The Korean War

The Korean War. . , On June 25th, 1950, North Korea launched an unprovoked invasion into South Korea, across the 38th Parallel. President Truman, with United Nations backing, committed U.S. Forces to counter the invasion. The U.S. led troops established a defensive line, the "Pusan Perimeter" which was held at high cost, until reinforcements arrived., At Inchon, on September 15th, a surprise amphibious landing, led by General Douglas MacArthur, cut off North Korean supplies to their troops in Pusan, and recaptured Seoul. U.S. and UN forces were ordered into North Korea and fought northward to the Yalu River, the border with China., The Chinese, with support from the Soviet Union, decided to enter the war. On October 26th, Chinese troops that had infiltrated across the river, came out of hiding and attacked. Many U.S. units suffered very high casualties and captures. Some U.S. Prisoners of War (POWs) suffered captivity for over two and one half years. The large Chinese force pushed UN forces south from the Chosin Reservoir and back into South Korea. The U.S. 10th Corps, along with thousands of civilians, was evacuated by sea at the port of Hungnam by Christmas Day., Using combined land, sea and air forces, the United Nations recaptured Seoul on January 25th, 1951 and drove the Communists north of the 38th parallel in almost every sector. On July 10th, negotiations began at Panmunjom. The next two years saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war, but with limited movement in the battle lines. Heroic battles over "Pork Chop Hill", the "Punchbowl," "Bloody Ridge," "T-Bone" and "Old Baldy" cost many lives and casualties., A cease fire Armistice was signed on July 27th, 1953, but no "Peace Treaty" has been. Over 1,200 U.S. Servicemen have lost their lives and over 90 have been captured and held by North Korea (since 1953). About 30,000 U.S. Armed Forces are stationed in the Republic of Korea in the defense of freedom. Thanks to the sacrifice of American and United Nations forces, the Republic of Korea is now one of the most successful free countries in the world., It has been said that The Korean War was one of the most important events of the 20th Century because for the first time, force was used to contain Communism. A degree of stability came over the world scene because Communist military aggression was defeated in Korea., "... with special feelings of sorrow - and of solemn gratitude - we think of those who were called to lay down their lives in that far-off land to prove once again, that only courage and sacrifice can keep freedom upon the earth." , President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 27 July 1953, United States Casualties, Killed in Action 33,686 , Missing in Action 7,600 , Non-Battle Deaths 2,800 , Prisoners of War 7,245 , Wounded 342,000. , The Korean people continue to display their appreciation and affection to the 1,938,330 United Nations soldiers who came a long distance to fight for a nation they had never heard of, at the risk of their lives., COMBAT TROOPS , USA 1,789,000 , UK 56,000 , Canada 25,687 , Turkey 14,936 , Australia 8,407 , Philippines 7,420 , Thailand 6,326 , Netherlands 5,322 , Columbia 5,100 , Greece 4,992 , New Zealand 3,794 , Ethiopia 3,518 , Belgium 3,498 , France 3,421 , Republic of South Africa 826 , Luxembourg 83, MEDICAL SUPPORT , Sweden 1,124 , Denmark 630 , India 627 , Norway 623 , Italy 128, The number of countries recognized as having supported South Korea during the Korean War is 63; 16 countries sent troops, five countries provided medical staff; and 39 countries furnished supplies.