The Secrets of Inchon: The Untold Story of the Most Daring Covert Mission of the Korean War

by Eugene Franklin Clark, Thomas Fleming (Introduction)

An account based on the experiences of a naval lieutenant who witnessed a covert Korean War mission firsthand discusses his two-week assignment to obtain vital intelligence in the wake of firefights, night raids, hand-to-hand combat, and a small naval battle. 50,000 first printing.

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

325 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2002

Reviews

[Genine Franklin-Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, full disclosure: my dad wrote this, and despite the fact that it's listed as fiction, it isn't. The publishers (or someone) blew it.

The story is of the two weeks my dad and several Koreans spent scouting out the hows, wheres and whens for Macarthur's Inchon invasion. There's danger, humor, romance and tragedy. I loved it. Try it,you might,too.

9/3/11: Just finished this - again - sorry if I sound immodest, but what a great story! I miss my Dad.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story. Most of it takes place in the few weeks preceding the U.N. landing of troops at Inchon in September, 1950, only a few months after the Korean war started. The author, Gene Clark, was supposed to send as much information as possible to Tokyo prior to the landing date. Fortunately, he was highly aware of many aspects of such operations from his previous service in the American invasion of Okinawa in 1945. In 1948, he served as an interpreter at Japanese war crimes trials on Guam, and his account of his weeks in Korea is filled with information about how well ideas were translated from one language into another.

Minor problems:
1) Most of all, the MAPS are of TOTAL inadequacy. This is a major defect in an operation where geography was of overriding importance. Why do publishers permit such lapses? 2) The centerfold photos are dull and serve virtually no purpose. Surely the Navy could have provided better. 3) The typesetting is completely unprofessional. More than that, it hurts the eye. There is no spacing between the paragraphs through the ENTIRE text! I found myself skimming pages to save my sight! The bottom line is that mistakes and omissions by the publisher have marred a potentially superior tale. Hopefully, future reprintings can address these shortcomings.

Other than that, this was pretty interesting.

[Wai Zin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was around 16 I read a book about the Inchon landing, full of exiciting stuffs for a teenage boy. In that book I read a few paragraphs about an US Navy officer who reconnoitered ahead of invasion forces. I talked to myself that "Well, that story alone worth another book". And more than 25 year later I found this book.

And I enjoyed it.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning of the Korean War the capital city of Korea almost fell. General MacArthur decided to send the Marines in an amphibious attack on the Harbor at Inchon to relieve pressure on the army and bisect the country. But Inchon has unpredictable violent tide changes. A young navy lieutenant is sent in advance of the assault on a secret mission to chart the tides. The mission was secret for fifty years. This is the story of Eugene Franklin Clark's mission. This is information about the US Marine landing at Inchon that very few knew of.

[Rachel Brune · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy was missing a chunk near the beginning — went from page 22 to 55 then repeated the same chunk. Annoying. Great first-person telling of a part of the Korean War history I’d never heard of (sometimes amusing sometimes infuriating given the contemporary opinions about women but to be expected in a primary source from 1950’s. All in all, read like an adventure story. One that missing about 30 pages of set up.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1950, at the height of the Korean War, the forces of the North had South Korea and it's international allies on the ropes, occupying much of the country. In response, General Douglas MacArthur, commander of the U.N. troops working to stop the advance of the communists, planned a daring maneuver to cut the enemy's supply lines by landing at the port city of Inchon with a massive armada.

Sparsely defended, Inchon made a perfect launch pad for a counteroffensive, but it was sparsely defended for a reason. Wild variations in the oceans's tides made naval maneuvers difficult, and they could not only strand an invading fleet in narrow deepwater channels, but subject its forces to the risk of devastating defensive fire on the acres of mudflats exposed at low tide.

MacArthur needed reliablle information on Inchon: What were its defenses? Was the channel mined? Were the outlying islands that surrounded the city, heavily manned? How high were the sea walls that guarded the beach? Could the mudflats support tanks and men?

To close the intelligence gap, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Eugene Clark and two hand-picked Korean aides infiltrated the island of Yonghung-do, 12 miles off the coast of Inchon. Clark's mission was to answer all the questions MacArthur's forces had, and to do it in a scant 2 weeks. "The Secrets of Inchon" is Clark's firsthand account of what followed.

