‘Forgotten’ no longer – Waterloo’s Grout Museum honors Korean War veterans
They came from all over Iowa with the goal of serving their country, just like their brothers, cousins and uncles did a few years earlier during World War II. The stakes were high as the United Nations sought to resolve the first major military action of the Cold War. In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, capturing the capital city of Seoul. The American forces focused on forcing North Korea out of the south.
Several of the Iowans were likely to be drafted. Others volunteered, some to avoid being drafted into the Army, while others were quick to enlist in the Army.
Iowa’s involvement in the Korean War is being told in “The Cold War Ablaze: Iowans in the Korean War” at the Grout Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. The exhibit tells Iowa’s story through photographs, artifacts and displays. The exhibit opened in mid-July and runs until July 14, 2018. Korean veterans receive free admission during the exhibit’s duration.
The Korean War lasted a little more than three years, following North Korea’s attack in June 1950. The fighting officially ended with a cease-fire agreement July 27, 1953. The United States’ involvement began days after the first attack, with President Harry S Truman committing naval and air force support to South Korea. By the end of June, General Douglas MacArthur arrived to take command of American forces. Truman would relieve him from command in 1951 following comments contrary to the administration’s policies.
The Korean War included several drawn-out battles, including “Pork Chop” Hill. “Pork Chop” Hill consisted of two phases of fighting in 1953. The Chinese army attacked one night in April, overtaking American forces. Following massive artillery bombardments and soldiers fighting, the Americans regained control of the hill.
In July, the Chinese launched a second attack – while governments negotiated a peace treaty. Following a few days of fighting, the U.S. decided to leave the hill for the Chinese.
Between the two battles, Americans suffered about 350 casualties and almost 1,300 wounded. A couple of weeks later, the countries signed the peace treaty.
Korea is referred to as “The Forgotten War,” because it was the first war in which the United States was not victorious.
The war hasn’t been forgotten with the veterans who served almost seven decades ago. Several Korean War veterans and their families were visiting the exhibit the day we were there. Listening and watching the Iowa vets share stories resembled a high school reunion of sorts. Some of the vets were in wheel chairs, pushed by a son or daughter. They turned up, by the dozens during our visit.
A couple of old soldiers stood on a large map of Korea. Surrounding them were photos and a timeline of the war. Each pointed with their foot where they had served or seen action. Another pair talked about avoiding action.
“I was in my last week of basic when they announced the war was over,” he said. “They changed my orders and cut new ones for Europe. I didn’t mind at all.”
About 70,000 Iowans served during the war, 570 died during the conflict. The Grout Museum staff created special dog tags identifying each Iowa military member who died during the Korean War. The dog tags are presented in chronological order beginning with the first Iowan killed during action.
The Grout Museum does an outstanding job of presenting its special exhibits. My visit last year included touring a Vietnam exhibit featuring Iowans. Both exhibits – along with a World War I temporary display – are outstanding. We highly recommend visiting the Grout Museum.
For more information on the Grout Museum and its exhibits, please visit www.groutmuseumdistrict.org or www.travelwaterloo.com.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Waterloo visitors bureau for the complimentary tickets to the grout Museum. However, all opinions and views are mine.
