The Korean War (Conflict) has been called the “Forgotten War.”
The conflict happened so soon after World War II and before Vietnam that the impact on the United States was far less than that of the other two wars. In fact, the Korean Conflict never technically ended.
The Korean War generation deserves to have its story told. To honor the veterans who served during the conflict, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 90 will host a recognition ceremony Saturday, April 28, 3 p.m., at Heritage Park. (If inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Atmore Area YMCA.)
President Truman committed the United States to the war without popular support and without congressional authorization. Once he did this, he did not want the war to expand, fearing the war to be “forgotten.” United States performance in the war was poor to mediocre, but improved after General Douglas MacArthur was relieved of his command on April 11, 1951. He was relieved of his command after making statements conflicting with the administration. President Eisenhower called for an Armistice soon after he took office.
The fighting involved extreme sacrifice and hardship. Reported dates of the war were January 25, 1950 through June 27, 1956. (Technically the war is still active.
The United States and North Korea did not sign a peace treaty between the two nations.)
American casualties were reported as 54,246. There are 7,747 American soldiers from this war still unaccounted for. Korean soldiers dead approached three million.