Korean War | War History

Who Are the Latest Korean and Vietnam War Veterans to Receive the Medal of Honor?

Joe Biden presenting the Medal of Honor to Kenneth J. David

The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration that can be bestowed by the US military. It’s a symbol of gallantry in times of war…

James Risner Chased an Enemy MiG Into China to Shoot It Down, Then Survived the Hanoi Hilton

North American F-86 Sabres in flight + Military portrait of James Risner

James Robinson “Robbie” Risner was a skilled US military pilot, a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, and a hero of both the Korean…

Seven American Soldiers Have Defected to North Korea Since the Korean War

Rosemary Giles
North Korean soldiers standing in front of the Military Demarcation Line between North and South Korea

Since the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, seven Americans have made the unprecedented decision to defect to North Korea. These men weren’t any ordinary…

The Purple Heart and Letter That Forever Haunted Harry Truman Following the Korean War

Harry Truman sitting at his desk + Purple Heart

The president of the United States makes a lot of tough decisions. It’s hard to order troops into battle and even more difficult to notify…

The Bravery and Dedication of US Army Chaplains During the Korean War

US Army Chaplain performing a funeral service with several soldiers in attendance

The above image, captured during the Korean War, shows one of the many roles chaplains filled during wartime: honoring the dead during burial services. Taken…

Baldomero López Daringly Leads Troops Over a Seawall During the Battle of Inchon

Baldomero López leading his men over a seawall

The Battle of Inchon – or the Inchon Landing – occurred during the Korean War. It marked a pivotal turning point in the conflict and…

24th Infantry Division Bazooka Team Taking On the Enemy During the Battle of Osan

24th Infantry Division soldier manning a Bazooka while another crouches beside him

The Battle of Osan was one of the opening engagements of the Korean War. It was the first time the United States faced the North…

M20 Recoilless Rifle: While Not Effective Against Tanks, It Obliterated Enemy Pillboxes

US Army soldier firing an M20 Recoilless Rifle while others cover their ears

The M20 recoilless rifle saw limited service at the end of World War II and was used extensively in Korea. It was only capable of…

The USS Oriskany Was Purposefully Sunk In the Gulf of Mexico to Form An Artificial Reef

USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) sinking into the Gulf of Mexico

Laid down in the middle of World War II, the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) didn’t see action until after the conflict. She was…

How An American GI Grieving During the Korean War Became Known Worldwide

Grieving American GI being comforted by another during the Korean War

Above is a photo of a grieving American GI whose friend was killed in action (KIA) while fighting the Korean War. He was a radio…

The M18 Recoilless Rifle Obliterated Enemy Machine Gun Nests In Korea

Group of men standing near an M18 recoilless rifle in the snow

The M18 is a 57 mm shoulder-fired, anti-tank recoilless rifle the US Army equipped troops with during the Second World War and in Korea. The…

A US Marine Rescued a Kitten That Survived the Fighting at Bunker Hill

Frank Praytor feeding an orphaned kitten with a dropper following the fighting at Bunker Hill

Amid the chaos and devastation that defined the Korean War, a small glimmer of hope emerged in the form of an orphaned kitten rescued from…

Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star: The Only US Jet Fighter to See Action In WWII – During Secret Operations In Italy

Lockheed P-80A-1-LO Shooting Star in flight

The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, also known as the F-80, was the first jet fighter used operationally by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF). While…

USS Wisconsin (BB-64): The American Battleship That ‘Lost Her Temper’ In Korea

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) docked at port

The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) was an Iowa-class vessel that served with the US Navy on and off from 1944-91. She was the second-last of her…

Korean War Helicopters That Were Vital to Those Serving In the Conflict

Troops walking toward a Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw + Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly taking off

The Korean War took place between 1950-53 and saw the UN coalition forces operate a plethora of military vehicles, including helicopters. The United States, in…

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet Was the ‘Champ of the Fighter-Bombers’

