KEENE ~ William R. Graser presents his new book "Smell the Gunpowder: The Land of the Morning Calm"

Saturday, March 25, 2023 - 11:00am to 12:00pm

The Keene Toadstool Hosts

William R. Graser

presenting his new book

Smell the Gunpowder:

The Land of the Morning Calm

Saturday, March 25th at 11 am

Smell the Gunpowder: The Land of the Morning Calm is inspired by true events and firsthand accounts of American veterans who served in Korea. Because of these veterans, the Republic of Korea remains a free, sovereign nation and one of Asia's strongest and wealthiest countries.

The American military presence began in Korea at the end of World War II through the Cold War, including the two Korean conflicts (1950-1953) and (1966-1969).

The author provides in-depth stories of battles and planning during the first Korean conflict. In addition, he discusses the causes and serious incidents of the second Korean conflict that could have led to an all-out war between the United States, South Korea, North Korea, and its allies.

The author concludes with current events such as the Singapore Summit 2018 (Singapore), the Hanoi Summit 2019 (Socialist Republic of Vietnam), North Korea's hostile threat of nuclear conflict, and the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

To this day, North Korea continues to have a nuclear arsenal and is one of the world's most militarized countries, creating a critical security challenge. Concerns about North Korea and its intentions remain at the highest level since the end of the Korean conflicts in the 1950s and 1960s. South Korea has urged the United States and North Korea to reach a formal peace agreement to end the decades-long conflict, but the outcome of a peace agreement is uncertain.

Smell the Gunpowder is recommended for military historians, librarians, history students, veterans, and those with an interest in military history. The book offers a unique, firsthand account of the difficulties and struggles encountered by those who served.

William R. Graser enlisted in the US Army in 1965 and was recruited by the US Army Security Agency (ASA). The ASA was responsible for strategic and tactical intelligence gathering. He served in South Korea on the DMZ from April 1966 through May 1967. He retired as a sergeant first class. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for superior meritorious service while serving with the US Army Field Station Berlin.