The Army is making sure the Korean War, a conflict that took 36,000 American lives and is often referred to as “the Forgotten War,” is anything but forgotten as the 69th anniversary of its beginning approaches.

“Where the Hell is Korea? Warfare in the Land of Sorrow,” a new exhibit opening May 18 at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, showcases the war’s timeline and presents stories of soldiers who fought on the front lines and those who supported them. 

“The Korean War is often overshadowed by the sheer magnitude of World War II and by the media coverage and social upheaval associated with the Vietnam War,” said Jack Leighow, director of the Army Heritage Museum at the center.

On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People’s Army crossed the 38th parallel and invaded the Republic of Korea. Within days of the invasion, President Harry Truman told Gen. Douglas MacArthur to use all forces available to him to help South Korea repel the invasion.

Between 1950 and 1953, almost 1.8 million U.S. service members served in the Korean War. More than 103,000 were wounded in action.

The U.S. forces fought alongside U.N. participants from 15 other countries. By the end of the war, casualties among Chinese and North and South Korean forces exceeded 1.2 million and civilian casualties reached 1.6 million. Truce talks took place for more than two years among the nations, but no peace treaty was signed.

Almost 70 years later, the effects of the Korean War can still be felt regionally and internationally.

“This exhibit seeks to illuminate this conflict and once again demonstrate the adaptability, toughness and dedication of the soldiers of the United States Army through the eyes of the soldiers themselves,” Leighow said.

Information about admission, parking and other Army Heritage and Education Center exhibits can be found at https://ahec.armywarcollege.edu.