Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea

By: William Clark Latham Jr.

Narrated by: Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret.

Following the North Korean assault on the Republic of Korea in June of 1950, the invaders captured more than a thousand American soldiers and brutally executed hundreds more. American prisoners who survived their initial moments of captivity faced months of neglect, starvation, and brutal treatment as their captors marched them north toward prison camps in the Yalu River Valley. Cold Days in Hell provides a detailed account of their captivity and offers valuable insights into an ongoing issue: the conduct of prisoners in the hands of enemy captors and the rules that should govern their treatment.

The book is published by Texas A&M University Press.

©2012 William Clark Latham Jr. (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Intelligently conceived and exhaustively researched, it is an important and interesting addition to the field." ( Journal of Military History)

" Cold Days in Hell is destined to become a classic on this difficult topic." ( Pacific Historical Review)

Informative and Eye-opening

I knew nothing about the Korean War until I picked up this book. The adage, "war is hell," certainly comes to mind upon listening to the events unfold in the Korean conflict. The author is extremely knowledgeably and it shows in the clarity of details and overall experience. Capt. Spalding does an excellent job narrating.

This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

Cold Days is exceptional audio entertainment

What made the experience of listening to Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea the most enjoyable?

This is an exceptionally entertaining audio book. There are twelve chapters each with multiple personalities. The narrator brings a lot visual content to the narration with his effective use of “Assuming the voice of the Character” for the numerous individuals in the narrative of Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea. His presentation of the characters and the story settings really brings these stories to life and you can literally visualize the scenes and characters while listening to his narration. Consequently, when he is assuming various the characters he audibly takes on the persona of that individual so effectively that you can easily become a mentally visual participant in the story as if you are actually present.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea?

I liked Rotorhead and the story line around him.

What about Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret.’s performance did you like?

His audible characterization of the individuals and setting descriptions.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There is a whole range of emotions evoked by the various narrations. ... from humor to anger and sadness.

Any additional comments?

This book is absolutely difficult to stop listening to and it virtually necessitates stopping between chapter breaks.

Insightful and Informative--Very well written

If you could sum up Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea in three words, what would they be?

Eye-Opening Accounts

What did you like best about this story?

It captured the essence of the fate of the POW's in Korea

Which character – as performed by Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret. – was your favorite?

All. He did a great job. The voice was strong and captured the reader into the book easily

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

A personal perspective on a far too little known history.

A must-read for anyone interested in modern military history. Vivid and compelling writing, and Captain Spalding's narration is first-rate! Not to be missed!

Important tales from a Forgotten War

Would you listen to Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea again? Why?

This was a very interesting book about the incredible hardships endured by POW's but also a great overview of the "Forgotten War". I learned very little about this war in history classes so it was fascinating to hear about this important period in history.

What did you like best about this story?

I particularly enjoyed hearing the humorous tales of passive resistance by the POW's with their captors.

What does Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret. bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Capt Spalding has interviewed some of the survivors and has insight into their mental state during this difficult time

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Very sad to hear about the hardships the POW's endured

Gritty story that delivers the feel of the soldiers and what they went through

The author delivers a narration from capture to release as well as post war integration and trials that took place. From the moment of capture to release the full story of many a soldier is told as well as excerpts of the lives of others as well as full overview of the general conditions of the prisoners and their camps. The horrific nature of the treatment is evident. The glimpses of bravery as well as that of traitorous behavior and the amazing senses of humor that prevailed will truly touch you. Narrated by one captain Spalding who delivers a passionate narration of a time that was hard for many a soldier. I received this audiobook from the author narrator or publisher for free via audiobookboom in exchange for an unbiased review

Insightful and Informative--Very well written

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it captured the essence of the fate of the POW's in Korea. With historical analysis the book conveyed an integral message and reminded us of that difficult time in history.

What about Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret.’s performance did you like?

It was a great job. The voice was strong and captured the reader into the book easily.

Any additional comments?

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom."

American POWs in Korea

What did you like best about this story?

This is a good story regarding the struggles in a war that time seems to have almost forgotten.

Have you listened to any of Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret.’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Capt. Spalding has a good voice. He is a good choice to bring to light the struggles of the POWs.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy via Audiobook Boom at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Eye-Opening Account

What did you love best about Cold Days in Hell: American POWs in Korea?

It is always amazing to me how resilient the human body and will is when faced with incredible physical, emotional and mental suffering. The stories of what the American soldiers suffered at war and in captivity were astonishing. The Korean war falls in the middle of two conflicts that have received more visibility in our modern day culture. Even though it is a forgotten war, the men who died and survived need to have their tales remembered.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably Father Capone. His story of quiet defiance and commitment to the sheep in his flock was inspiring.

Have you listened to any of Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret.’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first audio-book ever. I love to read and wasn't sure if I would like the experience. I did like the narration and felt like Capt. Spalding kept the book lively, using vocal variation and mimicking the quoted statements from the American, Korean and Chinese characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The extreme brutality towards the prisoners was angering, especially the mental and emotional abuse.

Amazing

This book commemorates the men who suffered unimaginable torment in a often forgotten war.
Reading about their lifes and deaths keeps their memories alive and values their sacrifice.