In July of 1950, the Korean War looked as if it was about to come to an unexpectedly quick conclusion. South Korean troops had been pushed far south before gradually falling into a defensive line around the port of Pusan. Across the Sea of Japan, American soldiers boarded transport planes at Itazuke Air Base, Japan, preparing to go into combat against an unfamiliar enemy.  The youngest among them had barely turned 19. Few had fought in World War II. Their commander was one of the few veterans.