Korean War

The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953, with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The conflict between North and South Korea had lasting implications for the region and the global balance of power during the Cold War.

Imperial Japan severely diminished China's influence over Korea, leading to the short-lived Korean Empire.

Japan made the Korean Empire its protectorate with the Eulsa Treaty in 1905.

Japan annexed the Korean Empire with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty in 1910, leading to direct Japanese rule over Korea until 1945.

The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was founded in 1919 in Nationalist China, but failed to achieve international recognition and unite various nationalist groups.

At the Cairo Conference, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States decided that 'in due course Korea shall become free and independent'.

The Soviet Union declared war on Japan and invaded Manchuria on 8 August 1945, leading to the occupation of the north of Korea.

U.S. General Order No. 1 responded to the Japanese surrender by dividing Korea into Soviet and U.S. occupation zones, with the 38th parallel as the dividing line.

On August 15, 1945, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North Korea and South Korea following the end of Japanese colonial rule.

General Douglas MacArthur issued Proclamation No. 1 to the people of Korea, announcing U.S. military control over Korea south of the 38th parallel.

U.S. Lieutenant General John R. Hodge arrived in Incheon to accept the Japanese surrender south of the 38th parallel and was appointed as military governor.

North Korea's Communist Party, called the Korean Workers' Party, is inaugurated with Soviet-backed leadership installed, including Red Army-trained Kim Il-sung.

In the Republic of Korea (ROK), the U.S.-backed Korean expatriate Syngman Rhee is elected chairman of the Korean Assembly, later becoming president.

On August 15, 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established.

On August 4, 1949, serious border clashes occurred between South and North Korean troops, resulting in initial repulsion of attacks by the 2nd and 18th ROK Infantry Regiments. However, the ROK troops were eventually 'completely routed' at the end of the clashes.

The beginning of the Korean War, a conflict between North Korea (supported by China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (backed by the United Nations, primarily the United States), resulting in a devastating war with global implications.

In a speech to the National Press Club on January 12, 1950, U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson outlined a U.S. Pacific defense posture that did not explicitly include Korea.

General Douglas MacArthur makes a controversial statement claiming that 'alien' Reds have reopened the Korean War, raising tensions and concerns about the spread of communism.

On 25 June 1950, the Korean People's Army (KPA) crossed the 38th parallel behind artillery fire, justifying its assault with the claim that ROK troops attacked first. This marked the beginning of the Korean War.

A war between North Korea (with the support of China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (with the principal support of the United States). It lasted from 1950 to 1953.

The Korean War began on June 27, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea, marking the outbreak of the conflict.

On 28 June 1950, Seoul fell to the KPA, leading to the evacuation of the South Korean government and a massacre of suspected political opponents. This event significantly impacted the course of the Korean War.

On June 30, 1950, ground crewmen loaded an auxiliary fuel tank on a U.S. jet plane at a base in Southern Japan for a mission against North Korean troops. This action reflects the military response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution in response to the North Korean invasion in 1950, marking the official international response to the conflict.

The U.S. Navy cruiser USS Juneau, the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Jamaica and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Black Swan fought four North Korean torpedo boats and two mortar gunboats, and sank them. USS Juneau later sank several ammunition ships that had been present.

North Korean forces took control of Inchon, a significant city in South Korea.

On July 4, 1950, United Nations forces engaged North Korean forces for the first time in Osan. Despite their efforts, they were unable to stop the North Korean advance, leading to retreat towards the Pusan Perimeter.

On July 5, 1950, the first U.S. Marines, leading the U.N. force, engage in battle shortly after landing on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. troops suffer heavy casualties and are driven back into a perimeter around the southern port city of Pusan.

Task Force Smith engages and delays advancing NKPA forces at Osan in the first U.S. ground action of the Korean War.

The 21st Infantry successfully stalls NKPA advances at Chochiwon during the Korean War.

The 25th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions start their movement to Korea from Japan during the Korean War.

On July 14, 1950, General MacArthur was named to direct U.N. Forces in the defense of South Korea during the Korean War.

The 19th and 34th Infantry Regiments of the 24th Infantry Division engage in delaying actions at the Kum River line during the Korean War.

The 24th Infantry Division begins the defense of Taejon as part of the Korean War.

The city of Taejon is captured by the North Korean People's Army (NKPA) during the Korean War, while the 24th Infantry and 25th Infantry Division captures Yechon.

The 29th Regiment engages the enemy near Chinju during the Korean War.

