The contributions of combat service support soldiers to the
successof American armies have often been overlooked by both
historians andthe public. Thus, it is altogether fitting that this
first volume in the Armyin Action Series should be John G.
Westovers compilation of short, butinstructive, pieces on service
and support activities during the Korean War.The Center of Military
History has received many requests for a reprintof this work, which
was first published by the Combat Forces Press in195.5; it is a
useful companion volume to Russell A. Gugelers Combark-dons in
Korea, which was reprinted in 1984 as part of the Army
HistoricalSeries.
Both Westovers subject and technique are worthy of study and
com-ment. While the details of combat actions in Americas wars have
beenstudied extensively, comparatively little has been done to
enlighten thesoldier of today regarding how logistical operations
were conducted at thesmall unit level. This book will serve to
repair that omission. Westovercompiled this book primarily from a
series of interviews conducted withmen actually involved in the
events at ground level. The oral historytechnique, which Army
historians did much to develop in World War IIand later, is now an
accepted historical method. The value of oral historyas a means of
getting to the details is amply demonstrated here.
The Center of Military History is pleased to be able to initiate
theArmy in Action Series with the first CMH edition of John G.
WestoversCombat Suppoti in Korea. This is the first volume in what
we hope willbe a series interesting to, and useful for, todays
soldiers and leaders atevery level.WASHINGTON, D.C. William A.
Stofft
Brigadier General, U.S. ArmyChief of Military History
