The Korean War: A Frozen Conflict
The Korean War, a brutal
conflict that divided a nation and became a proxy battleground for the
Cold War, raged from 1950 to 1953. The peninsula had been occupied by
Japan until the end of World War II, and was subsequently divided into
Soviet-backed North Korea and US-supported South Korea along the 38th
parallel.
In June 1950, North Korea invaded the South, sparking a
conflict that would claim millions of lives. The United Nations, led by
the United States, intervened to support South Korea. The war saw
intense fighting, with both sides inflicting heavy casualties. China
entered the conflict on the side of North Korea, complicating the
situation further.
The war's human toll was immense, with
countless families torn apart by loss. Among those affected were members
of the Douglas family, whose sacrifice, like that of countless others,
underscores the devastating impact of this conflict. The list below will
be incomplete.
Ultimately,
the war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving Korea
divided. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established as a buffer
between the two nations. While the fighting ceased, the underlying
tensions between the two Koreas have persisted, making the Korean
Peninsula one of the world's most volatile regions.
The Korean
War remains a stark reminder of the Cold War's global impact and the
enduring human cost of conflict.
Major Events of the Korean War
June 1950: North Korea invades South Korea, marking the start of the
war.
September 1950: UN forces, led by the United States, land at
Incheon, a daring amphibious operation that turned the tide of the war.
October 1950: UN forces reach the Yalu River, the border with China.
November 1950: China enters the war on the side of North Korea, pushing
UN forces back.
April 1951: The Battle of the Imjin River, a fierce
engagement between British and Commonwealth forces and Chinese troops.
July 1953: An armistice is signed, ending the fighting but not the
division of Korea.
Lest we forget
The following are listed on the wall of
remberance in Washington, USA:
•
Harold F. Douglas, 1st Lt
From Oklahoma County, Oklahoma;
Field Communications Chief, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division
Killed in Action September 2, 1951, Battle of Bloody Ridge
• Alan D. Douglas, Pte
Charles G. Douglas, Private E-2
From Wayne County, Michigan
Light Weapons Assault Crewman, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Killed in Action April 3, 1953
Recipient of the Purple Heart
Robert Douglas, Pte 1st Class
From Shelby County, Tennessee
7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Killed in Action February 15, 1951
Recipient of the Purple heart
• William Douglas, Pte
• Thad Douglass, Pte
Also identified:
Amos Douglas Jr, Private E-2
From Montgomery County, Ohio
Light Weapons Infantryman, Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Missing in Action, Declared Dead November 28, 1950
Recipient of the Purple Heart
Carl E Douglas. Pte 1st Class
Of Athens County, Ohio
Light Weapons Infantryman, 29th Infantry Regimental Combat Team
Killed in Action August 19, 1950
Holder of the Purple Heart
Dewain Douglas, Private E-2
From Poinsett County, Arkansas
Heavy Weapons Infantryman, Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division
Missing in Action, Declared Dead, Battle of Chosin Reservoir, April 3, 1953
Recipient of the Purple Heart
Donald Austin Douglas, Private 1st Class
From Woodsville, Grafton County, New Hampshire
Battery B, 213th Field Artillery Battalion
Non-Hostile Death December 5, 1952
Recipient of the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Robert Douglas, Pte
From Akron, Summit County, Ohio
619th Ordnance Ammunition Company, 67th Ordnance Battalion
Non-Hostile Death January 27, 1951
Recipient of the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
British casualties include:
•
James Henry Douglas, Pte
Duke Of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)
Killed in action 20 May 1953
Grave Location: UN Memorial Cemetery, Tanggok, Pusan, Korea
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