The 5th Regimental Combat Team arrives in Korea from Hawaii during the Korean War.

The Naktong (Pusan) Perimeter is set up during the Korean War to defend the area.

NKPA attempts to penetrate Naktong (Pusan) Perimeter and is repelled by 24th, 2d, and 25th Infantry Divisions along with Marine elements.

On 20 August, MacArthur warned Kim Il Sung that he would be held responsible for the KPA's atrocities during their advance, including the purging of South Korea's intelligentsia by killing civil servants and intellectuals.

On 27 August, 67th Fighter Squadron aircraft mistakenly attacked facilities in Chinese territory, leading to the Soviet Union calling the UN Security Council's attention to China's complaint about the incident.

Elements of 23d and 27th Infantry Regiments and ROK 1st Division successfully defend Naktong (Pusan) Perimeter in the Battle of the Bowling Alley (west of Taegu).

President Truman issued an order, NSC 81/1, for General MacArthur and UN forces to advance beyond the 38th parallel into North Korea, leading to controversy and discussions about crossing the border.

On September 15, 1950, U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, commander of the U.N. forces, makes a bold military move by landing an amphibious invasion force of 80,000 Marines at the port of Inchon near Seoul. This tactical move cuts off North Korean troops, while U.N. forces break out of the Pusan perimeter.

General MacArthur's soldiers and Marines successfully landed at Inchon, deep behind North Korean lines, recaptured Seoul, and forced the North Koreans to retreat northward.

Phase 2 of the Korean War began on September 16, 1950, marking the continuation of the conflict with significant military operations.

Private First Class Fernando Garcia was a Mexican-American soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War, where he sacrificed his life to protect his comrades from enemy fire.

On September 20, 1950, the 1st Marine Division drove northeast across the Han River as part of the UN offensive during the Second Battle of the Naktong Bulge.

On 25 September, Seoul was recaptured by UN forces, causing heavy damage to the KPA and leaving Pyongyang vulnerable. This event significantly shifted the momentum of the war in favor of the UN forces.

On September 26, 1950, Seoul is taken by U.N. forces after two weeks of house-to-house fighting. Gen. MacArthur orders troops to continue chasing the retreating North Korean army across the 38th Parallel.

U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces successfully capture Seoul, the capital of South Korea, during the Korean War.

On 29 September, MacArthur restored the government of the Republic of Korea under Syngman Rhee. This political move had significant implications for the Korean War and the region's stability.

On September 30, 1950, United Nations forces successfully landed at Inchon, defeating North Korean forces and recapturing Seoul.

By 1 October, the UN Command had repelled the KPA northwards past the 38th parallel, marking a crucial strategic advancement in the Korean War.

On October 2, 1950, United Nations forces crossed the 38th parallel into North Korea during the Korean War.

The UN General Assembly authorized General MacArthur and UN forces to cross the 38th parallel and unify all of Korea under the Republic of Korea, resolving the ambiguity over advancing northward.

Two divisions of the ROK II Corps successfully cross the 38th Parallel in central Korea, further expanding the ROK forces' presence in the region during the Korean War.

ROK I Corps successfully captures the major port of Wonsan during the Korean War, gaining strategic advantage in the region.

UDTs supported mine-clearing operations in Wonsan Harbor and rescued 25 sailors after two U.S. minesweepers hit mines and sank. William Giannotti conducted the first U.S. combat operation using an 'aqualung' on the USS PLEDGE.

The joint forces of 1st ROK Division and U.S. 1st Cavalry Division achieve the capture of P'yongyang, the North Korean capital, during the Korean War, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.

The 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team made their first of two combat jumps during the Korean War on 20 October at Sunchon and Sukchon. This mission aimed to cut the road north going to China and rescue U.S. prisoners of war, showcasing the airborne unit's strategic role in the war.

General MacArthur flew to supervise an airborne operation by the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in North Korea, receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross for his personal involvement.

On October 22, 1950, Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, fell to United Nations forces during the Korean War.

On October 25, 1950, Chinese People’s Volunteers Force (CPVF) troops crossed into North Korea, inflicting serious losses on the lead units of the UN advance.

The 1st Marine Division, X Corps, successfully lands at Wonsan during the Korean War, marking a significant strategic advancement in the conflict.

At month's end, UN forces held 135,000 KPA prisoners of war, reflecting the significant impact of the war's progression on the opposing forces.

The U.S. 7th Division lands at Iwon, contributing to the escalating military operations during the Korean War.

