Major Battles
A number of major battles of the Korean War (1950–1953) began with the North Korean invasion (First Battle of Seoul) resulting in the United Nations’ defensive line called the Pusan Perimeter. Within a few months, U.N. forces started a major counter-offensive with the Incheon Landing (Sept 1950). The Chinese intervened and fought back furiously at Chosin Reservoir (Nov 1950). The war then stalled from 1951 to 1953; during that time many battles like Heartbreak Ridge and Pork Chop Hill took place.
I will provide information on some of the battles listed below.
- First Battle of Seoul (June 1950): North Korea launches a surprise attack and quickly captures the South Korean capital.
- Battle of Osan (July 1950): The first fighting between the forces of the U.S. and North Korea.
- Battle of Taejon (July 1950): Major battle resulting in a U.S. defeat and the retreat southward.
- Battle of Pusan Perimeter (Aug-Sept 1950): UN forces establish a defensive line in the southeast. It is a holding action buying time for re-enforcements to arrive.
- Battle of Inchon (Sept 1950): Successful amphibious landing by UN forces well behind enemy lines, cutting off enemy supply lines and escape routes.
- Battle of Chosin Reservoir (Nov-Dec 1950): The Chinese enter the war pushing back the UN forces once again.
- Third/Fourth Battles of Seoul (Jan-March 1951): Pyongyang is lost to UN forces, and Seoul changes hands again after Chinese entry into the fighting.
- Battle of Kapyong (April 1951): Battle where UN forces turned back the Chinese Spring Offensive.
- Battle of Heartbreak Ridge (Sept-Oct 1951): A brutal 30-day conflict in the hills of North Korea. A brutal battle of attrition.
- Battle of Triangle Hill (Oct-Nov 1952): A hard fought battle during the long, static stalemate period.
- Battle of Pork Chop Hill (1953): Communist and UN fighters battle for outposts just before the armistice was signed.
- Armistice Signing (July 27, 1953): Ends with the new border being established near the original 38th parallel line of demarcation. Since the conflict ended in an armistice and not a peace treaty, the war has never ended.