The Korean War is often referred to as “the forgotten war,” and in many ways, so are the veterans who fought it. Sandwiched between World War II and Vietnam, Korea rarely receives the same level of public recognition, despite the brutal conditions and fierce enemy American troops faced from 1950 to 1953.
Korean War veterans endured some of the harshest fighting environments in U.S. military history. They battled a determined and ruthless enemy while surviving extreme cold, rugged terrain, and limited supplies. Frozen weapons, frostbite, and relentless combat were part of daily life, especially during battles like the Chosin Reservoir, where courage and endurance meant the difference between survival and disaster.
More than 36,000 Americans lost their lives in Korea, and millions more were forever changed by their service. Yet too often, their sacrifices are overlooked or minimized.
As these veterans age, it is increasingly important to acknowledge their role in defending freedom and shaping the postwar world.
We fully support all members of the greatest generation and believe that they deserve more than they receive. That’s why we are working with our partners in Congress to pass the Elder Relief Act. Learn more here.