The Korean War from 1950 to 1953 is often forgotten, but it was a watershed in American history. It was in Korea that the United States first committed its armed forces in an anti-communist war. It was also the first war in which a world organisation, the United Nations, played a military role. The conflict in Korea was a war that was fought in hardship and danger by the 'grunt', the man and woman in the field, bringing an end to the myth that possession of an atomic bomb made conventional warfare unnecessary. Training, usually with World II weapons, life on the front, care of the wounded and the dead, and coming home, are just some of the topics covered in the book. In addition, a timeline of events, a helpful topically arranged bibliography of recommended sources, and illustrations, including many photos taken by the soldiers themselves, bring this period into full focus.