Baker Bandits: Korea'S Band of Brothers

The Baker Bandits, a unique company in the Korean War, inspired Gen. Charlie Cooper to develop his "Band Of Brothers Leadership Principles." Emmett Shelton, a 19-year-old Marine Reservist, was called to duty in 1950 and was evacuated due to frostbite. In the 1980s, he started a newsletter, The Guidon, to reconnect with his old Company, B-1-5. Chosin Brothers is a book that brings together first-hand accounts from The Guidon, written by the men of B-1-5 about their time in Korea.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Baker Bandits, a remarkable company during the Korean War, engaged in a diverse range of combat operations, including Inchon, Naktong, Chosin Reservoir, Guerrilla Hunts, and numerous numbered hills. Their exceptional leadership and valor deeply inspired one B Company Commander, Gen. Charlie Cooper, to such an extent that when he assumed the role of Commanding General of the Marines First Division in 1977, his experiences with B-1-5 greatly influenced his renowned "Band of Brothers Leadership Principles," which were widely adopted within the Corps for many years.

Emmett Shelton, a 19-year-old Marine Reservist in 1950, found himself called to duty shortly after graduating from Austin High School. Within a mere six months, he had progressed to the rank of rifleman in the Korean theater of operations. The harsh Korean winter of 1950 proved to be a formidable challenge, and Emmett was evacuated due to frostbite shortly after Chosin. After the war, Emmett resumed his life, but in the 1980s, he attended a Chosin Few Reunion. There, he felt an overwhelming urge to reconnect with his old Company, the Baker Bandits. Determined to rekindle the bonds of camaraderie, Emmett embarked on a mission to track down B Company members one by one. He initiated the publication of a newsletter, titled "The Guidon," to share stories and foster a sense of unity among the veterans.

For a remarkable 20 years, Emmett diligently maintained the publication of "The Guidon," releasing it monthly. His efforts were rewarded, as the readership of the newsletter grew to a staggering 300 individuals, including a number of young B Company Marines who were currently serving in Afghanistan.

Chosin Brothers is a captivating compilation of firsthand accounts from "The Guidon," penned by the men of B-1-5 themselves. These accounts vividly depict the men's experiences during their time in Korea, encompassing battles, fallen commanders, the horrors of death in the foxhole, lost platoons, injuries, and the aftermath of the war. Through these narratives, readers gain a profound understanding of the sacrifices and hardships endured by these brave soldiers, as well as the enduring bonds forged between them in the face of adversity.

The Baker Bandits, Emmett Shelton, and the Chosin Few Reunion serve as poignant reminders of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice in the face of adversity. Their stories continue to inspire and honor those who have served, and serve as a testament to the enduring power of camaraderie and the enduring spirit of the American military.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 162 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612008981