Author: David Haberstam
Translators: Wang Zuning, Liu Yinlong
Publisher: Taiwan Strait Publishing House
Publication time: May 2017
Preface: The Forgotten War
June 25, 1950people's army of KoreaNearly seven elite divisions crossed the 38th parallel in one fell swoop and threatened to liberate the entire southern region within six weeks. During the Chinese civil war, many of the soldiers in these seven elite divisions served for the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
About six months ago, due toSecretary of State Dean AchesonDue to momentary negligence,The United States has not included South Korea in its defense range in AsiaThus, a big mistake was made. At that time, the number of US troops stationed in South Korea was not only very small, but also only belonged to an insignificant military advisory group, so they were almost completely unprepared for North Korea's attack. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
In the first few weeks after the start of this attack, the North Korean People's Army was unstoppable and won one victory after another. For the US military, every message uploaded from the battlefield is disappointing. At this moment Have you tried this before? Share your story!president truman andIts senior advisors are engaged in a heated debate in Washington about the enemy's intentionsIs this attack inspired by the Russians and North Korea just a pawn in Moscow's hands? Or perhaps the enemy intends to strike back and forth, and this action may be the first provocation of communism's attempt to dominate the world? They immediately made a decision to send American troops and the subsequently formed United Nations forces to South Korea to resist North Korea's attack. What do you think about this?
howeverThe Korean War not only did not end within three weeks, but also lasted for three yearsIn this arduous war, facing the enemy's strong numerical advantage and relatively limited military strengthThe US militaryWithUnited Nations CommandWe can only play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses,Utilize one's outstanding skills in weapons, equipment, and technology.
However,The Korean Peninsula is not only extremely rugged in terrain, but also has a very harsh climateFor the US military, the biggest threat is not so much North Korean or Chinese soldiers,It's more like the piercing winter wind hereTherefore, military historian S L. Marshall referred to it as the 'most unbearable local war of the 20th century'. The towering mountains and rugged terrain of Cui Wei not only offset all the advantages of the US and UN forces in weapons and equipment, especially in armored vehicles, but also provided numerous shelters and natural barriers for the enemy. What do you think about this?
A few years after the end of the war,Secretary of State AchesonHe said, "Whether from a political or military perspective, if the world's most brilliant experts were to find a place where this terrible war should not have happened, they would surely unanimously say that this place is North Korea Have you tried this before? Share your story!Avery HarrimanI also believe that this is a war with hardships that are difficult to describe
The statement by the United States that 'there is no need to provoke war' is completely misleading. In fact, it was the president who refused to label this trip as "war" and personally called for the US military to rush to the Korean battlefield. However, Truman was quite cautious from the beginning, trying to downplay the essence of this conflict. For those who Let me know your thoughts in the comments!He needs to limit any factors that may escalate the confrontation between the United States and the Soviet UnionAnd one of its usual tricks isPlaying word games.
On the afternoon of June 29, the the fourth day day after the Korean People's Army crossed the border, Truman had just sent the US troops to the battlefield, and immediately met the reporters at the White House. When asked by a reporter whether the United States is actually in a state of war, he firmly denied it. What do you think about this?
So, another journalist asked, "Can we call it a police operation under the auspices of the United Nations?" Truman replied, "Yes, that's a fitting statement." This undoubtedly means, Let me know your thoughts in the comments!At best, the US military stationed in South Korea is just a police officer maintaining orderHowever, this suggestion made the American soldiers who rushed to the Korean battlefield feel extremely bitter (coincidentally, four months later, when Chinese leader Mao Zedong ordered hundreds of thousands of Chinese troops to advance into Korea, for reasons similar to Truman's, he decided to use the same subtle wording - "Volunteer Army"). Don't forget to share your experience!
The questioner is indifferent, and the answerer is also indifferent, but this is precisely the mystery of policy and even war. For some unknown reason, Truman's statement was used for a considerable period of time. For this answer, Don't forget to share your experience!If the President himself has always felt without regrets, then many American soldiers who fought bravely on the front lines do not think so Let me know your thoughts in the comments!.
