Collection Veterans History Project Collection

The Korean War: Not Forgotten

Nestled between the epic cataclysm that was World War II and the roiling controversy that was Vietnam, Korea is too often referred to as the forgotten war. The 5.7 million American men and women who served in that war each have their own memories, whether they were on the battle lines, in the air, or in support of those whose lives were at risk. The war lasted just over three years, but nearly 60 years after the guns fell silent, Americans in uniform still maintain the peace along the 38th Parallel, the border between North and South.

Korean War: On the Line Battle lines in Korea ranged all over the peninsula in the first year, then settled around the 38th Parallel for the final two years. The soldiers and Marines who shipped out to Korea to fight the implacable North Koreans and Chinese contended with other enemies as well: bitterly cold winters, steamy summers, and an unforgiving landscape.
Korean War: In Support There are millions of stories in the Korean War of men and women who rarely had to duck gunfire but still made their own contributions to the war effort. And when the guns went silent, many stayed to patrol the DMZ, mindful of how quickly the 1950 attack on South Korea mobilized.
Korean War: In the Air Pilots flying in the Korean War did not face nearly as much resistance from enemy planes and anti-aircraft fire as their comrades did in WWII. And Korea marked the first use of jet aircraft in war, allowing for greater maneuverability and flexibility. Nevertheless, pilots whose planes did go down faced a grim future unless they eluded capture by the enemy.

Collection Veterans History Project Collection

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