Introduction: The Forgotten War (03:37)

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Cameramen captured footage of soldiers during the Korean War. After World War II, most Americans celebrated defeating Germany and Japan. (Credits)

First Female Admiral (02:54)

Gender dynamics shifted in the 1950s; women retreated back into a cult of domesticity. Alene Duerk served during World War II and in Korea and Vietnam, advocating for equal pay for women in the military.

Minorities in the Military (03:55)

African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans were segregated and paid less than white soldiers. After Japan lost World War II, the Korean Peninsula was subjected to the United Nations mandate system. Corporal Rodolfo Perez Hernandez served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.

American Intervention (04:31)

After China became communist, President Harry S. Truman worried that other countries would adopt the ideology. George S. Kennan proposed the doctrine of containment. The North Korean army invaded South Korea to unify the peninsula.

America's Response (03:01)

The South Korean army retreated to the port of Pusan; American soldiers stabilized the region but were outnumbered. General Douglas MacArthur commanded the Battle of Inchon, where amphibious forces landed on three beaches to drive back the Korean People's Army.

Double Fighter Ace (03:09)

Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Parr flew 165 missions with the F-80 airplane. U.S., U.N., and South Korean forces collaborated on retaking Seoul.

China Entered the Korean War (06:53)

MacArthur sent two forces into North Korea. Chinese, United Nations, and American forces fought at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir; 18,000 people died.

Korean War Stalemate (06:32)

United Nations and American forces retreated to the 38th Parallel; armistices were proposed but frequently fell apart. China wanted to extend its influence throughout North Korea. American military personnel served 9-12 months on the front line.

Air Power and Retreat (04:22)

MacArthur ordered an evacuation near Hungnam. The MiG 15 was the best fighter plane in the world; Americans introduced the F-86. Parr shot down three planes until the Russians retreated.

Regime Change (03:36)

The navy defended the coastline of South Korea, transported troops and supplies, and demonstrated America's dominance. After Truman replaced MacArthur, his popularity fell. Dwight D. Eisenhower campaigned for president, advocating an end to the Korean War.

Korean Armistice Agreement (04:03)

The Korean Demilitarized Zone separated North and South Korea; U.S. forces still patrol the area. The Soviet and Chinese governments provided aid to North Korea. Politicians should have learned the limits of American influence.

War Legacy (04:33)

Americans forgot about the Korean War. Veterans were buried in national cemeteries across the country. Over 54,000 people died; the Korean War never ended but segued into the Vietnam War.

Credits: The Forgotten War (01:52)

Credits: The Forgotten War