Customer Reviews

Hills of Sacrifice : The 5th RCT in Korea

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Mike Slater has absolutely brought alive the anguish and triumph of those men of the 5th Regimental Combat Team who held the hills of sacrifice in the earliest days of the Korean War and eventually finished their sacrifice along the Armistice line three years later. The depth of research is stunning, not in its presentation of cold facts, but in its blended and balanced perspective from the human and emotional side of the soldiers who fought in Korea. A rich collection of archived military photos as well as personnel photos from those who fought there will not disappoint those who enjoy a more visual depiction of the history they're reading about. An outstanding history that is captivating and remarkable. A must read!!!

"HILLS OF SACRIFICE, so appropriately titled, appears on the 50th Anniversary of the outset of the Forgotten War. It is a fitting tribute to one of the US Army's oldest and most distinguished regiments.

Much of the vivid narrative derives from the memoirs and recollections of combat veterans. In that regard, it is similar to the well regarded book, "FIGHTING ON THE BRINK: DEFENDING THE PUSAN PERIMITER." Indeed, the two authors interviewed some of the same eye witnesses of the 5th Regimental Combat Team.

This timely work is far more than a war diary chronology of combat operations. A number of compelling themes emerge. One is the sorrowful tale of the young soldier from Hawaii who did not survive the endless infantry assaults upon well defended Korean hills. Also set forth are the heroics of many survivors. A good number of them continued in the military to attain the lofty rank of Command Sergeant Major or General Officer. Moreover, the author offers fair critique of combat leadership and tactics; praising the worthy and challenging the questionable.

This volume is a stirring and revealing history for the casual reader. It is an essential addition to the library of all students of modern warfare.

Mike Slater has captured the essence of grunt combat in Korea. One can hardly get through his exciting and riveting narrative, without shedding tears for those who were there. This is a compelling story of a combat unit that played an instrumental role in our "Forgotten War." Moreover, Slater provides an absoulutely outstanding portrayal of the pathos and drama of combat from the perspective of the foxhole. Certain to go down as one of the seminal works on that monumental conflict, "Hills of Conflict" is a must read for anyone who wishes to know what it was really like.

Hills of Sacrifice is an extremely well researched and skillfully presented factual account of the battles of the U. S. Army 5th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War. This detailed account puts the reader right into the thick of infantry combat and gives the reader insite into the deadly dangers faced by the combat soldier or Marine. Hills of Sacrifice is wonderfully illustrated by probably the largest collection of unit action photos in any military history combat action book.

The book also has the poignant personal story of a 5th Regimental Combat Team enlisted man, Sonny Calhau, uncle of the wife of the author. Sonny was killed in action after 8 months in Korea.

An outstanding detailed work of small unit military history.

Best-ever book covering the combat operations of a unit during the Korean Conflict. This book brings what many have called the "Forgotten War" to life better than any other - I guarantee you will not put this work down until you finish. Mike Slater makes you feel as though you are there. The research, the photos, and Colonel Slater's bold writing style makes Hills of Sacrifice a winner and a must read! A superb work and great read by a proud Marine. Semper Fi!

Being a former member of the 5th. Regimental Combat Team I think this Book is written for all the Men of the 5th. RCT who died Serving their Country, the Thousands of Wounded and of course the MIA. Mike Slater makes you feel like you are there sharing the Mens Hardships, the Weather and of course the Combat Sections are Heart wrenching. Mike is an Active duty Marine and knows what the "Grunts" of any Service-Army/Marines go thru!My age is 72 not 2?? Mikes' description of Sonny Calhau, his Family and Sonnys' Friends is so exact. When Sonny Calhau is KIA on Hill 814 on 3/23/51 it shocked me, he was so close to going Home to his beloved Hawaii. Also he didn't have to provide Point for the Platoon, it wasn't his job anymore!! I'm sure anybody who read this book wishes that they could have gotten hold of that Machine Gunner who Mortally wounded Sonny!

John A. Collins Former Corporal-Regt. Hq. Co.,5th. RCT 1949-1950

Hills of Sacrifice is outstanding. A detailed, extensively researched book on the 5th Regimental Combat Team and the officers and soldiers in the command during the Korean War. His vivid writing style has the action jumping off the page and makes you feel the exhilaration of battle and the heartbreak of death. The comprehensive interviews, many detailed photographs and annotated maps give the reader an intimate relationship with the soldiers and their life and death on the battlefield. A must read book for anyone interested in the Korean War, the life of a combat soldier and the strategies of war.

I found this book to be extremely well written. Being a member of the 24th division and served from July'50 through May'51 I can attest to the accuracy. I have read numerous books on the Korean War and found this to be the most precise and entertaining. The reading of this was very memorable and I would recommend it to anyone whether you read it to relate to a personal experience or for the history. You know this must be good if I rated it 5 stars when the author is a Marine and I'm Army......

I read this book at my moms. We always try to keep up with anything and anyone that knew John Kennawell. It was a blessing to see that Michael had a picture of Sonny and my Uncle Johnny together. I will always remember that picture and know my mother has it. Someday I will have that same picture. Also I was glad that he put letters from mothers and others in this touching book.

In 1952 I had the honor of joining Company A, 5th RCT, which was assigned to the Punch Bowl area at that time. From what I could gather from other soldiers already there the 5th had an outstanding combat record. I finally found a book describing that period of combat. I now really appreciate being a member of the 5th and salute the veterans of the terrible combat of 1950-1952. Everyone who wants to have an insight into Infantry combat should read this book. Mike, you did a great job.