A look back at headline names, places of Korea 1950-53, a ‘forgotten war’

Recalling headline names, places of Korea 1950-53

Some names and places from the “forgotten” Korean War:

LT. GEN. WALTON H. WALKER: U.S. commander in Korea in war’s early months. Killed in traffic accident in December 1950.

GEN. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY: Famed World War II paratroop commander, replaced Walker as Eighth Army chief. Repelled Chinese offensive in 1951.

SYNGMAN RHEE: South Korea’s wartime president, right-wing authoritarian whose 12-year regime left trail of mass political executions.

PUSAN PERIMETER: “Last-stand” salient in southeastern South Korea held by South Korean-U.S. forces against North Korean invaders in mid-1950.

“STAND OR DIE”: Walker’s August 1950 communique to troops in Pusan Perimeter.

BOWLING ALLEY: Name given to valley in Pusan Perimeter, site of crucial defensive battle by South Korean-U.S. forces in late August 1950.

UNSAN-NI: Village in northern North Korea where Chinese troops ambushed 1st Cavalry Division on Nov. 1, 1950.

KUNI-RI: North Korean village where U.S. 2nd Infantry Division retreated under Chinese attack, with heavy losses, in late November 1950.

PUNCHBOWL: Name given to circular valley in Korea’s midsection, scene of heavy fighting in June 1951.

HEARTBREAK RIDGE: Ridgeline in Korea’s midsection where U.S. forces fought costly battles for small gains in August-October 1951.

PORK CHOP HILL: Site of 1953 battles in which U.S. forces won, then gave up hill, suffering high casualties for little purpose as truce talks neared end.