Course Reviews - The Korean War

Korea is truly the "Forgotten War" and Rick does an excellent job of capturing the most significant components of this complex and dangerous period of American history. There is so much to learn but sadly few Americans take the time to understand how the remnants of the conflict remain with us today, influencing not just our relations with both North and South Korea but also China and Russia. I highly recommend Rick's course as an enjoyable way to gain an understanding of the conflict plus it will direct you to the best reading material to take a deeper dive into the story. John Riley, Wilmington, DE (Army veteran), 6-30-'21

Great course. An excellent overview of "The Forgotten War", with the ebbs and flows of the conflict well-documented, analyzed, and presented. Maps, photographs, and charts helped tell the story, and a comprehensive review of Korean history from the end of the war to the present day was a bonus. (Five stars). Mike Hanson, USMC, Bonita Springs, FL, 2-16-21

I recommend the Korean War Course by Mr Sperry. It is informative and enjoyable. This is the third Zoom course that I have taken from Mr Sperry. In this pandemic lockdown, I have looked forward to these classes. They have been a significant addition during this time. John T Sommer, MD, Bryn Mawr, PA, 2-16-21

Richard Sperry's  Korean War course provided some gripping accounts of battles that were fought in dire conditions, many in the brutal Korean winter of 1950-51. After dramatic swings in the fortunes of the North (first reinforced and then virtually replaced by Chinese troops) and the South (ditto for the role of US and UN troops) in the first 15 months, the war reached a stalemate in the second half of 1951 and little changed before the "truce" was signed in 1953. I would have liked to learn more both about "brainwashing" of US POWs held by the Chinese and about the air war. One of the best novels I've read in the past 10 years is "The Hunters", by James Salter, who flew many missions as a pilot in Korea. Tony Barclay, Yale '67, Wilton, CT 2-17-21

"I took this course because I have two Korean-American grandchildren. Rick provided more than just the military perspective and included a lot of cultural and social background. This greatly expanded both my knowledge of current events and enabled me to converse with them about their history. The course was well-detailed with slides and important references. Would recommend it highly." Robert Rhodes, Radnor, PA

"I thoroughly enjoyed Rick Sperry's informative course on the conflict in Korea. As a high school history teacher I had a very basic understanding of the complexities of this little-understood war, and I wanted to learn the political forces at play as well as the military events. Both were well-presented and I appreciated the focus on the individuals involved on both sides. After completing the course I not only know much more but have been motivated to do more reading; Rick provides an extensive list of recommended books for all the topics the course covers and offers film recommendations as well. I highly recommend the course." Anita Prentice, Garrison, NY

"I have taken three courses from Rick Sperry - The War in the Pacific,The Korean War, and the War of 1812. These are three conflicts about which I personally knew very little, and was delighted to have the opportunity to learn more. From his experience as a Naval Officer in the Viet Nam War period, Rick has a highly knowledegable perspective on the strategies and tactics of military engagement, plus a true appreciation for how the egos and personalities of those in charge can impact outcomes in both positive and negative ways.

These courses are human stories of courage, victory, defeat, resilience, errors and luck. Rick has a fine command of his information, and his presentation manner is very conversational with a good seasoning of humor. I very much look forward to further learning experiences with him." Steve Dana, Bryn Mawr, PA

"I have been a participant in several of Richard Sperry's military history courses on both the Korean war and World War II in the Pacific, and have found that each course greatly enhanced both my knowledge of American history and my appreciation of the men and women who were part of that history. In only a few class meetings Richard was able to give us an awareness of the underlying causes of the conflict, an understanding of the strategy and tactics of major battles and insight into the personalities of the military leaders and political figures that played a major part in the wars.

In each course I have taken with Richard there were several participants who were very knowledgeable about specific areas of the history we were learning. Richard was especially good at encouraging members of the class to share their knowledge at appropriate times. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere Richard creates as well as his extensive knowledge of the subject. The sign of a good teacher is the desire of the students to learn more; I have left every course I have taken with Richard by writing a list of books I want to read and places I want to visit. I highly recommend Richard Sperry's history courses to everyone." Pat McGrath, Havertown, PA