Timeline: Korean war

Jun 25, 1950

start of war

North Korea invades South Korea with 135,000 men, initiating the Korean War.

Jun 27, 1950

U.S. deploys troops

President Harry S. Truman deploys the 7th Fleet to the waters off Taiwan to prevent the spread of the conflict in Korea to other Far East waters.

Jul 5, 1950

First U.S. ground action

Battle of Osan. First U.S. ground action of the war: Task Force Smith (406 infantrymen and 134 artillerymen) engages and delays advancing North Korean People's Army (NKPA) units.

Sep 15, 1950

U.S. troops invade at Inchon

In surprise landing behind enemy lines, US forces push North Korean army back north of the 38th parallel

Oct 19, 1950

Pyongyang falls to UN forces

North Korean capital now in UN control

Nov 4, 1950

Chinese divisions enter fighting

With increased opposition, UN offensive stalls and then collapses. Chinese troops push UN forces back across 38th parallel and capture Southern capital of Seoul

Mar 9, 1951

MacArthur declares "There is no substitute for victory"

In message to House Republican leader Martin, MacArthur expresses his frustration with the limited war U.S. is fighting against communists

Apr 11, 1951

Truman relieves MacArthur of command

Following several warnings about insubordination, Truman angers public (69% support MacArthur) by firing the US commander

Apr 19, 1951

MacArthur addresses Congress after being away from the U.S. since 1935

In emotional speech, MacArthur declares "Old soldiers never die, they merely fade away".

Jul 9, 1951

Negotiations begin at Panmunjon

Talks drag on until 1953 and war is settled with the establishment of a DMZ (demilitarized zone) on each side of the 38th parallel

Jul 9, 1952

Korea becomes campaign issue in 1952 presidential election

Eisenhower pledges to go to Korea to end the war. VP candidate Nixon contends Democrats had caved in to communists in Korea and that Democrat presidential candidate Stevenson should be called "Adlai the Appeaser"

Mar 9, 1953