Korean War – Gerry van Tonder

North Korea Invades the South: Across the 38th Parallel June 1950

"North Korea Invades the South: Across the 38th Parallel June 1950" details the outbreak of the Korean War, highlighting the North's aggressive invasion that shattered peace and marked a turning point in Cold War dynamics. President Truman's response, under a UN mandate, led to General Douglas MacArthur's command of forces in Korea, facing an unprepared American military and international tensions. This book sets the stage for a conflict that entrenched North-South divisions, examining the pivotal events and geopolitical implications that resonate to this day.

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North Korean Onslaught: UN Stand at Pusan August–September 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"North Korean Onslaught: UN Stand at Pusan August–September 1950" details the critical phase of the Korean War where UN forces, including US, Australian, British, New Zealand, French, and Canadian troops, faced a relentless North Korean advance. This volume focuses on the desperate defense of the Pusan Perimeter, highlighting the strategic significance of this last stronghold against the North's overwhelming military push. The narrative underscores the high stakes and the coalition's efforts to hold the line in one of the war's most intense battles.

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Inchon Landing: MacArthur’s Korean War Masterstroke, September 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"Inchon Landing: MacArthur’s Korean War Masterstroke, September 1950" recounts the pivotal counteroffensive led by General Douglas MacArthur, turning the tide of the Korean War. Despite skepticism from Washington and logistical challenges, MacArthur's daring plan for an amphibious assault on Inch’ŏn succeeded. The surprise landing on 15 September allowed US forces to recapture Seoul and break the North Korean siege of the Pusan Perimeter. This bold maneuver not only pushed North Korean forces back across the 38th Parallel but also marked a significant shift in the war's momentum, reinstating the South Korean government in their capital.

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Allied Surge: Pyongyang Falls, UN Sweep to the Yalu October 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"Allied Surge: Pyongyang Falls, UN Sweep to the Yalu October 1950" narrates a critical phase of the Korean War, detailing the UN Command's strategic advances post-Inchon Landing. Under General Douglas MacArthur, the UN forces, including the US X Corps and the Eighth Army, pushed northward, capturing Pyongyang and moving towards the Yalu River. Despite China's warnings and eventual massive troop deployment into North Korea, this volume captures the bold UN push that momentarily tipped the scales, setting the stage for the complex international dynamics and enduring tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

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China Invasion: People’s Liberation Army Crosses the Yalu October 1950–March 1951

By Gerry van Tonder

"China Invasion: People’s Liberation Army Crosses the Yalu October 1950–March 1951" explores a pivotal shift in the Korean War, as Chinese forces enter North Korea, overturning UN advances. After MacArthur's push north, China's ambushes and strategic assaults force UN troops into retreat, notably at the Chosin Reservoir. This volume highlights the transition from UN dominance to a fierce battle for survival against a formidable Chinese military presence, marking a critical juncture in the conflict's trajectory.

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Against the Red Tide Part 1: 27th British Commonwealth Brigade’s Korean War

By Gerry van Tonder

"Against the Red Tide Part 1" highlights the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade's pivotal role in the Korean War. Deploying from Hong Kong and integrating units from the Commonwealth, they played a key part in defending the Pusan Perimeter and advancing into North Korea. Their journey from the Inchon landing through to the Chinese intervention underscores the brigade's resilience and strategic impact amidst coalition forces, navigating the harsh realities of warfare and complex logistical challenges in a pivotal Cold War conflict.

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Against the Red Tide Part 2: 27th British Commonwealth Brigade’s Korean War

By Gerry van Tonder

"Against the Red Tide Part 2" narrates the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade's enduring struggle in the Korean War through 1951. Tasked with covering retreats and serving as the rearguard for Seoul's evacuation, the brigade faced daunting challenges against Chinese forces. Their heroic stands, particularly at the Imjin River and Kapyong, where they sustained heavy casualties but demonstrated extraordinary heroism, are highlighted. The brigade's significant contributions were recognized with a change in command and an American Presidential Unit citation for their actions near Kapyong, reflecting their critical role in the UN's military campaign.

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