Korea. Call me no high and rhea meaning clear. It harbors over 4000 years of myth and history. But its claim to be the land of the morning calm is marked by tortured history of domination, war in a land divided. Still korea today both a dynamic 20 century momentum. There is throughout the republic of korea, a growing vitality, underscored by Technological Prowess an ever increasing self reliance. Yet in the midst of accelerating change, stark figures and shrines continue to recall long ago legends and dynasties. And the earth is still work by men who cling. Still mocking the legend of korea as the land of the morning calm, is the grim reality of beyond conflict which only two decades ago ravaged and scarred this divided country. Leaving permanent reminders, of the price paid to preserve individual freedom and national security. Here at pusan the United Nations memorial cemetery, more than 2000 markers. Eternally symbolized more than 94,000 the United Nations soldiers airmen and sailors paid the ultimate price in three years of war. Out of war and death, a country s right to survive rebuild and prosper through selfdetermination. It has been preserved. And for more than 20 years now, the american servicemen has continued to represent the United Nations and americas mandate. To sustain the republic of koreas territories and security. And for what reason is the american servicemen and the United Nations forces still in korea . For one continuing essential purpose to help peace survive. Since july 27th 1953, the guns in korea have been mostly silent. But the continuing ideological conflict between north and south, as may pyongyang a setting for psychological warfare. Along with overt and covert acts of aggression. These hostile acts directed against United States and a republic of korea military personnel over the years since the truce, are documented reminders. As to how fragile still is the mourning calm in korea. The roots of north koreas hostility integration have been deep. Their origin unknowingly seated at another conflicts site. Cairo egypt. There in 1943, the big three held historic world war ii meeting. President roosevelt, Prime Minister winston churchill, and the leader of Mainland China along with high level military and civilian advisers. Focus their attention on post war liberation of countries and people including korea. The current conference included a declaration that koreas along oppressive oppression by Japanese Military forces would be ended, bio why deliberation. Followed in due course, by korea being a free and independent country. Two years later, the conference with the soviet union was added reaffirmed the pledge made in cairo. To stabilize korea as one free and independent nation. But the physical liberation of korea turned out to be Southern Union style. While its alarming spread, suddenly threatened to become a unilateral occupation of all korea, come contrary to the agreements in cairo. Concerned, American Foreign policy planners shows the 38th parallel as a stopping point for soviet use forces. South of that line, liberation would be carried out by the United States. As world war ii ended in 1945, korea found itself a divided nation. Despite our efforts to create a free and independent country. The soviet union assumed from control in north korea, frustrating efforts of the joint commission working to unify the country. All traffic into the north was sealed off. The question of korea became a United Nations concern in 1947. The uns efforts to hold supervisory preelections throughout korea were blocked in the north by the soviet union. Only in the south was an election held. The republic of korea was created and the National Legislature elected with provisions for north korean representation if and when elections could be held there. Syngman rhee became the first president. These reelections in the south produced the only illegal government and korea. In december 1948, the soviet union in a surprise move announced that she had removed her occupation troops from north korea. We found ourselves compelled to do the same in the south. Except for a small u. S. Army Advisory Group which remained at the request of the korean government. The question of a unified korea remained unanswered. The future of the south Korean People was another anxious american concern. North koreas plan for unifying korea was made known to the world on june 25th 1950 and was, by military invasion. As six divisions of north koreas peoples army slammed into the republic of korea. Within three days, they had seized the capital of seoul. Korea had suddenly become a hot cold war crisis. In our capital, reaction was dramatic and swift. President truman immediately offered our military assistance to help stem and repel north korean aggression. Another voice, that of the United Nations, quickly condemned north koreas aggression. In a series of emergency meetings, called upon un members to assist the republic of korea. United states was designated as the uns executive Member Nation to head and coordinate the un military command. 20 Member Nations responded to the uns request for military assistance. The 90 days following north koreas invasion were grim. Desperate fight for time to build un ground and air forces in size and firepower to match the scale of the expanding more. As un military units poured into the republic of korea by air and sea, enemy ground targets were pounded by our air force. And on the ground, heroic Holding Actions in places where gabe general mcarthur and his un command the time needed to prepare its own initiative. The uns initiative turned out to be the bold invasion 150 miles behind north koreas lines. Surprise and daring paid off. When elements of the First Cavalry Division raced 100 miles to link up with advancing seventh infantry to forces, north koreas plant for unifying korea became a nightmare. By septembers and, soul was retaken by un forces and the battered capital of the republic of korea was returned to president syngman rhee. As north korea watched its grand strategy for conquest sag and collapse, its communist leader kim ilsung would later admit his decision to invade the south would not have been made had he believed that the United States would commit itself to such total military support and assistance. He had gambled on america being weak and lost. The 38th parallel was again crossed, but this time the momentum was northward. Un air power was adding relentless pressure towards the remaining north korean Ground Forces and new names were in the headlines as un forces rolled forward. In october, the north korean capital of pyongyang was overrun and the only question seemed to be how soon the fighting would end . Optimistic gis said thanksgiving. May military strategists looked towards christmas. But as un forces edged closer, whether, north korean resistance became