Foreword

The contributions of combat service support soldiers to the success of American armies have often been overlooked by both historians and the public. Thus, it is altogether fitting that this first volume in the Army in Action Series should be John G. Westovers compilation of short, but instructive, pieces on service and support activities during the Korean War. The Center of Military History has received many requests for a reprint of this work, which was first published by the Combat Forces Press in 195.5; it is a useful companion volume to Russell A. Gugelers Combarkdons in Korea, which was reprinted in 1984 as part of the Army Historical Series. Both Westovers subject and technique are worthy of study and comment. While the details of combat actions in Americas wars have been studied extensively, comparatively little has been done to enlighten the soldier of today regarding how logistical operations were conducted at the small unit level. This book will serve to repair that omission. Westover compiled this book primarily from a series of interviews conducted with men actually involved in the events at ground level. The oral history technique, which Army historians did much to develop in World War II and later, is now an accepted historical method. The value of oral history as a means of getting to the details is amply demonstrated here. The Center of Military History is pleased to be able to initiate the Army in Action Series with the first CMH edition of John G. Westovers Combat Suppoti in Korea. This is the first volume in what we hope will be a series interesting to, and useful for, todays soldiers and leaders at every level. WASHINGTON, D.C. William A. Stofft Brigadier General, U.S. Army Chief of Military History