Four Republic F-84B Thunderjets in flight

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American jet-powered fighter-bomber. Primarily flown by the US Air Force from 1947-64, it suffered many issues during its development…

George Patton Called Creighton Abrams a ‘World Champion’ Tank Commander

Creighton Abrams speaking at a table lined with microphones

There are some military commanders who stand out among the rest, and Creighton Abrams is one of them. Serving during the Second World War, as…

British Actors Who Served In the Military

Sean Connery and Michael Caine as Maj. Gen. Roy Urquhart and Lt. Col. J.O.E. Vandeleur in 'A Bridge Too Far'

Actors are best-known for their work on-screen, with their pre-fame lives being, generally, forgotten. That being said, there are many whose pre-acting experiences influenced the…

17 Powerful Images That Show the Human Side of War

Soldiers making a human pyramid + Soldiers lifting a woman up to kiss their comrade in the back of a truck

Since the First World War, every conflict has been well-documented. There are millions of photos showing soldiers, aircraft, tanks and battlefields, and behind them are…

James Garner’s Nose Saved His Life While Serving In Korea

James Garner as Flight Lt. Bob "The Scrounger" Hendley in 'The Great Escape'

A number of Hollywood stars have served in the military, but few have done so during two conflicts. Actor James Garner was one of them.…

MoH Recipient Robert Simanek Dove On a Live Grenade to Save His Comrades In Korea

Rosemary Giles
Two US Marines positioned on a ridge + Portrait of Robert Simanek

Between 1950-53, only a few years after the end of the Second World War, the United States entered another conflict: the Korean War. As part…

Sergeant Reckless: The Artillery Horse That Braved Enemy Fire In Korea

Sergeant Reckless standing outside

During the Korean War, there was one Marine who stood out from the rest. Not only for her skill and bravery, but because she was…

MoH Recipient George Andrew Davis Jr. Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in MiG Alley

Four North American F-86 Sabres in flight + Military portrait of George Andrew Davis Jr.

George Andrew Davis Jr. was a Medal of Honor recipient who valiantly served during World War II and the Korean War. Born on December 1,…

Outnumbered 25:1, the ‘Glorious Glosters’ Put Up a Heroic Last Stand On Hill 235

Members of the "Glorious Glosters" standing in a line + Military portrait of James Carne

The Battle of Imjin River was a Korean War engagement between UN and Chinese troops. Fought over four days, it saw the last stand of…

Hiroshi Miyamura: The MoH Recipient Who Took On Enemy Troops with a Machine Gun and Bayonet

Todd Neikirk
Dwight Eisenhower shaking Hiroshi Miyamura's hand

During the Second World War, the United States interned several Japanese-Americans. An estimated 120,000 people of Japanese descent were forcibly relocated, most of whom lived…

The Truth Behind Royce Williams’ Legendary Dogfight was Hidden for 50 Years

Todd Neikirk
Grumman F9F Panther in flight + Royce Williams wearing a baseball cap

The years following the Second World War were tricky. While Russia had been an ally to the United States during the conflict, the two frequently…

Korean War Epic ‘Devotion’ Features Authentic Aircraft from the Period

Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner in 'Devotion'

Actors Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell portray famed naval aviators Jesse L. Brown and Thomas J. Hudner Jr. in the upcoming Korean War film, Devotion.…

Nuclear Weapons Were Almost Deployed During the Korean War

Two commanding officers reading a newspaper announcing the armistice being signed to pause the Korean War

The end of the Second World War ended with a literal bang for the Americans when they forced the Japanese surrender by dropping atomic bombs…

William Speakman Held Back 6,000 Enemy Troops with Beer Bottles in Korea

William Speakman in uniform

24-year-old William Speakman volunteered to serve in the Korean War in 1951. He’d joined the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), attached to the 1st Battalion…

Charles Loring Jr. was a POW in WWII Before Receiving the MoH for His Actions in Korea

Rosemary Giles
Charles Loring Jr. standing with three other airmen

Charles J. Loring Jr. is one of many Medal of Honor recipients. Although he served in the Second World War, he received the honor for…

