Though I'm still only about half of the way through the book, it's so good that I will give a brief review of Roy Appleman's "East of Chosin." The book describes the struggles of RCT 31 (aka, TF Faith) during the early days of the Chinese intervention during the Korean War (i.e., late November 1950). If you're like me, you probably didn't know that while the 1st Mar Div was west of the Chosin reservoir, the US Army had a reinforced regiment(-) east of the reservoir. Appleman's book is a detailed (tactical) retelling of the the struggles of 1/32 and 3/31 (with attached units) during approximately a four-day period, from the initial surprise Chinese assault (on the night of 27 November) through the breakout attempt of 1 December (approximately only a thousand soldiers were able to reach Hagaru-ri, most of whom were wounded).
Appleman (well-known for his histories of the US Army in Korea) writes crisply and clearly in describing the events. It is obvious that Appleman has done a tremendous amount of research and he is forthcoming in admitting when sources conflict or are unavailable and the work is meticulously footnoted. The book, however, is not a dry academic read, but a dramatic nearly hour-by-hour recounting of events. Appleman also doesn't pull any punches and admits the mistakes made by the Army (especially before the battle begins). As a former grunt, I was angry to read about units with no one awake in their holes (even an admission that officers were reluctant to check the lines for fear of being shot - the Army units contained a large number of ROK conscripts [KATUSA], who were ill-trained and not always highly motivated). Also, 3/31 seemed to choose their bivouac site as if they were conducting an admin bivouac - low flat ground ringed by ridges - a decision that has obvious ill consequences as events develop. Still, despite some shortcoming both in their leadership and morale, the Army units seemed to fight tenaciously once the battle was joined.
The book is a delight to read - a real page turner and the tension builds relentlessly as you see the tragedy unfold. Additionally, the book is highly illustrated and contains useful (topographic) maps. If you are interested in reading an well-written account of a lesser-known chapter of events at Chosin, I highly recommend this book.