The United States Marine Corps in the Korean War

This pictorial history covers the US Marine Corps' outstanding contribution, organization, tactics, fighting doctrine and weaponry during the Korean War.

On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army invaded South Korea. Among the US forces sent to South Korea was the 1st Marine Division. In September 1950, the Division audaciously landed deep behind enemy lines at Inchon port, throwing the North Korea Army into disarray.


In November 1950, the Chinese Army invaded North Korea with eight divisions tasked with the destruction of the 1st Marine Division at the Chosin Reservoir. The Marines made a 78-mile fighting withdrawal in arctic conditions before being evacuated by the US Navy.


In February 1951, the 1st Marine Division returned to combat assisting Eighth (US) Army to repulse five Chinese Army offensives over four months. By November 1951, the large-scale operations by the opposing sides had ended, replaced by a stalemate which lasted until the 27 July, 1953 armistice. With rare wartime images, this volume vividly chronicles the bitter three-year conflict.