Well-written in the self-effacing style so common to The Greatest Generation, "The Secrets of Inchon" has enough action, danger, and acts of courage for any work of fiction. There are naval skirmishes, commando raids, spy missions, desperate battles, and derring-do. There is heroism, tragedy and camaraderie, and there is the compelling story of a small group of men working in hazardous conditions, improvising their own success.

This is an amazing book, made even moreso by its provenance. Lt. Clark recorded his story not long after the war, but never published it - he thought only that his family might enjoy reading it at some point, and so, typed it up. In 2000, however, an article was published about Clark's little-known mission, and his widow contacted the article's author, to see if he'd be interested in her late husband's memoir. He was, and he wrote the forward and epilogue that bookend Clark's own words.

"The Secrets of Inchon" is a classic, and highly recommended.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historic James Bond in Korean War

The facts of this story are incredible, but there are distinct particulars that enhance that recommendation: It reads so well, very accessible and well-paced for someone's personal re-telling. It is also about a shadowy part of modern history, shedding light on the major turning point of America's "Forgotten War.". Finally, the context of the author's writing (for personal posterity) elevates the tone and content beyond suspicion of hiding unsavory details or having ulterior motives. There are honest comments on culture, the now forbidden paradigm of Oriental/Occidental is discussed...

Overall I would highly recommend this quick read to anyone looking to enrich their background during this fascinating period.

[James Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good insight to the mind set of a problem solver who didn' panic, was cool under pressure & did what he could with what he had available. And, he got the job done.

Fascinating story - success against incredible odds. A moral & honourable man.

Insightful look at the wholesome qualities of the Korean people.

[Kenneth Bratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. A written first-person account of the activities of a Navy officer and a group of Koreans that set the stage for the invasion of Inchon which turned the war in Korea. Written matter-of-factly it really puts you there. A great read.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas present, ABBY.

[Matt Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good glimpse into a lesser known time and place in history along with people's stories worth hearing. It also works as a real-life spy story.

[William Lay]

Title: The Secrets of Inchon: The Untold Story of the Most Daring Covert Mission of the Korean War
Author: Commander Eugene Franklin Clark, US Navy
Introduction and Epilogue by: Thomas Fleming
Review:
The book "The Secrets of Inchon" by Commander Eugene Franklin Clark is an astounding account detailing an audacious reconnaissance mission during the Korean War. Clark begins his narrative in the relative safety of General MacArthur's headquarters in Tokyo, but soon he is tasked with a high-risk mission to survey and spy on the harbor of Incheon. Understanding the critical importance of the information the invasion forces will need, Clark readily accepts the mission.
Clark's extensive background in amphibious operations from World War II in the Pacific offers him a unique perspective on the mission. The urgency of his task is underscored by the advancing North Korean army, which threatening the last hold of US and UN forces at the base of the Korean Peninsula. MacArthur's bold plan to cut off the North Korean supply lines hinges on good reconnaissance.
Clark skillfully organizes his team, which includes two Korean assistants. Armed with minimal supplies such as rice, weapons, money, and a radio, they embark on their covert mission. The narrative highlights Clark's ingenuity and the strong bonds he forms with the local Korean people who, displaced by the North Korean invasion, are eager to assist him. Despite not knowing the full scope of the plan, these locals gather vital intelligence on defenses, roads to Seoul, and more, which Clark continuously relays back to Tokyo.
Clark's account details the harrowing conditions, including enduring two typhoons, as the invasion fleet prepares and sets sail. His intelligence contributions significantly ease the subsequent landing in Incheon, with the forces encountering minimal resistance and quickly advancing towards Seoul.
The story also touches on personal losses, including a poignant account of a young woman who aided Clark but tragically lost her life. Despite the casualties, Clark survives and meets MacArthur’s flagship in a disheveled, sleepless state, where he is welcomed onboard and debriefed.
In the epilogue, we learn that Clark continued to brave further adventures before retiring. The manuscript, unpublished during his lifetime, offers a vivid, personal perspective on a pivotal wartime operation.
Recommended by a friend, Matthew Strater, I found this book particularly moving due to Clark’s deep appreciation for the Korean people. He lauds their tenacity, fighting spirit, and cultural attributes, highlighting their significant role in the mission’s success. He notes that Koreans are talented singers – “a race of tenors” – a fact known to myself and others who share friendships with Koreans.
Notably, the book does not delve into the broader aftermath of the landing, such as the eventual stalemate around the 38th parallel following Chinese intervention. While the war did not lead to the unification of Korea, it preserved the freedom of South Korea, allowing it to flourish into the vibrant country we see today.
I am caused to reflect on the my belief in the potential for Korea’s future unification and the fostering of a unique relationship between Japan and Korea. Together, they could share the best of Far Eastern culture with the world, emphasizing cooperation, teamwork, and a respect for nature often lacking in the West.
Overall, this is a remarkable read despite the challenge of following the detailed operations without good maps being provided. Clark’s successful mission and the vivid descriptions of his experiences make this book an exciting account of courage and ingenuity during the Korean War.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who enjoy military history and especially the first hand details of the events and yes, the very understated heroism found in so much of this type of writing you will find this book a really good read!

