• Introduction
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Army 
• U.S. Marines
• U.S. Navy

Introduction

On June 25, 1950, North Korea, with the approval of both the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China, launched a surprise assault against neighboring South Korea. United Nations forces, composed primarily of United States military units, responded, and the North Korean army was routed. However, when U.N. units reached the Yalu River, Communist Chinese forces attacked them. After a harrowing retreat the front lines stabilized near the 38^th Parallel where they remained for the rest of the war.

The Korean War resulted in the deaths of over 2,800,000 people, of whom 54,000 were Americans. Much of South Korea’s industrial capacity was damaged, and North Korea was utterly devastated by bombing. To this day only the armistice signed on July 27, 1953, is in force. There has been no formal declaration of peace between the two Koreas.

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  The U.S. Air Force in Korea

In 1946, with the advent of nuclear weapons and their anticipated role in future conflicts, the United States created the Strategic Air Command (SAC.) In 1947 the National Security Act created the independent U.S. Air Force.

North American F-86 Sabre, n.d.  When Chinese pilots appeared in the skies over Korea flying Chinese versions of the Soviet MiG, the United States Air Force responded with its newest most effective weapon, the F-86 Sabre.  American Heritage Center Collections

When North Korea attacked neighboring South Korea in June of 1950, U.S. forces, including the Air Force, were quickly mobilized and sent to Korea to join the United Nations supported effort. When China entered the war on November 25, 1950 it introduced a new and direct threat to the Air Force: jet aircraft. Chinese pilots, flying Chinese made versions of the Soviet MiG aircraft, threatened U.S. bomber forces and challenged U.S. fighters for control of the air. The Air Force responded with its own jet forces, among them the F-86 Sabre, and a new era of aerial combat began in the skies over Korea.

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  The U.S. Army in Korea

Conflict in Korea, n.d. Major John B. Dumaine, S-3 23rd RCT, 2nd Infantry Division leaves S-2 and S-3 dugout at the 23rd RCT HQs. near Chipyong prior to his inspection tour of the area. American Heritage Center Collections

When the North Koreans attacked South Korea in June of 1950 the relatively small U.S. Forces were driven back until they were hemmed in at the southeastern port of Pusan. To relieve these forces on September 15^th the U.S. Army X Corps took part in the amphibious landing at Inchon, one of the great outflanking maneuvers in military history. The North Korean Army was taken completely by surprise, enabling the defenders at Pusan to break out and attack. The North Koreans were driven steadily north by the combined United Nations forces until they reached the Yalu River near the border of China. At this time the Communist Chinese entered the war and the tide was reversed again with United Nations forces being driven steadily southward. Fighting eventually stabilized in the vicinity of the 38^th Parallel. The next two years saw a stalemate of offensives and counteroffensives that lasted until an armistice was signed in July of 1953.

Last Formation in Korea, 1953.  These troops stand their last formation in Korea, presenting arms before the flags of the United Nations’ member countries at Inchon. American Heritage Center Collections

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  The U.S. Marines in Korea

When North Korea launched a surprise assault against neighboring South Korea on June 25, 1950 U.S. Marine units were already taking part in post World War II occupation duties in Japan.

Participating in the Inchon landings on September 15, 1950, the Marines proved that the doctrine of amphibious assault was still viable and necessary. The battle of Inchon completely broke the North Korean Army, which retreated northward with U.N. forces in pursuit. However, upon reaching the Yalu River, near the border of China, the Communist Chinese entered the war and the tide was reversed yet again. Fighting eventually stabilized with lines being held by both sides at the 38^th Parallel. This bloody stalemate of offensives, counteroffensives, trench warfare, and occupation duty lasted until July 1953 when an armistice was signed that remains in force to this day.

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  The U.S. Navy in Korea

With the outbreak of hostilities on the Korean peninsula on June 25, 1950 the United States once again entered into war.

During the Korean conflict the U.S. Navy performed many of the functions which it had perfected in both world wars. This was most notable during the brilliantly executed, carrier supported, Inchon amphibious assault that completely broke the North Korean army and, if not for Chinese intervention, might have ended the conflict.

In addition carrier-based jet aircraft conducted strikes deep into Korea in support of United Nations troops. U.S. ships blockaded enemy harbors in addition to transporting and supporting troop movements, once again proving the Navy’s indispensability during one of the hottest moments of the Cold War.

Air Strike, n.d. A U.S. Navy carrier-based Panther jet fighter launches an air strike against a North Korean target during the Korean War. The Navy conducted air strikes like this throughout the conflict in support of U.N. ground troops. American Heritage Center Collections

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Vietnam War

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