Mullen states that the United States had made several efforts to help stop the march of communism. For a long time, the United States government was at war with the Soviets and had tried all means, including war, to stop its spread. This situation also created an opportunity for the country to test its military prowess, fueled by the confidence they acquired after successfully protecting Berlin against invasions by Russia. Truman believed that Korea had a chance of repelling the upcoming invasion of communism if they had support from the United States army and navy forces. Truman was also very determined to expose any internal enemies of the country within the government.
Mullen describes the General as a proud man who attributed most of his overconfidence to the numerous support and previous successes during World War II. He continues to demonstrate some of the rash decisions that the General makes when it comes to military tactics. McArthur gained popularity and support from veteran groups in the United States and some leaders in Congress, making him the General of the Army. Douglas McArthur was mostly concerned with his command in Tokyo rather than the protests that were going on in the South. Most of the students in the area were protesting a corrupt regime led by Rhee, causing much violence, sparking a civil war in the future.
President Truman and General McArthur varied in opinions concerning handling the war and other differing political aspects. President Truman later fired General McArthur and replaced him with General Mathew Ridgway. Truman had previously disagreed with the General’s military strategies about pushing forward into North Korea to eradicate communist forces. He argued that the communist groups in The People’s Republic of China would interpret it as a form of invasion and retaliate. The General disagreed and argued that the probabilities of this conflict were low. The Chinese, however, sent troops into North Korea, forcing the US soldiers back to South Korea. President Truman also shows disapproval in Mc Arthurs ways as he suggests bombing several parts of communist China. “President Truman replaced the General, arguing that the army was there to help people rather than extend the war”[1]. He also did not see the need to waste the lives of the troops and not avoid the possibility of starting up World War III. General Ridgway makes some necessary changes to the situation in Korea by renewing some of the offensive strategies. He organizes additional corps groups, including I, IX, X, and the ROK army troops to III and I from west to east. He is also the first to successfully plan and execute an airborne assault.
Mullen portrays the lack of prowess in some American soldiers as they are captured by soldiers from the communist side and easily surrender to the Chinese troops. Upon learning of the large numbers of prisoners held at these islands, the communist leaders send over soldiers who willingly get captured and lead others in gaining control over the area. Mullen states that most American soldiers are young and have no knowledge of their county’s history or why they are fighting in the war. The US government later responds to this situation by creating a new code of conduct. This code of conduct emphasizes the need for vigorous training and identification before getting recruited into the US troops.
[1] J. M. Carroll and C. F. Baxter, The American military tradition: From colonial times to the present (Rowman & Littlefield, 2007
Bibliography
Carroll, J. M., and C. F. Baxter. The American military tradition: From colonial times to the present. Rowman & Littlefield, 2007.
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