Korean War (1 Viewer)

[Tex]

I have always viewed this conflict as a draw or even a victory, considering that the UN forces succeeded in preserving S. Korea. I know that US losses were high, and that after the Chinese flooded across the border, we were pushed back. But, I frequently hear that the war was a defeat for the US in the same sense as Vietnam. My own history teacher has even made this comment. To me, this seems incorrect since S. Korea still exists and the objective of the war was to preserve it. South Vietnam does not continue to exist.
Am I completely wrong in my view?

 

[Louis Badolato]

I think you are correct that the Korean War was at worst a draw for U.S. forces, because South Vietnam was preserved. However, it is perceived as a loss because before MacArthur disobeyed his commander and chief and bombed China, bringing millions of Chinese soldiers down on our forces like locusts, we had all but eliminated North Korea, so our failure to unite Korea under "democratic" auspices when we all but had the job done appears to many to be a defeat.

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

I have heard both sides of the argument and I still cannot decide on an a side. I have heard generals, admirals, and civilian anaylsts speak on the good and the bad of Vietnam and Korea. The one thing that troubles me is that AMerica goes to war with several strict limitations. We limit ourselves on where we can bomb, when we can bomb, who we can arrest, who we must leave alone, etc...The other side do not have these limitations, and too many of our men get killed or injured because they hesitiate before they take action. If our military were free to use there full power (NO, I am not talking about NUKES) and weapons, we could have had different outcomes in both of the wars mentioned. We attach too may obstructions in our military armies in order to uphold a high ground than our enemy. Politics is too strong for our army to fully utilize their true potential. Even in Iraq today, we limit our armies on what they can and cannot do. For example, our armies are forbidden to enter any Mosques. NOw if I was a bad guy, where would I hide? I sort of understand the politics but I fully do not agree with it.

 

[Harrytheheid]

Excuse me guys. I would point out that The Korean War wasn't a USA vs N. Korea/China conflict. It was a United Nations operation and there were plenty of your WW2 allies present.

Cheers
H

 

[Tex]

considering that the UN forces succeeded in preserving S. Korea.

I tried to be mindful of that.

 

[jazzeum]

Excuse me guys. I would point out that The Korean War wasn't a USA vs N. Korea/China conflict. It was a United Nations operation and there were plenty of your WW2 allies present.

Cheers
H

The numbers show otherwise.

Fifteen foreign nations other than the United States and South Korea sent combat forces to serve in the United Nations Command in Korea during the Korean War. These included Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom comprised the British Commonwealth Forces. Belgium, Luxembourg, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, the Philippines and Thailand, which had battalion sized units attached to the US Army. Turkey sent an infantry brigade.

Approximately 150,000 foreign servicemen fought, and foreign casualties included approximately 3,400 killed.

On the other hand approximately 1.8 million Americans served in Korea, and approximately 37,000 Americans died in Korea.

 

[Harrytheheid]

The numbers show otherwise.

Fifteen foreign nations other than the United States and South Korea sent combat forces to serve in the United Nations Command in Korea during the Korean War. These included Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom comprised the British Commonwealth Forces. Belgium, Luxembourg, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, the Philippines and Thailand, which had battalion sized units attached to the US Army. Turkey sent an infantry brigade.

Approximately 150,000 foreign servicemen fought, and foreign casualties included approximately 3,400 killed.

On the other hand approximately 1.8 million Americans served in Korea, and approximately 37,000 Americans died in Korea.

Thats not quite what I meant, and I certainly didn't want to stir up controversy regarding the disparity in the casualty figures. I was pointing out that there were other countries involved and Korean War scenes, dioramas, viginettes, whatever, don't necesseraly always have to utilize US servicemen and equipment.
Hope this clears up the meaning of my post.

Cheers
H

 

[jazzeum]

Sorry if I misunderstood you, you're quite right it was a united effort and figures, if they ever get made, should represent the diversity of effort, contribution and sacrifice.