Taking advantage of the UN Command's strategic momentum against the communists, MacArthur believed it necessary to extend the Korean War into China to destroy depots supplying the North Korean war effort. Truman disagreed and ordered caution at the Sino-Korean border, highlighting the diverging perspectives on the war's expansion.

The first battle between the U.S. forces and Communist Chinese Forces (CCF) near Unsan takes place, signifying a crucial turning point in the Korean War.

Phase 2 of the Korean War took place from September 16 to November 2, 1950, characterized by continued military operations and strategic movements.

Phase 3 of the Korean War started on November 3, 1950, and lasted until January 24, 1951, with ongoing combat and evolving tactics.

President Truman signed an order to use nuclear bombs against Chinese and Korean targets, indicating the seriousness with which the U.S. government viewed the potential threat from Chinese and Korean forces during the Korean War.

On November 6, 1950, General Douglas MacArthur warned about the involvement of 'Alien' Reds in the Korean War, raising grave concerns about the conflict.

X Corps restarts its northward movement.

United Nations forces approaching the Yalu River in Korea prompted China to intervene with a 500,000 strong army, pushing the UN forces back towards South Korea.

Eighth Army starts advancing northward from the Chongchon River.

The Central Intelligence Agency reported to President Truman about the presence of Chinese troops in Korea, estimating up to 200,000 soldiers, but stating no evidence of planned major offensive operations.

On November 25, 1950, China issued warnings against the U.N. and set a trap to crush MacArthur's army. Chinese forces, numbering 130,000 to 300,000, invaded North Korea and pushed U.N. troops southward in a disorganized, hasty retreat.

On November 25, 1950, the Chinese Army launched an attack on Walker's Eighth Army, leading to the UN forces being in retreat.

X Corps launches an attack from the west to support the Eighth Army, but Chinese forces counterattack X Corps at the Chosin Reservoir.

Sergeant Darrell Samuel Cole was a Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during the Korean War, where he sacrificed his life to protect his fellow Marines from enemy fire.

The Eighth Army begins a general withdrawal from the Chongchon River line to a defensive line at P'yongyang, as Chinese forces pose a threat to the U.S. 2d Infantry Division.

U.S. President Harry S. Truman threatens to use the atomic bomb against the communist Chinese forces, escalating tensions during the Korean War.

President Truman confirms during a press conference that the use of nuclear weapons in Korea had been under consideration. This highlights the tense military and political situation during the Korean War.

First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez was a U.S. Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War, where he sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on a live grenade.

The Eighth Army falls back from P'yongyang as the situation becomes increasingly challenging due to the Chinese forces' advances.

On December 6, 1950, the U.S. Marines at the Chosin Reservoir engaged in a fighting retreat to the port of Hŭngnam, becoming one of the most-storied episodes in U.S. Marine Corps history.

Greece joins the Korean War in support of South Korea, with 194 Greek soldiers losing their lives by the war's end in 1953.

On December 11, 1950, X Corps managed to establish a defensive perimeter at the port city of Hungnam after being forced to retreat from northeast Korea, enabling the successful evacuation of UN forces and matériel.

On December 16, 1950, President Truman declared a national state of emergency with Presidential Proclamation No. 2914, in response to the escalating situation in the Korean War.

With the Chinese army entering the Korean War, President Truman declares a national emergency and signs an order to increase the armed forces by 3.5 million men. This escalates the conflict and mobilization efforts.

On December 17, 1950, Kim Il Sung was deprived of the right of command of the Korean People's Army (KPA) by China, signifying a significant shift in the leadership dynamics of the Korean War.

General Walker, a prominent figure in the Korean War, tragically loses his life in an auto accident north of Seoul, marking a significant loss for the U.S. forces.

On December 23, 1950, General Walker was killed in a jeep collision and was replaced by Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway during the Korean War.

The X Corps starts a retreat to the port of Hungnam, marking a crucial strategic move during the Korean War.

The North Korean army recaptures Seoul as U.N. troops continue to retreat, marking a significant turning point in the Korean War.

Phase 4 of the Korean War extended from January 24 to April 21, 1951, witnessing continued hostilities and strategic maneuvers.

The First UN Counteroffensive commenced on January 25, 1951, as a significant military operation in response to the ongoing conflict.

The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 498, condemning the People's Republic of China (PRC) as an aggressor and calling upon its forces to withdraw from Korea.

Inch'on is recaptured as I Corps approaches the Han River during the Korean War.

