MWSA Book Review

As I Recall – A Marine’s Personal Story

Author:  George H. Tsegeletos

Publisher:  AuthorHouse

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

There are very few books about the war in Korea, or as some used to call it—the police action.  Author George Tsegeletos, who served in there during the worse of times—in the battles around the Chosin Reservoir, shares his experiences in his book, “As I Recall – A Marine’s Personal Story.”  He tells his stories from personal recollection and from old letters that he sent home.  He chronicles his experiences as a young Marine sent to North Korea to fight in one of America’s most unpopular wars— a war that would change his life forever.

The book is well written and lets the reader feel what it must have been like in the foxholes.  The narrative of his survival on those cold frozen battlefields paints an emotional image of the type of war it must have been.  He also shares with us some lighthearted moments which helps the reader cope with what is at times, a very serious story.

Most people know next-to-nothing about this war, or of the men who fought there or even why they were there.  I strongly recommend you add this book to your must read list.  It is less than 100 pages and is a quick read.  Lots of photos and other information add to the historic flavor of the book.

Reviewer:  Joe Fabel – MWSA Review Board

Our author graphically conveys the numbing cold, the endless marches and the lack of comforts as the Marines moved into battle in Korea. The enemies were both the North Koreans and the Chinese Communist armies. Plus that incessant enemy, the biting and piecing cold of winter in the Korean mountains.

Tsegeletos’ recounting of his personal experiences brings the reader into the fox holes and into the deadly company of enemy bullets. His experiences and those of his comrades are from the “forgotten war” for those who spent months and years of their young lives fighting the elements as well as a determined enemy. The insights provided by copies of letters he sent home provided rich answers to family members and neighbors who questioned “what was it like?”

This story is not intended as a historical document; rather, it is the factual presentation of a dedicated Marine who faced the declared enemy with determination and courage. In most cases within battles, there was abundant confusion (“all plans went to hell!”) with the outcome dependent upon each individual Marine performing his duty as best as could be expected under the circumstances. Many went beyond the call of duty as did Tsegeletos on many occasions. Our gratitude and appreciation to him and his fellows!