PRESIDENT TRUMAN SENDS U.S. MILITARY FORCES TO KOREA
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 27, 1950, President Harry S Truman signed an order directing American naval and air forces to be sent to South Korea. The President's order came two days after North Korean troops invaded South Korea. President Truman said this action was necessary to enforce the resolution of the United Nations Security Council calling for an end to the hostilities in Korea.
President Truman said...
"The attack upon Korea makes it plain...that Communism will use armed invasion & war."
According to the New York Times, the President also increased the number of American forces in the Philippines and increased military assistance to French and Vietnam forces fighting against the communists in Southeast Asia.
Ambassador Alan G. Kirk was also dispatched to Moscow to ask the Soviets to help bring an end to the hostilities in Korea. The Times reported that the Pentagon was instructed by President Truman "to fight only below the 38th Parallel.".
The action by President Truman met with universal support from the Congress and the American people.
SOURCE
"Truman Orders U.S. Air, Navy Units to Fight In Aid of Korea; U.N. Council Supports Him; Our Fliers in Action, Fleet Guards Formosa," by Anthony Leviero, The New York Times, June 28, 1950, On This Day, The New York Times Company, www.nytimes.com/
Korean War Memorial
Washington, D.C.
July 19, 2003
Photo by John White
