Dee Miller’s Reviews > On Desperate Ground: The Marines at The Reservoir, the Korean War's Greatest Battle > Status Update

This is a book filled with heroes. Jack Chapman, 17 year-old Oakie army grunt, was part of 320 British commandos and American Marines who faced attack by the Communist Chinese on Hellfire Alley. He was wounded 7 times, including a bullet to his cranium while manning an M20 abandonedby his sargent. Later, he and 200 others were taken prisoners of war and held in horrendous conditions for 3 years.

General Oliver Prince Smith begins to shine as the hero of the battle of Choison Reservoir. "I halted the attack because it manifested that we were up against a massive force out there. We couldn't do anything but defend, because I couldn't withdraw without permission from higher authorities." Oh, the ego of Douglas McArthur!

Ch 22 Easy Company faces the Chinese at the Choison Reservoir. Marine Lt. Jack Yancy loses 90% of his company in the first night,as well as being seriously wounded in his head. His eyeball had been knocked out so he pushed back in so he wouldn't lose it. He continued to lead until reinforcements arrived a day later. He finally agreed to go to sickbay, but his part in the war was ended.Just one example of bravery.