For Country and Corps: The Life of General Oliver P. Smith

Oliver P. Smith (1893–1977) looked more like a high school chemistry teacher than a stereotypical Marine officer, but he was one of the Marine Corps's finest combat leaders of the 20th century. In this first full-length biography, his granddaughter combines interviews and oral histories with archival and family papers in a well-rounded portrait. A contemporary observed that Smith “was good at anything.” His WWII career ranged from headquarters service in Washington to combat duty in assistant division command and a stint as chief of staff of the 10th Army on Okinawa. But Smith's achievements culminated as commander of the 1st Marine Division in Korea. In November 1950, a massive Chinese attack isolated the Marines around Chosin Reservoir. Smith directed an epic breakout that left the attacking Chinese troops crippled. Shisler tells the story well, emphasizing Smith's skill at getting the best out of his exhausted men. “Retreat, hell,” he was famously quoted as saying, “we are just attacking in a different direction.” Shisler creditably tells the story of a general who served country and corps with distinction. 25 b&w photos. (Oct. 1)