This is the second study in the Naval Historical Center’s monograph series, entitled “The U.S. Navy in the Modern World.” The purpose of the series is to bring to the attention of today’s naval personnel and other readers the contributions of the naval service to the nation, in war and peace, since 1945. During the Cold War, the Navy helped resist Communist aggression, deter nuclear and conventional attack on the United States, protect American trade at sea and ashore, strengthen regional alliances and foster the growth of democratic and free market institutions worldwide. The strength and overseas presence of the U.S. fleet often resolved crises without the use of force. But when force was necessary, the Navy fought hard and well.
In light of the Navy’s current emphasis on littoral operations, I believe that Assault from the Sea: The Amphibious Landing at Inchon, by Curtis A. Utz of our Contemporary History Branch, is an appropriate title for the series’ second work. His monograph demonstrates how the Navy’s veteran leadership, flexible organization, versatile ships and aircraft and great mobility gave the theater commander, General of the Army Douglas A. MacArthur, the ability to launch a devastating offensive against the North Korean invaders of South Korea.
In addition to the efforts of Mr. Utz, many others were involved in the production of this work. This project was skillfully supervised by Dr. Edward J. Marolda, who heads the Contemporary History Branch. As always, Dr. William S. Dudley, the center’s Senior Historian, provided invaluable advice. I also wish to thank Professor Roger Dingman of the University of Southern California, a distinguished authority on the Korean War; and Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons, USMC (Ret.), Director of Marine Corps History and Museums and an Inchon veteran, for their helpful comments and observations. The views expressed are those of Mr. Utz alone and not those of the Department of the Navy or any other agency of the U.S. government.

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