Chinese forces attack X Corps, forcing advancing ROK units to fall back toward Wonju during the Korean War.

A poignant image captures a Korean War orphan sitting among the wreckage of homes near the frontline, symbolizing the devastating impact of the war on innocent civilians.

Reports confirm an enemy withdrawal along the entire central front.

Eighth Army launches Operation KILLER, a general advance north by IX and X Corps.

Enemy resistance south of the Han River collapses.

Mao sent a cable to Stalin emphasizing the difficulties faced by Chinese forces and the need for air cover, to which Stalin agreed by supplying air force divisions, anti-aircraft divisions, and trucks.

General Ridgeway begins Operation RIPPER; the objective is Line Idaho, just south of the 38th Parallel.

On March 14, 1951, Seoul changed hands for the fourth time when UN forces once again liberated the South Korean capital.

On March 18, 1951, the South Korean capital of Seoul was recaptured by U.N. troops, marking the last time it changed hands during the Korean War. The city had been heavily battered, and this event signified a significant turning point in the conflict.

Operations Courageous and Tomahawk were joint ground and airborne infiltrations by UN forces meant to trap PVA forces between Kaesong and Seoul during the Korean War.

Eighth Army is positioned along the Idaho line.

General Ridgeway initiates Operation RUGGED with the objective of Line Kansas, positioned around ten miles above the 38th Parallel.

On April 11, 1951, U.S. Pres. Harry S. Truman relieved MacArthur of command for insubordination and his unwillingness to prosecute a limited war.

On April 11, 1951, President Harry Truman removed Douglas MacArthur from his command for insubordination during the Korean War. This decision was made to maintain the war within Korea and avoid a larger conflict in Asia.

General Van Fleet assumes command of the Eighth Army.

The anticipated spring offensive by Chinese and North Korean forces commences, with the most intense attacks directed towards the west, aiming for Seoul.

On April 25, 1951, vastly outnumbered UN forces checked the Chinese advance on Seoul at the Battles of Kapyong and the Imjin River.

The enemy offensive was halted just north of Seoul on April 30, 1951, marking a significant turning point in the Korean War.

On May 15, 1951, the Chinese and North Koreans resumed their offensive, focusing on the east-central region, leading to intensified conflict in the Korean War.

The Eighth Army counterattacked and regained the Kansas Line, ending the Fifth Phase Offensive of the PVA during the Korean War.

General Van Fleet reinforced the Kansas line and directed forces farther north toward Line Wyoming on June 1, 1951, marking a strategic move in the Korean War.

On June 23, 1951, the Soviet Union called for armistice talks, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the Korean War.

The UN Summer-Fall Offensive 1951, also known as Phase 5, commenced on July 9, 1951, marking a significant military operation during the Korean War.

On July 10, 1951, truce talks between the UN and the communists began at Kaesŏng.

On September 5, 1951, North Koreans abandoned Bloody Ridge after being outflanked by UN forces, led by the U.S. 2d Infantry Division's 9th Infantry, during the Korean War.

The 2d Infantry Division, utilizing the 72d Tank Battalion strategically, captures Heartbreak Ridge during the Korean War.

Five UN divisions move forward to Line Jamestown, extending protection to the Seoul-Chorwon railway, marking a significant advancement in the Korean War.

Armistice negotiations recommence at Panmunjom during the Korean War.

On January 4, 1952, Seoul fell and the Eighth Army was forced to pull back to a line forty miles south of Seoul during the Korean War.

On January 5, 1952, the port of Inchon was abandoned, signifying a strategic decision during the Korean War.

On January 15, 1952, Army Chief of Staff General J. Lawton Collins declared the determination to 'stay and fight' during his visit to Korea, reflecting the resolve in the Korean War.

On February 11, 1952, Lt. Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor assumes command of the Eighth Army.

After briefing Mao and Zhou about the heavy casualties and logistical problems faced by Chinese troops, Peng angrily shouted at government representatives during a Military Commission meeting, highlighting the dire conditions at the front lines and the lack of essential resources for the soldiers.

Canadians participate in the Korean War under the United Nations command.

The Firing of General Douglas MacArthur by President Harry S. Truman on April 11, 1952, due to disagreements over military strategy during the Korean War. This decision sparked controversy and raised questions about civilian control over the military.

General Ridgway orders General Van Fleet to halt offensive operations and transition to an 'active defense' stance during the Korean War.

Men of the Turkish brigade are on high alert, watching for communist forces from their light machine gun position along the main line of resistance in Korea.