I have spent time in the USAF as well as growing up on U. S. Army bases all over the world and I’m fairly familiar with much that went on and what a magnificent job Commander Clark did with his small contingent of South Korean irregular soldiers and the many civilians he worked with. The difficulties encountered were much harder than he let on and the success of the Inchon landings were a testament to his work!

As a student of history I am also very aware of the style of writing and expressions used and it brought some great authenticity to the telling of the story.

I have also spent time in South Korea both in the military and on business and commander Clark is spot on when discussing the very admirable characteristics of the Korean people. They are a delightful, humorous and absolutely dedicated industrious people when they put their minds to whatever task is in front of them!

This book was a great pleasure to run across and read!

[Mark Luongo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting first hand account of the covert intelligence operation that preceded the Inchon invasion in 1950. A U.S. Naval officer and his Korean counterparts succeeded in procuring vital info that allowed MacArthur's operation to go forward. Interesting how this all took place right under the noses of the North Koreans without them taking more than subtle notice. Author gives much credit for their success to the Korean people who put themselves constantly at risk to help gather the information required.
Introduction and epilogue by one of my favorite authors, Thomas Fleming, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at an Educator's PD a few years ago. He was kind enough to autograph all of his books for me. It was a pleasure to speak with him.

[Tawm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, straightforward, and self-effacing first-person account by the man himself.

I came here after having finished the audiobooks for WEB Griffin's "The Corps" series, the last two entries of which take place in the run-up to and during the opening stages of the Korean War. In the second-to-last entry of that series, a few Marine characters conduct a mission on Jonghung-do very similar to what is described in this book by the man who actually went there. Thus much credit to Griffin and to the author, Thomas Fleming, for ensuring Eugene Clark's story got wider reception than it otherwise would have.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first-person account of the battle which took place in Incheon during the Korean War. I had a chance to visit Incheon's Central Park while on vacation, which really made me think a lot about the vast differences between Korea then versus today.

Being first-person, it gives the reader a good sense not of the geopolitics but of the relationships between the American and Korean soldiers. The dynamic was not even, but everyone had a shared goal. Everyone struggled to communicate and get along. But somehow they figured it out.

[R. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Inchon was the turning point of the Korean War. When the United Nations forces landed at Inchon, it severed the supply lines of North Korea and put them in disarray. This is the story of the secret mission to gather the information needed to make the landing a success. Well worth reading.

[Fuzeball · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete story on not only the Inchon invasion, but how one American worked with prideful Koreans to outsmart the Reds. The book covers some aspects of Korean culture pre-Korean war, and how an American sees them. The author describes unknown concepts such as LCP boats, simple navy principles, and Korean culture to the reader in a great way that adds to the book greatly.

[Low · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out a little slow but once you get into it the book really shows human resiliency.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid book. It gave a ton of set up which drug on for the first half of the book.

Clark lead the scout mission for the raid on Inchon by the US marines. Somer good detail of the preparation, and the execution of the raid. Bunch of very tough stuff for the lead party.

Did a nice job setting up the nature of the local folks, the climate of the war in regards to the native Koreans, and their behavior.

I would give this 3.5 stars, will round up for the heck of it.

[Tammy Sawyer]

I can't wait to read this one. My mom bought it for Eric and I can't believe it but even he is eager to read it!!!

[Dorothy Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely engrossing story. I felt I was there with the guerilla warriors. The Korean people were so well-portrayed they were real. Clark did an excellent job of recording this mission.

[James Roche]

Good book that describes the necessity to understand small boat operation, both powered and sail. Discusses reconnaissance operations in enemy territory.

[Carl Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story behind the story.