The Defiant Tanker Who Disobeyed Orders and Saved the Lives of 65 US Rangers in Korea

US infantrymen sitting on top of a tank

The situation for the 8th Ranger Company (Airborne) was looking pretty grim on April 24, 1951. Ordered to move forward to gain intelligence, they soon…

‘Devotion’ Presents the Korean War-Era Story of Jesse L. Brown and Thomas Hudner

Jonathan Majors as Jesse L. Brown in 'Devotion'

The incredible true story of Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American aviator to complete the US Navy’s basic flight training program, and the camaraderie between…

Clint Eastwood Survived a Plane Crash Into Shark-Infested Waters While Serving in the US Army

Clint Eastwood standing behind a podium + Clint Eastwood dressed in his US Army uniform

Clint Eastwood is arguably one of the most talented and well-known actors in Hollywood. His career spans nearly 70 years and includes a number of…

Close Air-to-Air Combat Made MiG Alley One of the Deadliest Places of the Korean War

Four photos of a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in flight

For many US Air Force pilots, one of the most deadly places to battle the enemy during the Korean War was MiG Alley. The site…

‘Bonanza’ Star Dan Blocker Heroically Served His Country During the Korean War

Todd Neikirk
Dan Blocker dressed in Western attire

Bonanza, which ran from 1959-73, was one of America’s favorite television series. At the heart of the show was Eric “Hoss” Cartwright, played by Dan…

Phil Bucklew: The Father of US Naval Special Warfare

Navy SEALS training + Portrait of Phil Bucklew

Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, individuals from all kinds of professions enlisted in the US military, including musicians, movie stars and athletes. Phil…

10 Photos of US Troops Displaying Enemy Flags Like Trophies

US soldiers walking in a line through tall grass + US Coast Guardsmen posing with a captured Japanese flag

The “loss” of a unit or army’s colors refers to the capture of a flag in battle or it being taken away as a form…

The Controversial History of Napalm and Its Use in War

Napalm bomb explosion

The use of fire in warfare is horrific and terrifying. It’s also nothing new. The ancient Greeks used petroleum-based fire weapons, referred to as “sticky…

Chesty Puller: The Most Decorated Marine in US History

Military portrait of Chesty Puller

Chesty Puller is a name synonymous with the US Marine Corps. The most decorated Marine in the service’s history, he served during three wars and…

Gabby Gabreski: Flying Ace of World War II and the Korean War

Military portrait of Gabby Gabreski

The first air battles in American war history occurred during World War I, of which the top US pilot was Eddie Rickenbacker. They became more…

The Most Important Battleships in American History

USS Missouri firing during an operation

In order to remain a prominent world power in the late 1800s, the US had to keep up with the latest military technology. When South…

The USS Antietam (CV-36) Earned Two Battle Stars During the Korean War

USS Antietam at sea

The USS Antietam (CV-36) was a member of the Essex-class of American aircraft carriers built during World War II. The class overall was very successful,…

John Singlaub: Special Operations Legend and Anti-Communist Crusader

There are few US military generals who have as storied and controversial a career as Major General John Singlaub. He fought in three wars before…

The Lasting Impact of the US Army’s Buffalo Rangers

The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) – better known as the Buffalo Rangers – was an elite special operations unit within the US Army. Made…

The Battle of Bloody Ridge Definitely Earned Its Name During The Korean War

UN Troops Take Bloody Ridge

The Korean War saw United Nations and North Korean forces repeatedly bounce back and forth between gaining territory and quickly losing it. UN troops were…

The Battle of Taejon And Its Importance In The Korean War

The battle of taejon

The Battle of Taejon was a battle that took place early in the Korean War, it was also one of the most important of the…

5 Top Secret Military Bases That Changed History

Missile lifting off from Kwajalein Atoll + Two people walking in a dark cave

The world’s military superpowers are known for being secretive when it comes to their operations, so it’s no surprise there are numerous formerly-secret bases located…

