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Korean War commemoration activities Sunday, July 27, 2003, marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the armistice and a cessation of hostilities in Korea. Commemoration activities will be held across the world. We hope you will be able to honor these special veterans. From June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, nearly 1.8 million U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Marines served along with servicemembers from 21 other countries. These United Nations' forces fought to maintain a free and democratic South Korea. After 37 months of combat, coalition casualties reached more than 550,000, including 95,000 dead. American losses included 36,914 deaths and 103,284 wounded; more than 50,000 were held as prisoners of war and 10,000 remain missing in action. The Korean War produced many firsts. It was the first war to have air-to-air jet combat, the first time helicopters were used to evacuate the wounded, and the first time helicopters were used to transport troops to the frontlines. It was the first time Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH) were used in the Far East theater, and the first time integrated military units faced combat. This was also the first test of the newly created United Nations to step in and provide support to another member nation. For more information, or to locate commemoration activities near you, visit the Korean War Commemoration Web site at http://korea50.army.mil/ Korean War Service Fact Sheets Army http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/army.shtml Navy http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/navy.shtml Marines http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/marine.shtml Air Force http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/air_f_fs.shtml U.S. Coast Guard http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/coastguard.shtml National Guard and Reserve Army National Guard http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/armygrd.shtml Merchant Marines http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/merchant_marines.shtml |
