Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation

06/12/2026

The Battle of the Chosin Reservoir took place from November to December 1950 in northeastern Korea after large numbers of Chinese forces entered the war.

Elements of the 1st Marine Division and other UN units were surrounded by much larger Chinese forces.

Temperatures fell to about −35°F (−37°C) in some areas, causing severe frostbite, frozen weapons, and vehicle problems in addition to combat casualties.

Despite being encircled, the Marines and attached Army units fought their way south in a fighting withdrawal. Marine General Oliver P. Smith famously remarked, "We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction."

The breakout eventually reached the port of Hungnam, where UN forces conducted a large evacuation by sea.

During the withdrawal, thousands of wounded soldiers were evacuated, and the force successfully brought out much of its equipment despite the harsh conditions.

The battle became legendary in U.S. military history because of the combination of overwhelming odds, brutal winter weather, disciplined fighting, and the successful escape of the surrounded force. Marines who fought there are often referred to as the "Chosin Few." Battle of Chosin Reservoir remains a symbol of endurance and determination in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps.

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06/11/2026

The Korean War was the first conflict in which helicopters were used extensively for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) on a large scale.

Key points:
- Helicopters such as the Bell H-13 Sioux transported wounded soldiers directly from frontline areas to field hospitals.
- This greatly reduced the time between injury and treatment, improving survival rates.
- Helicopters often flew casualties to Mobile Army Surgical Hospital facilities, which became famous through later books, films, and television.
- Earlier wars had used aircraft to evacuate wounded personnel, but the Korean War was the first where helicopters became a routine and systematic part of battlefield medicine.

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06/10/2026

The Battle of Inchon (more commonly called the Inchon Landing) was a major turning point in the Korean War. Conducted on September 15, 1950, it allowed United Nations Command forces to land behind North Korean lines, recapture Seoul, and disrupt North Korean supply routes. This reversed the situation after UN and South Korean forces had been pushed back to the Pusan Perimeter.

The operation was planned and led by Douglas MacArthur, who was serving as Commander of UN forces in Korea. Many military leaders considered the landing risky because of Inchon's extreme tides, narrow channels, and seawalls, but MacArthur argued that these very difficulties would help achieve surprise.

The success of the Inchon Landing transformed the war in late 1950, though the conflict later changed again when large numbers of Chinese forces entered the war and pushed UN troops southward. The war eventually settled into a stalemate near the 38th parallel before the 1953 armistice.

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06/09/2026

The Korean War is widely recognized as the first war in which jet-powered fighter aircraft fought each other in large-scale air-to-air combat.

Some key points:
- The primary rivals were the North American F-86 Sabre and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15.
- Many of these engagements occurred in an area known as MiG Alley, near the border with China.
- Earlier conflicts, including World War II, saw the introduction of some jet aircraft, but they were relatively few in number and rarely fought other jets.
- During the Korean War, jet-versus-jet combat became routine, helping establish many of the tactics and technologies that shaped modern air warfare.

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06/08/2026

06/08/2026

The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation’s (KWVMF) Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to Ambassador Mark Lippert for his dedicated service as a member of the Board.

“Ambassador Lippert’s time on our Board has been marked by a deep commitment to honoring Korean War Veterans and their Families,” said KWVMF Chairman, General John H. Tilelli, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.). “His experience and perspective have strengthened our efforts to honor, educate, and inspire during a period of continued growth and renewed purpose for the Foundation. While we will miss his presence on the Board, we fully understand the demands on his time and are appreciative of all he has done for the Foundation.”

During his tenure, Ambassador Lippert supported the Foundation’s mission to ensure the enduring legacy of the Korean War Veterans Memorial as a living center -- honoring the sacrifices of the 1.8 million Americans who fought in the Korean War, educating 7 million annual visitors from around the world, and inspiring future generations to remember that “Freedom Is Not Free.”

The Foundation expresses its heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Lippert for his service, continued friendship, and support of our mission.

Please visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall next to the Lincoln Memorial. It is free and open every day. For more information, please visit the KWVMF’s website at www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/.

06/08/2026

The United Nations Responds

The United Nations quickly condemned the invasion of South Korea and formed a multinational force to defend the South.
Led largely by the United States and General Douglas MacArthur, UN troops entered the war within weeks.

06/05/2026

The Fall of Seoul

In the first days of the Korean War, North Korean forces rapidly advanced south and captured Seoul.

The invasion shocked the world and raised fears that communism was spreading across Asia.

The war would last 3 years and change global politics forever.

06/04/2026

Why Korea Was Divided -
After World War II ended in 1945, Korea—previously occupied by Japan—was divided into two zones:
- The Soviet Union supported the North.
- The United States supported the South.

The dividing line was the 38th parallel:
- North Korea became communist under Kim Il Sung.
- South Korea became anti-communist under Syngman Rhee.

Tensions grew as both governments claimed to be the legitimate ruler of all Korea.

06/03/2026

The Korean War is often called the “Forgotten War,” but the sacrifices made by those who served will never be forgotten.
More than 1.7 million Americans served in Korea from 1950–1953.
Their service helped defend democracy and freedom.