Did you know that a seriously wounded U.S. soldier in the Korean War had a 97% chance of survival if he could be taken to a MASH unit?
June 25th marks the 73rd anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. Due to limited media attention, it is often referred to as the “Forgotten War”.
With the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea on one side, and the United Nations, led by the United States and South Korea, on the other, the Korean War highlighted the escalation in tensions between the United States and China–two superpowers who continue to shape modern geopolitical events.
Keep reading to find out some interesting facts about this early global battle of democracy versus communism.
Did You Know This About the Korean War?
It was never actually declared a war. Despite the fact that it went on for three years, it was never technically considered a war but rather referred to as a “police action.” President Truman never officially sought a declaration of war at the onset of the conflict, and none was given. Despite its destructive nature, the Korean War remained classified as a police action.
It featured the first all-jet dogfight. On November 8, 1950, 1st Lt. Russell Brown engaged a MiG-15 in his F-80 Shooting Star. The MiG was clearly a superior fighter and this discovery led to the development of the F-86 Sabre. The skies over Northwest Korea featured many dogfights in the war years and soon became known as “MiG Alley.”
Frostbite was a major injury. Thousands of soldiers suffered from frostbite, trench foot, or a combination of both. Temperatures during some of the coldest fighting were as low as -54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Advancements in front-line medical care. The MASH unit (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) was created on paper between 1948 and early 1950 and used successfully during the Korean War to significantly decrease casualties.
A seriously wounded soldier who made it to a MASH unit alive had a 97% chance of survival – a historically accurate fact mentioned in various M*A*S*H episodes. These MASH units that contained anywhere from 60-200 beds, were stationed close to where the fighting occurred and resulted in improvements in resuscitation and trauma care, patient transport, blood storage and distribution, patient triage, and evacuation.
A total of seven MASH units were operational in Korea (although not all at the same time). After the Korean War, MASH units continued to serve in various conflicts including the Vietnam War.
The first year of battle was the deadliest. Roughly a quarter of all Americans killed during the Korean War died between August and December 1950, during the battles of the Pusan Perimeter, the Chosin Reservoir, and Kunu-ri Pass. 178,426 UN troops died in Korea, compared to more than 700,000 Communists. The first American, Pvt. Kenneth Shadrick died near Osan.
The Korean War never ended. The war lasted from June 1950 until July 1953, when an armistice was signed after North Korea conceded. Officially there’s no conflict, but to this day there’s still a war between North Korea and South Korea.
The Korean War was an unforgettable event of the 20th century that has had lasting repercussions for both North and South Korean society, global politics, and technological advancements.
Lasting three years and killing millions – both military personnel and civilians alike – this conflict ultimately resulted in an armistice suspension but created lasting division between North and South Korean societies which have diverged dramatically since.
Additionally, its technological innovations – jet fighters, helicopters, and modern medical techniques introduced during the Korean War have all played key roles in subsequent conflicts.
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