Author Description

The "Retreads" is a story of U.S. Marine Corps veterans of World War II who enlisted in the Marine Corps Volunteer Reserve Force. Five years later they would become involved in a cold war which developed into the United Nations Korean War. At the time of enlistment they were told that Marines serving in the inactive reserve without pay or promotions would only be subject to active duty in time of a declared war. On June 19, 1950, U.S. Ambassador John Foster Dulles spoke to a disturbed audience, the Korean National Assembly. The American people give you their support, both moral and material... You are not alone you will never be alone.' Six days later on June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea with 135,000 men, initiating the Korean War. The South Korean Army estimated at 100,000 men, with 50,000 armed police was demoralized and unable to mount any semblance of defense against the invading forces In four days, the city of Seoul was in the hands of the well-trained communist armies from the north. The invaders would have swept to Pusan if U.S. Army ground forces stationed in Japan had not been sent by President Truman on his own authority to fight a delaying action. General Douglas McArthur, the U.S. Army Commander in the Far East, was named Commander in Chief of the United Nations Ground Forces consisting of elements from nineteen nations. The cold war became a hot war. South Korea, after less than five years of independence from the Japanese Empire was fighting for its life and freedom. On June 27, 1950, President Truman ordered air and sea support for South Korea. On June 30, 1950, he followed with orders and authorization to use U.S. Army ground troops (many with no combat experience) against the invaders. The scope of the war expanded and U.S. casualties mounted as experience troops fought against a well-trained enemy. Replacement and reinforcement troops were needed, however trained drafted men were not available as the