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on March 16, 2017
This book is about some exceptionally hard men, in an exceptionally hard environment. Great read, great lessons in leadership and resolve.
on August 3, 2017
Very well written and informative.
on May 9, 2017
Traces the path of baker 1/7 from an undisciplined and untrained newly constituted unit, to men of extraordinary heroism and endurance as they are ravaged by -30 weather and the horses of Chinese. Outnumbered and equipped but never outfought, these men have left the onus for us all to live up to their legacy.
VINE VOICEon February 27, 2007
"Colder Than Hell," is a wonderful book. It's a combination memoir and history of one rifle company during one of the most horrendous periods of fighting during the Korean War.
Mr. Owen is a good writer and he tells the story of "Baker 1/7," with a strong, narrative flow. While much of his book relates his experience commanding the Weapons Platoon, he manages to tell the rest of the company's story. The result is a unit story worthy to stand alongside the best narratives of a small unit.
The reader will finish this book with a sense of awe of the men of the 1st Marine Division (not to mention the Army troops and other UN forces who marched alongside them) and horror of the frozen hell that the Chosin campaign was. That anyone survived it was amazing. That the 1st Marine Division not only maintained it's cohesiveness, but managed to destroy many CCF divisions and make it back to friendly lines with all it's equipment, not to mention its wounded and lastly its KIAs, is a miracle.
Mr. Owen is the perfect narrator for this story. He is modest, generous in giving credit and his admiration for all his fellow Marines knows no bounds. This book should be required reading for students of the Korean War and those who have an interest in the Chosin Resevoir in particular.
"Colder Than Hell," is a true classic of Korean War literature.
Mr. Owen is a good writer and he tells the story of "Baker 1/7," with a strong, narrative flow. While much of his book relates his experience commanding the Weapons Platoon, he manages to tell the rest of the company's story. The result is a unit story worthy to stand alongside the best narratives of a small unit.
The reader will finish this book with a sense of awe of the men of the 1st Marine Division (not to mention the Army troops and other UN forces who marched alongside them) and horror of the frozen hell that the Chosin campaign was. That anyone survived it was amazing. That the 1st Marine Division not only maintained it's cohesiveness, but managed to destroy many CCF divisions and make it back to friendly lines with all it's equipment, not to mention its wounded and lastly its KIAs, is a miracle.
Mr. Owen is the perfect narrator for this story. He is modest, generous in giving credit and his admiration for all his fellow Marines knows no bounds. This book should be required reading for students of the Korean War and those who have an interest in the Chosin Resevoir in particular.
"Colder Than Hell," is a true classic of Korean War literature.
on March 26, 2012
Words cannot express how well this book was written by a true Marine who was there. Numerous books have been written covering the Marines during the Korean War, but few were told by actual Marines who were there, especially a "boot" lieutenant who is not afraid to let the reader know how "green" he was in the beginning. Like all good , no, "great" leaders in the field, the author knows that a "seasoned" E-4 can be very valuable during combat. The author really shows how much his men mean to him and how much he relies on them in combat.
I got out as an E-4 during my time in the Corps (mid-80's)and I would have been honored to have served under such a leader as Joseph Owen.
you won't want the book to end. In fact, I forced myself to put it down several times after only a few chapters at a time, just to make it last!
I got out as an E-4 during my time in the Corps (mid-80's)and I would have been honored to have served under such a leader as Joseph Owen.
you won't want the book to end. In fact, I forced myself to put it down several times after only a few chapters at a time, just to make it last!
on December 24, 2013
Learn your history while the people who were there are still living, for someday soon we will end up back there to finish what was started back in the 50's, this time around the cost will be much higher. It is true, those who defend this country desire peace the most, and are willing to keep the peace at the cost of their lives. The men who served in the Marines, who followed orders, suffered a high cost due to stupid leadership in DC, but kept their honor as they fought their way out of hell. Read and learn what honor is all about and beware of stupid leadership in DC now.
on September 1, 2016
I liked the way the writer was up front and honest about his fear, lack of experience and how he learned to really respect the enlisted Marines. The book mostly covers the company and below level, therefore not boring the reader with military politics and generals pillow talk.
on August 9, 2000
"Colder Than Hell" tells the story of a Marine Corps platoon from its formation at Camp Pendleton, NC at the outset of the Korean War to the famous breakout from the ("frozen") Chosin Reservoir in the winter of 1950-1951. The author puts the reader right there with the men. One can almost taste the frozen chow, the cold seeping through your parka and the onset of frostbite through the snopaks. "Personalities" are included and we cringe when one of them is wounded or killed. There are two minor drawbacks: 1) We get little taste of a wider war, but this is understadable. Why should the men care about any other war but theirs? 2) As with so many similar stories, there is a dearth of MAPS!!. Where were these guys? Every editor should be forced to include usable MAPS in military stories. Other than these, the lieutenant does a fine job of writing. I was impressed by the leval of leadership and courage displayed by the Marines under terribly difficult circumstances- all the more so because so many were not "regulars" but activated reservists. "Colder Than Hell" was first written in 1996. I wonder why Lt. Owen waited so long to tell his story, but I'm glad he did. Former or current Marines should jump on this book, as should serious students of the Korean conflict.
