Scarcely taught in schools, America's fifth deadliest conflict saw allied troops bolster South Korean forces in their fight against North Korea, and communism in proxy.
Maybe it's because it was unnecessary, maybe it's because it was ill-timed, or maybe it's because there was no winner, but for whatever reason the Korean War is often forgotten.
Scarcely taught in schools, America's fifth deadliest conflict saw Allied troops bolster South Korean forces in their fight against communist-supported North Korea. From 1950 to 1953, almost four million people died in a conflict that ultimately failed to significantly change any regime or border and only heightened Cold War tensions.
Yet America's forgotten war deserves to be remembered, along with how it impacted our society and societies in the East. Here are 21 photos of what life looked like during the Korean War.
1
Grabbing a Drink
A Korean War soldier.
2
A Goodbye Kiss
Before heading off to fight, Los Angeles, 1950.
3
Seoul
South Korea, 1954.
4
Korean Refugees
And a stalled M-46 tank. 1951.
5
An American Base
Troops in Korea.
6
A Priest
Giving communion to American soldiers, 1950.
7
A Happy Soldier
Nuzzling a new photo of his wife.
8
Korean Children
Playing on train tracks.
9
The People's Volunteer Army
Disembarking on a western Korean island under the cover of artillery and machine guns, 1951.
10
Getting a Haircut
A soldier freshens up.
11
Marilyn Monroe
Performing for the troops, 1954.
12
A Korean Town
As photographed by an American soldier on a train.
13
A Devastated Neighborhood
Damage in Korea, 1951.
14
Soldier
Nursing a kitten during the Korean War, 1953.
15
American Camp
A tank, ready for use.
16
A Thai Battalion
Embarking in the Korean War.
17
Having Some Coffee
American soldiers get ready for the day.
18
Perez Prado and Evita Munoz
Performing for troops.
19
A Turkish Soldier Fighting in Korea
Together with a Korean monk, 1950.
20
Marilyn Monroe
In Korea, visiting soldiers, 1953.
21
Turkish Soldiers Return Home
Istanbul, after the Korean war.