John K. Waters: General Patton’s Son-In-Law Who Was a Four-Star General

Military success must run in the Patton family. It is well known that General George Patton was an extremely successful commander in the United States…

The Evolution of Sea Mines and Their Impact on War

Three German soldiers sitting atop a pile of sea mines

Sea mines are some of the most terrifying and destructive weapons at a navy’s disposal. Capable of wreaking havoc on fleets, they’re a staple of…

Charles McGee, One of the Last Surviving Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Dead At 102

Charles McGee sitting in front of a painting of an airplane

Brigadier General Charles McGee, one of the last surviving members of the groundbreaking Tuskegee Airmen, has passed away, according to a statement released by his…

This Marine General’s Sword Somehow Wound Up In A Pawnshop

Military portrait of Homer Litzenberg

Various types of items can be purchased on eBay, with some auctions bringing in thousands of dollars. When Marine veteran Chris Anderson logged onto the…

How the Soviet Polikarpov Po-2 Biplane Went From Crop Plane to Lethal Weapon

The Soviet Polikarpov Po-2 plane was initially designed to be a crop duster but ended up being surprisingly essential for the Soviets during the Second…

These Are the Salaries Paid to US Troops During Each War

Soldier saluting the American flag

Being a member of the US Army is one of the most valiant careers a person can choose. However, the job hasn’t always paid as…

South Korea and the US Agree on Draft to Officially End the Korean War

US Marines in amphibious assault craft moving towards Inchon

South Korea has announced it’s “effectively” agreed with the United States on a draft to officially end the Korean War. Word of the possible agreement…

President Biden Approves Honors for Battle of Mogadishu, MoH for Korean and Vietnam War Veterans

Cavalry soldiers walking along a beach + American solider standing in a burning village + Black Hawk Down film still

US President Joe Biden has signed the National Defense Authorization Act, a $768 billion defense policy bill aimed at allocating military spending and procuring reforms…

The Most Unforgiving Battlefield Conditions in Military History

Passchendaele Photo

When discussing battles throughout the history of warfare, the participants and the equipment and tactics they used are usually the focus. However, the actual physical…

Deal to End the Korean War Close to Completion, Officials Say

US Marines launching a rocket barrage against Chinese communists

The South Korean government has shared that talks regarding an end-of-war declaration between it, North Korea and the United States may be coming to a…

US Army Veteran Who Survived Bataan Death March Dies Aged 104

Colonel Ben Skardon standing with two younger servicemen

A retired US Army colonel who survived the Bataan Death March during World War II has died. Retired Colonel Ben Skardon died in hospice care…

US Navy Launches Ship Named For Gay Rights Leader Harvey Milk

USNS Harvey Milk at port

The United States Navy has unveiled its new 742-foot fleet replenishment oiler ship in San Diego, California. It’s named for the late Harvey Milk, an…

Body of WWII Veteran Dissected In Pay-Per-View Autopsy Without Family’s Knowledge

David Saunders Featured Image

The body of World War II veteran David Saunders was autopsied in front of a paying audience in Portland, Oregon, without his family being notified…

Iconic Photos of Marilyn Monroe Entertaining American Troops in Korea

Marilyn Monroe performing in front of an audience of American troops

Following the signing of the armistice during the Korean War, the Korean Peninsula entered into a period of uncertainty. While negotiations occurred, the UN forces…

Korean War Movie to Become Biggest Box Office Hit of 2021

People's Volunteer Army soldiers standing together

A film portraying the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War is set to become the biggest box-office hit of 2021, after grossing $633.2…

Korean War Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient Duane Dewey Dies At 89

Duane Dewey + US Marine Corps in the trenches of Korea

Korean War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Duane Dewey has died at the age of 89. The retired US Marine Corps Corporal was described…

A Green Hell: Fort Sherman’s Jungle School Army

Troop lying down on the jungle floor

Jungle warfare is its own beast. Often called a “Green Hell,” the terrain, animal species and weather conditions force soldiers to contend with an environment…

