The Mistaken History of the Korean War

Much of the history of the Korean War has been misinterpreted or obscured. Intense propaganda and limited press coverage during the war, coupled with vague objectives and an incomplete victory, resulted in a popular narrative of partial truth and factual omission. Battlefield stories—essentially true but often missing significant data—added an element of myth. Drawing on a range of sources, the author, a Korean War veteran, reexamines the war’s causes, costs and outcomes.

Paul M. Edwards is the founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of the Korean War at Graceland University’s Independence, Missouri, campus. He is the author of 13 works on military history. He lives in Independence.

Paul M. Edwards
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 198
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2018
pISBN: 978-1-4766-7048-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3077-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgment ix
Preface 1
I. Reluctant to Call It War 7
II. ­Post-Traumatic Perseverance 12
III. Getting It Straight 18
IV. Failed Expectations 50
V. Memory Mistakes Minimize Mission 58
VI. No One Was Invited to the Parade 73
VII. The Shock of No Gun Ri 85
VIII. The Infidelity of the Storytellers 93
IX. Brainwashed, Yes, but Who? 139
Conclusion 162
Chapter Notes 167
Bibliography 177
Index 181

“Details the injustices endured by those who served in Korea…The author raises questions about the treatment of Korean War vets suffering from PTSD as well as the lack of appreciation the troops received upon returning home…. Anyone wanting to comprehend the meaning of the Korean War for Americans cannot go wrong with this book…. essential”—Choice