--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: And while the most desperate hours of the…" description: "\"“And while the most desperate hours of the men within the Perimeter were passing, a second battle had been raging in their rear, back in the continenta..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/t-r-fehrenbach-2-28136_american-troops_and-while-the-most-desperate-hours-of-th_2447660.jpg" --- # And while the most desperate hours of the men within the… ![“And while the most desperate hours of the men within the Perimeter were passing, a second battle had been raging in their rear, back in the continental United States. When American soldiers went into action, it had become customary to provide them with a free issue of candy, cigarettes—and beer…” quote by T.R. Fehrenbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/t-r-fehrenbach-2-28136_american-troops_and-while-the-most-desperate-hours-of-th_2447660.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/t-r-fehrenbach-2-28136_american-troops_and-while-the-most-desperate-hours-of-th_2447660.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/t-r-fehrenbach-2-28136_american-troops_and-while-the-most-desperate-hours-of-th_2447660.jpg) > ““And while the most desperate hours of the men within the Perimeter were passing, a second battle had been raging in their rear, back in the continental United States. When American soldiers went into action, it had become customary to provide them with a free issue of candy, cigarettes—and beer. In the places American troops fought, there were rarely any handy taverns or supermarkets. Reported to the home front, the “beer issue” rapidly became a national controversy. Temperance, church, and various civic groups bombarded the Pentagon and Congress with howls of protest against the corruption of American youth. One legislator, himself a man who took a brew now and then, tried a flanking attack against the complainers, saying on the floor of the House, “Water in Korea is more deadly than bullets!” But no one either polled the troops for their opinion or said openly that a man who was old enough to kill and be killed was also old enough to have a beer if he wanted it. Unable to shake the habit of acquiescence, the Army leaders bowed to the storm of public wrath. On 12 September the day the 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, lost half its strength securing Hill 314, Far East Command cut off its beer ration. The troops could still buy beer, but only when and if the PX caught up with them.”” [T.R. Fehrenbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-r-fehrenbach-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote illustrates how military morale and public opinion clash over provisions like alcohol, leading to policy changes despite soldiers’ desires. **In simple terms:** Soldiers wanted beer; public pressure stopped it. Key Takeaway Consider how morale needs balance with public values. Themes morale public opinion military policy war culture Mood reflective critical Type historical analytical When to use this quote - combat zones - home front debates - policy decisions - troop welfare Key Concepts cognitive dissonance civil‑military relations behavioral economics Questions to Reflect On - How should leaders weigh troop morale against civilian expectations? - What alternatives could satisfy both sides? 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