Korean War Veteran Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun Laid To Rest 70 Years After Death

Military portrait of Emil J. Kapaun + funeral motorcade

Thousands turned out to pay their respects to fallen Korean War veteran Chaplain (Cap.) Emil J. Kapaun on Wednesday. Kapaun, a military chaplain and soldier…

US Air Force Moving Forward With MC-130J Commando II Seaplane

The United States Air Force is moving forward with its plans to modify the MC-130J Commando II so it can support detachable pontoons, which would…

The Battle of Pork Chop Hill: Among the Final Battles of the Korean War

Gregory Peck in military uniform + Two soldiers supporting an injured soldier, while another walks beside them

The Battle of Pork Chop Hill was a series of two battles during the spring and summer of 1953. They occurred while the United Nations,…

Daughter Of Soldier Killed In Action During Korean War Reunited With Father’s Lost Duffel Bag

Military portrait of Joseph W. Sullivan + Eileen Sullivan Alber holding the duffel bag

The daughter of fallen World War II and Korean War veteran Joseph W. Sullivan is singing the praises of an Indiana couple after they returned…

Black and Native American Veterans May be Upgraded to the Medal of Honor

The branches of the US military have been ordered to conduct a review on black and Native American recipients of the nation’s second-highest award for…

The “Great Impostor” — Fred Demara Pretended To Be A Ship’s Surgeon And Didn’t Lose A Soul

Ferdinand Waldo Demara (left) referred to in the past as the "Great Imposter" is shown with Deputy D.A. Manley Bowler May 8 after he surrendered himself upon learning he had been charged with grand theft auto.

Ferdinand “Fred” Waldo Demara Jr. was a monk, a surgeon, and a lawyer. Well, kind of. He was a very skilled American impostor who was…

Mobile Expeditionary Base Named for MoH Recipient Robert Simanek Delivered to US Navy

USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB-3) at sea + Portrait of Robert Simanek wearing his Medal of Honor

Robert Simanek was a US Marine who received the US military’s highest award – the Medal of Honor – for his heroics during the Korean…

Little-Known Facts About the Hit Korean War Series ‘M*A*S*H’

Promotional image for 'M*A*S*H'

The popular television show M*A*S*H (1972-83) was the result of a collaboration between former military surgeon H. Richard Hornberger and writer W.C. Heinz, to create…

Soldier MIA During The Korean War Returned Home

Ralph Boughman

The remains of Cpl. Ralph Boughman have been missing since 1950, when he was killed during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War.…

Ralph Puckett Received the Medal of Honor Seven Decades After His Heroics in Korea

Joe Biden placing the Medal of Honor around Ralph Puckett's neck

The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon service members who display immense bravery and gallantry while serving in the military. Some are presented it shortly…

Korean War Vet Graduates High School at age 87

Ian Harvey

In 1952 Ed Saunders dropped out of school to join the United States Air force and train as a pilot. Now, sixty-eight years later, he…

Frederick Kroesen Commanded Troops in WW2, Korea, & Vietnam, Dead at 97

Retired General Frederick Kroesen passed away on April 20, 2020, at the age of 97. He fought in Germany during World War II and fought…

NFL Legend Don Shula, Who Served During Korean War, Dies at 90

Ian Harvey

Don Shula died on May 4th with his winning record with the Miami Dolphins still intact with 347 wins and six Superbowl appearances. He started…

New Video Uses Veteran’s Account, The Moving Wartime Rescue Story

A fascinating take from the guys at Yarnhub on this video on this wartime rescue that emphasized the close bond between 2 brave men in…

F4U Mountain rescue – New Video Uses Veteran’s Account

Yarnhub a relatively new YouTube channel has been pumping out lots of historical content in a mixture of 2d and 3d.   Recently they tackled the…

History Hack – Fantastic Podcasts Beating Lockdown Blues

Timing, as they say is everything. With everyone currently at home under confinement there has never been a better time to launch a series of…