U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Team frogmen working on the Korean coast during Operation Fishnet in 1952. Their mission was the destruction of North Korean fishing nets to reduce Communist forces' food supplies.

Talks at Panmunjom deadlock and are recessed. U.S. planes bomb the North Korean capital Pyongyang for two straight months. Talks are resumed the following March.

After the Korean War, a ceasefire was established in 1953, bringing an end to the active fighting between North and South Korea.

On April 26, 1953, armistice talks between the involved parties in the Korean War resume.

In July 1953, an armistice was signed, bringing an end to the Korean War. This marked a significant moment in history as it halted the active conflict between North and South Korea.

From July 6 to 11, 1953, General Taylor decides to abandon Pork Chop Hill, a 7th Infantry Division outpost, to the Chinese forces, deeming it not worth further fighting.

On July 27, 1953, Mark W. Clark for the UN Command, Peng Dehuai for the Chinese, and Kim Il-Sung for North Korea concluded an armistice ending hostilities.

On July 27, 1953, an armistice is signed, officially bringing an end to the Korean War and establishing a ceasefire between North and South Korea.

Operation Glory was conducted to allow the exchange of the remains of combatants from the Korean War, resulting in the repatriation of the dead from both sides and their proper burial.

Tai Ha Yiu briefs President Syngman Rhee on a report of Kishi's activities in the US.

In January 1968, North Korea captures the USS Pueblo, a US naval intelligence ship.

North and South Korea issue a joint statement on peaceful reunification.

Kim Il Sung visited China to seek military aid for a potential invasion of South Korea after the success of the communist revolution in Indochina, but Beijing refused to support North Korea for another war in Korea.

The axe murder incident in 1976 was widely publicized and involved the killing of two United States Army officers by North Korean soldiers in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Burton I. Kaufman's book 'The Korean War' explores the challenges faced in crisis situations, credibility, and command during the Korean War.

The article 'Uncertain Enemies: Soviet Pilots in the Korean War' was published in the Spring of 1997 in Air Power History, shedding light on the involvement of Soviet pilots in the conflict.

In June 1998, South Korea captures a North Korean submarine in its waters with the crew found dead inside.

A landmark inter-Korean summit takes place in Pyongyang between Kim Jong-il and South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, paving the way for the reopening of border liaison offices and family reunions.

North-South relations deteriorate sharply after new South Korean President Lee Myung-bak promises to take a harder line on North Korea.

In April 2009, North Korea launches a long-range rocket, carrying what it says is a communications satellite, leading to condemnation from the UN Security Council.

In 2010, a North Korean submarine torpedoed and sank the South Korean corvette ROKS Cheonan, resulting in the deaths of 46 sailors.

The Pathé Online Newsreel Archive, featuring films on the Korean War, was archived on January 6, 2012, preserving historical footage of the war.

On 11 March 2013, North Korea claimed that the armistice had become invalid, signaling a significant escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

On 13 March 2013, North Korea confirmed it ended the 1953 Armistice, further intensifying the state of conflict in the Korean Peninsula.

On 30 March 2013, North Korea stated that it entered a 'state of war' with South Korea, heightening the already tense situation in the region.

Speaking on 4 April 2013, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel informed the press that Pyongyang 'formally informed' the Pentagon that it 'ratified' the potential use of a nuclear weapon against South Korea, Japan, and the United States of America, including Guam and Hawaii.

In 2016, it was revealed that North Korea approached the United States about conducting formal peace talks to end the war officially, but the plan was rejected due to North Korea's refusal to discuss nuclear disarmament as part of the terms of the treaty.

On 27 April 2018, North Korea and South Korea signed the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula, marking a significant step towards ending the 65-year conflict.

North Korea returns the remains of 55 soldiers killed during the Korean War.

In April 2019, Kim Jong-un makes his first visit to Russia, receiving support from President Vladimir Putin over security guarantees ahead of nuclear disarmament.

The West Point Atlas of the Korean War was archived on March 16, 2021, providing valuable historical and geographical information about the war.

The United States Army Center of Military History archived a collection of books and research materials on the Korean War on April 27, 2021.

On 22 September 2021, South Korean President Moon Jae-In reiterated his call to end the Korean War formally in his speech at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.

In 2023, South Koreans expressed their views on the priority in North Korea policy, indicating a significant shift in their approach towards the neighboring country.

An 18-year-old soldier who went missing during the Korean War has been identified.