Valleys of Death: A Memoir of the Korean War

I enjoyed reading this book through and through. From beginning to end, the details describing the various events that took place paint an eye-opening picture to keep the reader engaged and eager to read the next chapter.

My granddad flew rescue helicopters in Korea . He never spoke of the war until he was in his 90s. He lived to 102. He spoke of the bitter cold and fast advancements in rank due to so many dying . His gunner was taken prisoner when another pilot had flown in his place, and the helicopter was shot down . This book really opened my eyes to what his gunner went thru as a prisoner . Great book , amazing memoir.

The Korean War was truly an unnecessary conflict such as was Vietnam Nam. This was not the fault of our very brave American Soldiers and Marines. Our republic is fortunate to have so many great military people like Bill Richardson. A great story!

A story of very brave men who volenterred to fight for their country and ended up suffering way beyond human intolerance at the mercy of ignorant and sadistic men.

Bill Richardson's patriotism and unfaltering courage cannot be adequately described in a "quickie" book review such as this. One must read his story for themselves. I was in the service during the Korean War and this is one of the best books on the war that I've read to date. I am saddened to remember that so many, suffered so much, to be so easily forgotten. During its 3 year duration, what Truman would call a "Police Action" cost the lives of 3,000,000 people, including more than 35,000 Americans as well as 8,500 MIA. Though few recognize it, the Korean War was the precursor of the Vietnam War. The two conflicts, separated by a decade, were inextricably linked. Returning Korean War veterans were spat on and vilified too. Most Americans however, were apathetic toward them, as if they had never been gone. And now, to add insult to injury, it is reported that Ken Burns (producer of the Civil War series) has chosen to skip over the Korean War, one of America's bloodiest conflicts, as if it were no more than a historical speed bump, and move on to the Vietnam War of which he plans to produce, what will surely be another of his excellent visual productions. Selective remembering appears easier for some than others.

I have not finished this book but I felt compelled to write a review. I am at the section where the writer is a POW... that is all I will say so I wont ruin it for others. This book is exactly what I have been looking for. I wanted to read the stories of the Men and Women who were there. Not the breakdown of the logistics of the war but those who served. I would love to be able to sit down with a Man like the writer and spend a day listening to his stories but since I cant this book is a great account of what Hell these men endured. I am ashamed that I never paid close attention to past wars and our American History much until recently. I have also felt a sense of pride being an American and have felt a deep desire to honor our men and women in the Military, but I had no idea how much they really suffered. They suffered for me. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for writing this book and for helping people like myself understand more of what it really was like. God Bless our Military, those who support them..

I can't believe what some of our service me went through the battles and being a POW. And much more.

I cannot express enough gratitude for those who had the courage to fight in Korea. I can only hope the South Korean people today will also always show love to those Americans, and Allies, who saved their country from North Korean slavery.

interesting

must read, incredible!

Enjoyed the book,have read a few on the Korean war and this is one of the best.