United States – June 25, 1950 thru July 27, 1953
Participants
At the end of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union liberated annexed Korea, then one country, from the Japanese. The U.S. and the Soviets then split the nation into two occupation zones: North and South, with the U.S. advising the south as it transitioned to a republic and the Soviets taking the north and installing communist leader Kim Il Sun. As the Cold War began, two sovereign countries were then effectively established in 1948 — the south as a republican state, and the north, communist. The border between the two was named the 38th parallel.
On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces, the Korean People’s Army, backed by China and the Soviet Union, crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea. Their plan was simple: unify the Korean Peninsula once more, but under the Kim’s rule. It would make Korea the first battleground of the Cold War. (MilitaryTimes.com)
The New Marine Corps Hymn
(Revised 1950)
From the Halls of Montesuma
To the Shores of Tripoli
We’ll police the whole damn Navy
As long as they’re at sea.
First to fight the Army’s battle
And to win the Navy’s fights,
And still our old friend Harry
Tries to louse up all our rights.
Our flags have flown from every ship
Since the Navy got it’s start.
A Marine detachment in their midst
Keeps the flag from falling apart.
Uncle Harry says we’re just police
And he should really know.
We’ve arrested war since we began
And we’ve dealt the final blow.
We have honor, we have glory.
We’re the finest ever seen.
And still our propaganda
Is a second rate machine.
Harry’s Army and his Navy
Will never look on heaven’s scenes,
For they know the angels are in love
With the United States Marine.
North Korean Propaganda Flyer
Copy of text including misspellings.
Dear consciencious friends of American officers, sergeants and soldiers ! Remember that the great longings of Korean People’s Army are justice, freedom and national independence for the people.
Ordered to Korea by the imperialists of America, the American millitary and navy and air forces have directly taken the barbaristic and aggressive measures in Korea to tresspass upon the right of Korean independence. However, any aggressor cannot break the Korean people’s deep patriotism and indomitable fighting spirit for the national independence.
Those American officers and soldiers who were defeated or captured by the heroic brave People’s Army of Korea are arriving in constant stream at the American Prisoner Camp of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Any prisoner, who, knowing nothing, was sent by the Wall Street merchants, the American imperialists, has been allowed to enjoy the absolute security of life and full respect of personal rights, under the warm protection of Korean People’s Army who are struggling for the unification and independence of their father land.
Dear officers and soldiers who love peace, freedom and happiness! Do surrender to the Korean People’s Army who is fighting. for justice. And taking good aim, turn your gun back against -the American murderous imperiali ts who are the true enemies of you peoples.
Photo caption: Prisoners are enjoying free chattering with their friends and reading papers and magazines.