Korean War, 70 Years Ago [Opinion]

Some 36,000 Americans died in the Korean War [Opinion]

July marks 70 years since President Harry S. Truman sent Army, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, and Navy trips into South Korea.

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur would command all U.S. and international forces.

North Korea, supported by China and Russia invaded South Korea. Later when U.S. and allied forces pushed North Koreans back, their proxy war (China) supporters joined with the North Koreans in the invasion and a surprise attack.

That attack pushed overwhelmed allied forces back. In the meantime, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur couldn’t help himself and criticized, more than once, President Harry S. Truman. That’s the one thing military leaders can’t or shouldn’t do.

Truman, upon the advice of George Marshall, fired Douglas MacArthur, our brave Army, Marines, National Guard, Reserves, Navy, and Allie’s pushed the North Koreans and Chinese across the 38th parallel.

Soon after the tide was turned, Peace Talks ended in a cease fire. That cease fire remains in place. Although soundly defeated the North Korean government never formally surrendered.

This was a WAR, not a “police action,” as many called it. U.S. Forces soundly defeated the North Koreans and Chinese. China and Korea did sign the accords and fighting stopped. The U.S. and allies, with fierce fighting and high casualties, won.

Once again, the United States sent its military to preserve democracy and freedom. Once again red-blooded Americas died in a place few Americans had ever visited or could find on a world map. These military personnel came from all races, creeds, and faiths.

The war had lasted three years. Some 36,000 Americans died in the Korean War with another 4,000 allied troops. The deaths in this 3-year war are amongst the most in U.S. military history. Just over 118,000 of our brave military personnel received The Purple Heart Medal for wounds in Combat.

To underscore how bloody and hostile the combat was — 62,000 Purple Heart Medals were awarded to our brave military members who served during a 20-year period during the Global War on Terror and Afghanistan.

Today, most of the brave men and women who served in this war have almost all passed away. That generation of Americans was patriots. Some were drafted, some volunteered.

Today, monuments recall their service and sacrifice. Many states haven’t forgotten the Korean War. Years ago, the “Forgotten War” memorial was dedicated in 1995. It honors the 5.5 million brave Americans who served and did their duty as U. S. citizens.

Today, we face aggressors in the region. North Korea and China are a threat to the region and world peace. Some 28,500 soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the South Korean military to deter another invasion.

If you are in our nation’s capital, you will find the Korean Monument within walking distance of the Lincoln and Roosevelt memorials. It is action-oriented with soldiers moving up hill. It is most powerful when seen in the rain, as it looks like live soldiers taking another hill.

Communist leaders around the globe are more aggressive than ever. Russia and China are closely aligned again. North Korea is constantly harassing U.S. ships at sea. China is a constant threat to Taiwan. Russia invaded Ukraine. We live in a dangerous world. The U.S. must stand tall and with our allies for freedom.

The men and women serving in the Korean War stood tall. They earned the gratitude of millions as they handed another defeat to communist invaders.

Let’s remember their service. Let’s ask ourselves who will step up when we are in our new upcoming war. Who will serve? Do we need another draft?