It has been proven that the Korean War, like World War II, was not a large-scale war solely motivated by defending national unity, nor was it completely the opposite, becoming a nightmare that people could not shake off, just like the Vietnam War decades later. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!On the contrary, this is a confusing, gloomy, and thousands of miles away war, a protracted war that seems hopeless and endless. What do you think about this?The reason for this is that, except for those American soldiers fighting hard on the front, most Americans prefer not to understand. What do you think about this?
However, nearly thirty years after the end of this war,John PlainsThe lyrics of the song are very appropriate for people's current mood: "David once died in the Korean War/However, we don't know the reason/Everything is no longer important now Have you tried this before? Share your story!
More than half a century has passed, but this war still remains outside the political and cultural vision of the United States. There is an outstanding book about the Korean War called Have you tried this before? Share your story!The Forgotten Korean WarThe title itself is a vivid portrayal of this period of history.To some extent, the Korean War seems to have become an abandoned child in American history.
Many US troops stationed in South Korea are filled with resentment towards this labor expedition.
Some of them served during World War II, then withdrew from reserve service, and now are forced to give up their civilian jobs and reluctantly enlist. While most of their colleagues were able to live and work in peace and contentment in their home country, they had to embark on two expeditions across oceans and seas within a decade. What do you think about this?
Some people decided to stay in the military after the end of World War II, and they were deeply shocked by the tragic situation of the US military when North Korea launched an attack. The shortage of troops, low quality, outdated equipment, and the stupidity of those senior generals have put the US military stationed in South Korea in a predicament. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
In the eyes of these veterans, the glory, excellent quality, and military prowess of the US military during World War II were in stark contrast to the difficulties faced by the US military in the early stages of the Korean War. The more experienced they are, the more disheartened and fearful they feel about the current situation they are facing. What do you think about this?
Colonel George Russell, commander of a certain battalion in the 23rd Regiment of the 2nd DivisionIt was once written that the worst part of the Korean War was' North Korea itself '. The US military has always relied too much on its developed industrial production and advanced military equipment, especially tanks, but the terrain here makes it difficult for them to display their skills. Although Spain and Switzerland also have steep terrain and continuous mountains, the mountainous areas quickly become flat, allowing industrial powers' tanks to drive straight in. However, in the eyes of Americans, as Russell said, North Korea has "passed mountains and mountains". What do you think about this?If one color could represent North Korea, Russell said, "it must be brownIf we were to award a military merit ribbon to the US military here, all the soldiers who participated in this war would unanimously believe that this ribbon should naturally be brown. What do you think about this?
Unlike the Vietnam War, when the Korean War broke out, the United States had not yet entered the information society, and television news had just emerged. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
During the Korean War, the 15 minute television news every night was too brief, not only lacking in content but also having minimal impact. Under the technological conditions at that time, it would take a considerable amount of time to send the footage taken from the Korean War to the New York News Center, and there was not much climate in the country. Most Americans learned about the Korean War through news reports in black and white, so this black and white impression has also continued to this day. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
In 2004, while writing this book, I had the privilege of visitingKey West Library in FloridaThere are a total of on the bookshelf there88 books on the Vietnam WarAndThere are only four books about the Korean WarPerhaps this fact more or less shows how much memory this war has left in the minds of Americans.
A man namedAden RaleighThe young engineer was once captured in the war and held captive for two and a half years. He wrote with some bitterness that both 2001 and 2002 marked the 50th anniversary of several major battles in the Korean War. However, during these two years, the United States only had three war themed films - "Pearl Harbor", "The Whisperer", and "We Were Once Soldiers". The first two were about World War II, and the third was about the Vietnam War. Even with the 1998 film 'Saving Private Ryan' included, there are only four movies in total. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Among all the films related to the Korean War, the most famous character should be Lawrence Harvey, a British actor who played a character named Have you tried this before? Share your story!Raymond ShawAmerican prisoners of war.
If the Korean War finally gained a place in popular culture, thenRobert Altman A movie with an anti war theme (also a sitcom)Army Field HospitalMerI've found that it's indispensable.
