An excellent book covering the early part of the Koran conflict in the 1950's. The book details the conflict from the invasion of South Korea by North Korea and the subsequent intervention from the United Nations and the United States and allies,
The book is very well written and done so from the tactical and strategic perspective and includes the bigger picture as well as the more detailed assaults and fire fights from both the UN / US perspective and also the Chinese perspective.
Highly recommended, an enjoyable read from start to finish - Excellent!

This was an excellent book about a subject that has, at least in my opinion, not been covered enough. Congratulations on an excellent effort.

In this fascinating, harrowing, and detailed history book, Joseph Wheelan brings a battle and a Chinese military trap for the Fifth and Seventh Marine Regiments in Chosin, now in North Korea, to life. Using Chinese military documents and sources, this book’s use of new material to tell this incredible and fascinating story through first-hand accounts is powerful and moving. The son of a Chosin veteran, Wheelan brings the scene to life, exploring this moment in the Korean War in incredible detail. Presenting both the macro military strategy and the micro personal accounts in this book, readers are guaranteed to discover something new in this fascinating account. With maps and military jargon, the book introduces incredible material and details to the readers, but this might be overwhelming for those new to military history or looking for a less complex take. However, these incredible documents and maps contextualize and visualize the Chosin trap and the Marines’ ingenuity in escaping it. With high stakes, powerful anecdotes, and complex detail, Wheelan has done a masterful job bringing Chosin and those involved to life in this very complete account. For serious history readers and people interested in military history, Wheelan’s book is a must-read for its complexity, intricacy, and vibrant narrative.

Perhaps one of the most inspirational novels I have read in years. The hardships and horrors the men of the Marine Corps endured in fighting their way out of a trap laid for them in North Korea during the Korean conflict was heartbreaking! Not only the combat, but the sub-zero conditions they were forced to endure. Poor leadership by MacArthur and his generals led to their being cut off and in reality, abandoned to their fate. Faulty intelligence who refused to accept what they were being told in reports and a belief they could win the battle, and conflict would doom thousands to death, injury, and horrific cases of frostbite.

If not for the spirit of the Marines and their belief in themselves, this could have been a disaster for the US forces. Not to be forgotten are selfless sacrifices a made by the British troops and the Marine/Naval aviation. The firsthand accounts from both sides of the conflict are riveting and really enhanced the telling of this battle.

This should be a must read for all, so one can understand what we ask of our servicemen and women and what they endure for our freedom.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you are interested in a micro-history of the Korean police action this book is a must read. But only history buffs should buy and read it. It is far too detailed for the general reading public.

The Farthest Valley, Escaping the Chinese Trap at the Chosin Reservoir, by Joseph Wheelan was obtained directly from the publisher and I chose to review it. I had never read this author before but I had studied this military campaign when I served in South Korea. The Korean War, or Armed Conflict came quickly after World War 2 and the US militaryand United Nations forces were vastly outnumbered by Chinese forces that intelligence had not known had crossed the border. This book uses Chinese accounts f the battles as well as survivor accounts and what is known about the battle. If you, or someone you know, is a military historian, is interested in actual battle run-downs or are even thinking of joining the military, give this book a read.

Free ARC from Net Galley

No need to mince words, fascinating, terrifying, incredible story. From a drone's eye view to individual tactics from both sides of the battlefield. It gives the reader pause to think "Where did such men come from and are they still in America"? This is a complete work of both sides. America would do well to examine the type of enemy they may very well face in the near future.

This detailed account of the US 1st Marine Division and their involvement in the early part of the Korean War is a product of diligent research from many reports and accounts from survivors. The Korean War was only recognised by the UN as an ‘Armed Conflict’ but what occurred was a major use of international armed forces on both sides involving hundreds of thousands of troops and massive casualties. The build up of the conflict stemmed from the end of WWII, the internal split within China and the initial invasion of the communist Koreans hostile takeover of the South of Korea aided by Communist China. This then involved the UN condemning the hostilities and an international force was assembled, led by the US, to combat the invasion.
The detailed involvement of the US 1st Marine Div is an education for any military historian interested in the evolution of military tactics. The actions of individuals on both sides especially at the command level clearly show the difference between the Chinese and US militaries. The one clear issue on the US side was the US Army Commanders had a negative view of the usefulness of the US Marines in a land conflict however, the Marines proved very quickly that they were quick to adapt to the battle situations they faced and employed the Marine air power available very effectively.
This should be mandatory reading today as ‘lessons learnt’ from a forgotten conflict to anyone entering the armed forces and consider the world today to that time.

"The Farthest Valley" thoroughly covers the American retreat from the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Douglas MacArthur had ordered the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to drive through North Korea to the very border of China. He predicted that the war would be over in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, reports filtered in of entire Red Chinese armies massing inside North Korea. The top American brass in Japan didn't believe it. 400,000 Chinese soldiers in North Korea? Ridiculous!

At that time, MacArthur was a legend, because his invasion at Inchon cut off the enemy in South Korea. His staff felt that they couldn't go against his judgment; his invasion had succeeded beyond all expectations. The North Koreans had swept through South Korea, yet MacArthur had soundly beaten them by cutting them off.

"The Farthest Valley" describes the Red Chinese armies as badly equipped and starving. Thousands of Chinese soldiers froze to death. Their communications were primitive; their maps were obsolete. But they vastly outnumbered the Americans. They attacked in hordes.

"The Farthest Valley" is an absolute page turner. It is mostly an overview of the war but with numerous details down to the individual soldier or Marine. I highly recommend the book.

A really great campaign history of the Korean War, and especially the US Marines' gallant "attack in a different direction" as they retreated from what became known as Frozen Chosin, where they were cut off by three times the number of Chinese who somehow managed to cross the China-North Korea frontier without notice by General MacArthur and his team back in Tokyo. Mr Wheelan uses translations of Chinese memoirs and histories to great effect. Even while cheering for the Marines, you can't help but admire the courage of the Chinese troops in their cotton uniforms and rations so scanty that they had to loot American supply dumps to keep from starving. And all this in temperatures down to 40 degrees below zero!