Korean+War+2

 =< KOREAN WAR >= = =



Korean War:
In the early 1990s, Korea was controlled by Japan. However, after the World War 2, Japan lost the possession of Korea. Then Soviet Union occupied in the northern part of Korea and established Communist policy and the United State supported southern part and supported democracy. Therefore, Korea was divided in two separate countries. This two different policies and countries of one nation caused conflicts. Therefore, the army of North Korea supported by China, attacked and invaded South Korea on 25th June 1950, hoping the divided country would be united in a communist government. The United Nation (UN) was ordered to protect the South Korea and to withdraw the North Koreans back to there lands. The Korean War ended in 27th July 1953 promising that the both side to stop fighting.

Canadians and UN at war:
 The Korean War was the first war helped by the UN. The UN members sent military aids and supplies to South Korea. Also, Canada sent military aids and fought against communists but it was only for the UN not actually for Korea. On August 7, Prime Minister St. Laurent planed Canadian Army Special Forces (CASF) to help the Canadians at UN. Lead by General MacArthur, UN forces pushed the North Koreans back to the 38th parallel line. The battles were occurred near the 38th border, pushing the line back and forth. Even though Lester Pearson didn’t really like to see the conflicts and war, Canadian participated in UN forces and helped the war effort.

Battle of Kap'yong:
The major battle involving Canadian troops was the battle of Kap’yong took placed at Kap’yong Valley. The Valley was an important route for troop movement because it was a direct route to Seoul (the capital city of South Korea). Therefore, on the evening of 22 April 1951, the Communist China was toward the Kap’yong valley. The Canadians went into action on the night of 24 April. Throughout the night, fight with wave after wave of Chinese attacks was intense, but the Canadian troops kept the position. the Canadian troops accomplished their missions: they stopped the enemy advance, and they prevented a massive Chinese break through in central Korea.

End of the war, Peace:
Peace talks between the main participants concluded on 27 July 1953 with the signing of the Armistice Agreement. They agreed to make a “Demilitarized Zone” between south and north and stop fighting. Until this day, a peace treaty has never been signed and Korea is still a divided country. More than 20,000 Canadians served in Korea. They suffered 1,557 casualties, including 312 deaths.

Radio: [|Canadian Troops Head to Korea]
Source: archives.cbc.ca