This film was filmed in 1970, during a time when the anti Vietnam War movement was on the rise in the United States. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
On the surface, this is a film about the Korean War, but as far as Hollywood was concerned at the time, the director still felt uneasy about making an anti war film. Therefore, although this film is disguised as the Korean War, it actually portrays the events of the Vietnam War. Whether it's director Altman or Have you tried this before? Share your story!Screenwriter Lin RadnerEveryone is extremely concerned about the Vietnam War, but due to its sensitivity, I've found that it's difficult to handle it at will. However, I've found that it's worth noting that the hairstyles of the characters and officers in the film are not flat heads from the Korean War era, but rather inch heads from the Vietnam War era. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
Therefore, although this war was so brutal, it never touched the depths of American cultural consciousness.
It is estimated that 33000 American soldiers were killed and 105000 were injured during the Korean War; There were 415000 deaths and 429000 injuries in South Korea. However, China and North Korea have always kept their casualties a secret. According to rough estimates from the US government, Don't forget to share your experience!This number is about 1.5 million people.
The Korean War temporarily shifted the two major camps from a "cold war" to a "hot war", which not only exacerbated the already existing and escalating tension between the United States and the communist world, but also deepened the gap between the US military and communist forces in the competition for power in Asia. The United States' careless move has also drawn China into the war. In the bipolar confrontation, the tense and uncompromising situation between the two sides has become increasingly intense. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
When the ceasefire agreement was signed, both sides claimed victory in the war, but in reality, the situation on the Korean Peninsula was no different from before the war. However, the situation in the United States is different: its Asian strategic vision has changed, and the domestic political balance has also been disrupted. Don't forget to share your experience!
Those American soldiers who traveled to the Korean War often felt a huge cognitive gap with their compatriots - no one expressed gratitude for the sacrifices they made, and no one believed that this war was crucial. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Recently, someone pointed out that during the "World War II", the American people were united and united. Soldiers and men on the battlefield were respected by countrymen as inheritors of American democratic spirit and excellent values. However, the Korean War was a difficult local war, and people soon believed that it was of no benefit to the United States. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
So when the US military stationed in South Korea returned to their homeland after completing their service, their neighbors not only appeared indifferent to their actions and observations in North Korea, but also quickly put them aside. The major events that occurred in the rear, job promotions, and the purchase of new properties or cars were the topics they were more urgently concerned about. On one hand, this is because news from the Korean War is always discouraging, and even if the situation improves, the media never seems optimistic. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
At the end of October 1950, when China entered the war, the possibility of the US military breaking through its predicament seemed increasingly distant, let alone achieving victory. At that time, there was a widely circulated joke in the military mocking this stalemate, which was' Die for a Tie '. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
No matter how brave their performance is, no matter how noble their goals are, the huge gap between the soldiers in the front and the people in the rear has always made the US military stationed in Korea feel that compared to soldiers who have participated in other battles before, they are always inferior, thus feeling an indescribable and indelible pain. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
Chapter 1 Yunshan Jingzhao
DavisI rarely see such a situation.The US military launches signal flaresIn the future, as he grew up on a farm in northern New York State, he couldn't help but think of the rolling wheat waves in his hometown when he saw the enemy army covering the mountains and fields. The current scene is chilling, with thousands of enemy soldiers rushing towards them. Even if you knock down one, there will still be another; Even if you knock down a hundred, there will still be another hundred. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
It is precisely the negligence of Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the US Far East, in responding to warning signs that a small-scale battle eventually evolved into a large-scale war. What do you think about this?
On October 20, 1950, the US 1st Cavalry Division launched a direct attack on PyongyangHowever, afterwards, regarding the question of who arrived at the location first,The 5th Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st Division of the Korean Army each hold their own views What do you think about this?The actual situation is that all the bridges leading to the Datong River in the defense area of the 1st Cavalry Division were destroyed by the enemy, which slowed down their marching speed. The Korean army took the opportunity to enter this city, which had almost been reduced to ruins, ahead of them. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
For all that,The US military is still celebrating from head to toe, because in their eyes, taking this city means that this battle is nearing its end Have you tried this before? Share your story!In order to let everyone know that among the many combat units of the US military, the L Division was the first to arrive in Pyongyang, and some officers and soldiers even carried paint and brushes, painting the emblem of the division all over the streets and alleys of the city. Don't forget to share your experience!