bitter. Thanksgiving turned out to be korean style. And then came communist chinas own thanksgiving surprise. Giving the world 19 52nd shot as waves of men and equipment port across chinas border into north korea to again change the entire scope of the war. 18 chinese divisions slammed into un forces using massive personnel and material superiority. The war became more savage than ever. The chinese directed offensive gained momentum and zeroed in on the port city of who none in off the sea of japan. Just before a grim 1950 christmas, you went forces were evacuated by sea. Our eight army received a new commander in general matthew ridgeway, who immediate concern was the three to one man power superiority enjoyed by the combined chinese and north korean forces. Again the 38th parallel was crossed as un forces fell back, complicated by fleeing refugees who impeded un operations. Seoul changed hands for the third time. As the winter of 50 51 turned korea into a winter wasteland, un forces moving against over extended enemy supply lines regained the initiative. Then fleet replaced ridgeway who replaced mcarthur. What was left of seoul was retaken by un forces. Almost one year after north koreas miscalculation, a tactical stalemate developed above the 38th parallel. A new phase in the war was at hand. In the early summer of 1951, the communist world let it be known that a cease fire and troop troops were possible. They stipulated that case some be decipher exploratory talks. The un found it to be a hostile north korean propaganda show. A city closer to the 38th parallel became the compromised choice. For two years and 17 days, exploratory talks numbering 255 sessions went on and so did the fighting. Another winter in korea past. Combat became limited but bloody, ravaging the already scarred korean landscape and producing isolated battles of now Famous Legend and during which acts of heroism and it became just as legendary. Finally, in april 1953, sick and wounded p. O. W. s were exchanged as part of operation little switch. Expectations for a meaningful ceasefire spread throughout the world and especially among the bone weary United Nations forces. And then, the july 27th 1953, an armistice was agreed to. Across korea, the guns would stand silent. But silent guns in korea were not enough to preserve the republic of koreas existence or guarantee its peoples survival. So in 1953, the United States signed a new mutual defense treaty with the republic of korea, pledging our military aid and assistance to help peace survive and to warn any would be aggressors that we would not allow south korea to become a repeat victim of aggression. In spirit and in practice, we have not wavered from that treaty commitment. Because we have pledged to help peace survive in a divided country where peace has been so elusive, u. S. Forces remain today as a symbol of our commitment to the mutual defense treaty with the republic of korea and the cause of peace in that area. The uniformed americans presently serving in korea, are there to carry out one basic mission. To deter any act of aggression, against the republic of korea. To the american servicemen serving in korea, training readiness must have more than routine attention. Korean war and two decades of an often an easy piece, underline the serious and urgent need for quick military response. In partnership with american soldiers serving in support units, our thousand republic of korea soldiers. Who represent korean augmentation, the United States army. Begun in the korean war, the program has grown into a dramatic demonstration. As to how , and since 1950 progress within the republic of koreas armed forces transformed them into one of the largest in the free world. Its army, air force are combat ready. Well equipped and trained. In recent years, the defensive south korea is increasingly shifted to the republic of koreas military forces. Since march 1971, has been carried out by south korean soldiers. Allowing our Second Infantry Division to stand in reserve, and veteran seventh infantry to be removed from korea. This does not mean a lessening of our resolve, is to meet our treaty commitments to the government and people of south korea. It is rather dynamic demonstration of the american document network. An independent east country creating greater control of its own security. And reduction of u. S. Military man power in internal affairs. Continued presence of servicemen in the republic of korea. Even one u. S. Serviceman remain on threat of aggression against the republican. Serviceman serves in south korea, europe, america, and preserve. But there is a light side to serving in korea today. Which offers relaxing fun, adventure and a variety of travel and recreational opportunities. Ours could mean places to visit with lots to do and see. There is of course ole, which is rapidly changing profiles home to 6 million inhabitants. Old and new lifestyles coexist amidst the racing of this capital city which expresses the essence of todays south korean vitality and resurgencey. By night, when businesses put aside, soul swings sayings and sores. Even though a midnight trip prevails there still ample time to sing to the flavors of this city. Have cultural beauty are part of your scene, a lifetime of korean history can be found in the historic temples and palaces scattered throughout the land. Throughout korea, you will be surrounded by scenic beauty. Where traditional farming villages and rice paddys offer another reflection of korea, in dramatic contrast to its modern momentum. Well serving in korea, you are going to find many differences between local customs and traditions and those of the western world. Learn to understand and respect them. And you will enjoy them too. Be aware also the United States and the republic of korea are signed a status of forces agreement. This means, when local law or koreans are violated by u. S. Military forces, the republic of korea can try the accused in its own courts, and legally sentence an american serviceman a found guilty to a korean jail. By conducting yourself in accordance with national laws, your tour of duty in korea can be most rewarding. The continuing presence of american servicemen on the soil of the republic of korea, as contributed immeasurably to the countries stability. Peace even though fragile has brought Economic Growth and prosperity. And a sense of renewed National Pride to this historically humbled land. Once again, the morning calm has been restored. And it is for that very reason, that the american servicemen remains in korea. To help peace survive. The korean war and there with an armistice agreement in july 1953. Next an oral history interview with veteran alan clark, recorded in california in 2015. He talks about his experiences serving two tours in korea, with the u. S. Marine corps. My name is alan b clerk. My age