Leadership in the Crucible

The Korean War Battles of Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-ni

By: Kenneth E. Hamburger

Narrated by: Bill Nevitt

At the pivotal battles of Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-ni in February 1951, UN forces met and contained large-scale attacks by Chinese forces. Colonel Paul Freeman and the larger-than-life Colonel Ralph Monclar led the American 23rd Infantry Regiment and the French Bataillon de Corée, respectively, in the fierce and dangerous battles that followed the precipitous UN retreat down the Korean Peninsula.

In Leadership in the Crucible, Kenneth Hamburger details the actions of the units in the United Nations counteroffensive following the Chinese intervention, including routine patrols, the harrowing battle of Twin Tunnels, and the pivotal siege of Chipyong-ni. From extensive personal interviews and a careful reconstruction of the written record, Hamburger brilliantly analyzes the roles that training, cohesion, morale, logistics, and leadership play in success or failure on the front lines of limited war. He also addresses the vexing problem of when, and at what level, commanders have the right and even the responsibility to question lawful orders they believe are flawed.

In this careful consideration of combat leadership at all levels, Hamburger offers his listeners stories of men sustaining themselves and one another to the limits of human endurance.

©2003 Kenneth E. Hamburger (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"His coverage of fighting in cold winter weather with all its problems is superb. I highly recommend this book." ( Journal of Military History)

"Masterful and thought-provoking...makes a significant contribution to the understanding of combat leadership and of the human element in warfare." ( The Journal of America's Military Past)

A fascinating bit of Korean War history

I am not generally a reader of war books, but I found the Leadership in the Crucible to be fascinating, and I’m sure those who are interested in war, especially the Korean War, will particularly appreciate the book. This book is full of first hand reports with a focus on the leaders in the Battle of the Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-Ni. There is much to be learned from history, and there are some truly inspiring and tragic stories included here.

The narrator does a very good job bringing bringing the words in the book to life.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A close up of history

Leadership in the Crucible. A close look at 2 battles from the Korean War.
A great history from the forgotten war.
Well written and researched.
Bill Nevitt s style of narration really suits these histories.
Anyone who has an interest in history will enjoy this audiobook.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this review.

Informative & enjoyable

My first read/listen from author Kenneth E. Hamburger was not my typical read. A non-fiction work detailing the history of the Korean War battles of Twin Tunnels & ChipyonNi. Highly detailed & well-written, this book may not be for everyone but I found it enjoyable. Bill Nevitt’s excellent narration made the 9-hour 19-minute book pass quickly. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Excellent detailed history of of the 23rd RCT

Thorough history of real men in real combat. the writing and the reading put me right in the fox holes and command centers in the middle of real combat. The fog of war and the individuality of each soldier, Officer and personal actions of each. Told the story and didn't judge. being retired military veteran myself [although not a combat veteran] I could well understand the persona positive and otherwise of each.
Well written and well narrated.

A bit mechanical but still very interesting

This is a very mechanical, textbook like read. It’s part narration and part lessons in battle. And where one begins and one ends can be confusing. Korea was a limited war and detailed analysis of battles are very interesting. But it’s a bit wooden and hard to connect with. And then reasons for what was done and why or why not it was wrong come at awkward times. This makes it hard to truly focus on the work without getting distracted.

Other than that it is very learned and studious. And Bill Nevitt’s narration is excellent. He’s a very good history narrator. He doesn’t over do it at any point. It’s overall a good listen.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.