Corsair For Sale – Yours for $3.5 Million

In 1979 the Honduran Military decided to sell all their ageing fleet of seven remaining Corsair Fighters. Built in 1951 for the US Navy. Its…

The Korean War MOH Recipient Who Didn’t Want His Medal But Eisenhower Gave it to Him

Jay Hemmings

Once more, he was able to take out three of them with his rifle, but a grenade exploded in front of him which sent shrapnel…

The MOH Recipient Who Enlisted To Avenge His Brother

He soon saw action, and was wounded twice in the space of a few months – first in the foot, in August, and then a…

Ralph Parr: The Double-Flying-Ace So Aggressive The Soviets Sued Him

Joshua Baylor

Ralph Parr was a unique man in many ways and is credited with several “firsts” in aerial combat, but his tenth and final aerial kill…

Riddled By Bullets: The Old Locomotive That Tells a Gloomy Tale of the Korean War

During the war, Han operated his train, conveying supplies for UN troops up as far as Pyongyang. Although he rarely saw fighting, he witnessed the…

The VC Sergeant: He Charged the Enemy Armed Only With a Pocket Full of Grenades

Ian Harvey

“It is entirely fitting and in keeping with his wishes that our family should inter his ashes at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea,…

‘A Decision to Serve’ The Korean War Veteran Who Upheld a Family Legacy

Jeremy Amick

“With the Korean War going on, I realized I didn’t want to be drafted into the Marines or Army and have to sleep on the…

Did You Know Michael Caine is a Korean War Veteran?

Jay Hemmings

On his very first night, he witnessed a Chinese attack on a position to his left. Michael Caine is one of the most well-known and…

The Brave Medic Continued to Help the Wounded After Losing His Arm in Battle

Elly Farelly

When Private First Class Bryant Womack found himself to be the only trained medical person in the field on March 12, 1952, he realized that…

‘Boss Hogg’ Sorrell Booke was a Counter-Intelligence Agent in the Korean War

The Dukes of Hazzard spent seven seasons regaling television viewers with the antics of a group of southern cousins as they dealt with everyday life…

The “Forgotten War” That Has Never Ended

Ian Harvey

Has a country actually gone to war if it never publicly declared its intentions? Decidedly yes, if the Korean War is carefully examined. In 1950,…

He charged punching with one hand, knife in the other: Last seen taking on 40 Koreans, none survived

It is easy to forget, when we look at images of masses of troops, or huge crews on ships, or pilots lined up with their…

5 Interesting Facts About the Korean War

Korea has been much in the news lately, from North Korea’s efforts to gain nuclear weapons technology to rapidly mounting those weapons on intercontinental ballistic…

US Aircraft Carriers – Why the U.S. Navy Stands Alone with a Large Carrier Force

Ever since World War II, the United States Navy has put a major focus on having a large fleet of aircraft carriers. To understand why,…

Futuristic Cannons of B-29 Superfortress: Ahead and Behind the Times

The Boeing 17 Flying Fortress bomber was meant to replace the need for a fighter escort for large, long-range bombing runs. Despite its impressive firepower…

Armed with Only Bottles British Soldier Awarded VC in Korea

It can often be said that anything is a weapon if you are creative enough. An entrenching tool used to dig a defensive position earned…

M24 Chaffee “Panther Pup” in Photos

The M24 Chaffee Light Tank, officially known as Light Tank, M24, was named after the U.S. Army General Adna R. Chaffee, Jr., who helped introduce…

Coming Home! North Korea Returns War Remains to United States

On the 65th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean war, North Korea has released a set of war remains to the United States. This…

“Grey Ghost” – The USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier – Both of Them in 28 Photos

At the height of World War II in the Pacific, heavy aircraft carriers played a significant role in the composition of the U.S. Navy. One…

Dependable and Versatile – M3 Half-Track Armored Personnel Carrier in 26 Photos

The M3 Half-Track Personnel Carrier was an open-topped armored car with front wheels and rear tracks. It was actively used by the USA during the Second World…