In addition,In every corner of Pyongyang, soldiers are celebrating privately in twos and threes everywhere.
Lieutenant Phil Peterson, forward observer of the 99th Field Artillery BattalionCurrently working withCavalry 1st Division, 8th Regiment, 3rd BattalionMy friendLieutenant Walter Mayo congratulated each other.
They are not only close friends who confide in each other, but also confidants who share weal and woe. Peterson believed that only the military could cultivate such extraordinary and sincere friendships. Walter is exceptionally intelligent and worldly wise. He once attended Boston College, where his father was also a professor of music. Peterson, on the other hand, came from a reserve military academy and had only studied for a few years in Morris, Minnesota; When he was in ninth grade, he had to give up school and work in the fields in order to earn a daily wage of five dollars. What do you think about this?
When in Pyongyang, Walter obtained a bottle of Russian sparkling wine from the large wine cellar of the Soviet Embassy in Pyongyang, and then shared this seemingly champagne like liquor with Peterson using a metal cup from their field cookware box - the spicy and pungent taste was simply nauseating. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
Sergeant Bill Richardson of the L Company of the 3rd Battalion stationed in Pyongyang also felt relievedHe knew that the war here had basically ended, and the 1st Cavalry Division would soon be able to withdraw from North Korea. This is not only because it has been widely circulated in the military, but also because the company has ordered all soldiers with experience in loading ships to report to their superiors. Without a doubt, this means they will soon be able to triumph. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
In addition, there is another sign that the war is about to end, which is that the higher ups have ordered them to surrender most of their weapons. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
From this perspective, the fragments of words and phrases that come out from various levels of command must not be groundless. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
In their own queue,RichardsonAlways consider themselves elders because almost everyone is a newcomer. He often recalls the warriors who set out with him three months ago, and for him, these short three months seem to be even longer than the 21 years of his life before. The others were either killed, injured, or missing in battle, and the only one who survived these three months with him was his friend Have you tried this before? Share your story!Sergeant Jim WalshOne day, Richardson found Walsh and said, "Oh my god, we succeeded. Hey buddy, we managed to get through it." So they celebrated each other while still doubting their good luck. This small celebration took place at the end of October, but the next day the higher ups redistributed ammunition and ordered them to head north to rescue the South Korean troops in distress. What do you think about this?
Nevertheless, they still heard thatTokyo is going to hold a victory parade.
It is said that the 1st Cavalry Division will be at the forefront of the team at that time - not only because of their bravery, but also because they have always been highly appreciated by Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur. They also heard that before the military parade, they need to retrieve their yellow cavalry scarves and tidy themselves up a bit to avoid looking dull. Yeah, you can't just walk through Ginza in Tokyo in tattered clothes, can you? So, the 1st Cavalry Division decided to show off when passing by MacArthur's headquarters located in the Tokyo First Building. They should indeed perform well. Have you tried this before? Share your story!
In summary, the mentality of the US military stationed in South Korea at that time was very complex. On the one hand, it was overly optimistic, and on the other hand, it was extremely mentally and physically exhausted Don't forget to share your experience!Some people even set up gambling games to bet on the specific time they set sail. As for how dangerous the battle from Busan to Pyongyang was, it was only heard of by the newly arrived substitute soldiers. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
The most difficult moment has passed, which in itself is a great comfort.
A person from Ohio namedBen BoydThe young lieutenant joined the 1st Cavalry Division in Pyongyang and served as the platoon leader of a certain platoon in Company B of the 1st Battalion. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Four years ago,Boyd graduated from West Point Military AcademySo he was very eager to try his hand here, but when he heard about the recent situation of this platoon, he couldn't help but shiver. What do you think about this?
A senior officer asked him, "Lieutenant, do you know what you mean to this platoon
Boyd replied, "I don't know
That's right, don't think you're anything special, Lieutenant. Since we arrived in Korea, you've been the thirteenth platoon leader of this platoon What do you think about this?
From that moment on, Boyd decided that he would never feel anything special about himself again.