual depiction of the Korean War as experienced by our warriors in the most trying circumstances. A very worthwhile read.

[Jon Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, and exciting

My uncle fought in the Korean "Conflict", and never talked about it. History repeated itself and the armed forces paid for it.

[curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosun

Easy to read. Good insight to Korean War. Seemed to lack depth when talking about deaths of fellows. Probably matched the scenarios given.

[Jerry D Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korea

I enjoyed the book very much. Our troops went through so much during this war but as always had their victory. Well written.

[Terrence Parkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This is a good read. I was disappointed because I was expecting a book about the battle of Chosun reservoir. Nonetheless it is still well written and very interesting.

[Cornelius J OConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for Korea vets.

Although I was not in combat there, I served in Korea for 16 months, 1960-62. I was always interested about the actual fighting.