The Korean War

The Korean War

This war is commonly referred to as a "Forgotten War". Americans had just got out of WW2 nearly five years before, and were already facing another war that they were unprepared for. The American Army's military personnel  was low, so many women who served in WW2 were involuntarily called back to serve for the Korean War. The Department of Defense had a nationwide recruiting campaign to make military service seem more appealing. 

Women who were nurses were stationed in Europe, Japan, and Korea (right along the battle lines. A major problem American nurses were faced with was frostbite, due to the first cold winter during the war. The Army actually established a special cold injury center in Japan for these victims. It was during this war that Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals were formed, and they were very successful. Battle wounds were treated much better than what was recorded from WW2.

According to Women In Military Services For America Memorial, the Navy had expanded opportunities for women during the Korean War. During World War Two, Navy women were only permitted to cover territories such as Hawaii and Alaska. In the Korean War though, Navy women were allowed to cover Hawaii, Alaska, France, Italy, England and the Philippines (para. 5). This expansion can be said for every branch of the U.S military. With every war that passed, the roles of women improved. 

Just this year marked the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Many women veterans were recognized for their services. 

References

Leipold, J. D. (2012, March 14). Women veterans mark 60th anniversary of korean war. Washington Press. Retrieved from http://www.army.mil/article/75736/Women_veterans_mark_60th_anniversary_of_Korean_War/

Naval History and Heritage Command (Photographer). (n.d.). Uss valley forge. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/kowar/kowar.htm

Women in Military Service For America Memorial Foundation Inc. (n.d.). Highlights in the history of military women. Retrieved from http://www.womensmemorial.org/Education/timeline.htm