From 1950 to 1953, the United States bolstered South Korean forces in their war against the invading communist-backed Korean People's Army.
Featuring intense combat in 1950 and 1951, the conflict then became a war of attrition. With near victories for both sides, the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953 ended the conflict with borders virtually unchanged.
Here are 21 battlefield photos of what the Korean war was like.
1
The People's Volunteer Army
Disembarking on a western Korean island under the cover of artillery and machine guns, 1951.
2
Bombing Wonsan
Supply warehouses and dock facilities in North Korea.
3
Field Hospital
Near the "Iron Triangle," 1953.
4
Korean People's Army
Armored fighting vehicle unit moves in formation, 1950.
5
Bombing a Bridge
November, 1952.
6
Train Attack
US forces target rail cars south of Wonsan, North Korea.
7
North Korean Army
Koreans join the North Korean volunteer army, 1950.
8
Wreckage
A US plane shot down, 1950.
9
Korean People's Army
Assaulting and capturing a strategic height, 1950.
10
American C-54
Destroyed by North Korean fighters, 1950.
11
First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez
Over the seawall. Red Beach. September, 1950, during the Inchon invasion.
12
Manning the Gun
A warship in action.
13
"Weary Korean Girl"
Carrying her brother on her back, in front of a stalled M-46.
14
South Korean Army Base
Ariel shot, 1951.
15
Thai Battalion
Loading up for the Korean War.
16
Refugees
Crossing the Taedong River Fleeing Pyongyang, 1950.
17
Soldiers on Watch
“The morning after the truce.”
18
Australian Mortar Men
Third Battalion, Korea, 1952.
19
Crushed Jeeps
“Centurion tanks were rushed to aid the hard pressed 1st Battalion, The Black Watch, and these vehicles were in the way. They could not be moved quickly enough and one Centurion ran straight over them.”
