The Forty-Minute Korean War 1984

In November 1984, a very serious incident occurred at the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom along the Korean DMZ that resulted in a full-scale battle between US and South Korean troops on the one side and North Korean soldiers on the other.
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Primary Sources:
- 'A Forty-Minute Korean War' by Col. Thomas Hanson, armyhistory.org/a-forty-minut...
- DMZ Flashpoints: The 1984 JSA Shootout, www.rokdrop.net/2017/12/dmz-f...
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Henrik Ishihara; Kristoferb; Whofergus; Filzstift; AndrewvdBK; MD111

[@markhopkins1904]

Wow! I was 21 year old GI stationed in the ROK then and remember that day now (nearly 38 years on) as if it were yesterday... My unit went on alert (as I'm sure that all units in country did). Other than learning that one of our guys was injured, that a ROK soldier was killed and that a number of NKPA soldiers were killed/wounded, we were not told very much. Thank you for the detailed account of this event. I left Korea two weeks later (my tour having concluded) and have never thought or heard of this event since then...

[@daniyil4843]

What was the ROK like in 1984?

[@craigbigbee6395]

I remember it as well, “damn on alert again” What was ROK like in ‘84? It wasn’t just a tour, it was a fuckin trip!

[@LuvBorderCollies]

My best friend was an MP in Seoul when the tree chopping shootout went down. His company was rushed to the incident with one 20 rd M16 mag and one 7 rd 45 auto magazine. The pucker factor was off the charts as they thought WW3 was starting and they only had 1 rifle mag each. Shootouts were not rare between ROK's and NK infiltrators. My friend got caught in a crossfire between the two sides. He fired off a couple rounds and tried to become one with a big light pole. All the infiltrators were killed. Don't recall if any civilians got hurt on the bus the NK were on at the time. I know the DMZ is still tense as a nephew spent days in his MLRS in launch position ready to push the buttons to plaster the pre-selected targets. This was when Trump was cracking the whip on Little Rocket Boy for shooting ballistic missiles at people. My dad shot at what he thought was a Chinese unit coming through the wire. He missed all shots but it was at night so he's excused for missing. Later he found out it was South Koreans who were hungry and going to raid the US kitchen supplies. Dad was in the 7th Inf Div and they were next the ROK 7th Div at war's end, on the DMZ/Imjin River. After the cease fire dad went swimming in the Imjin River while Chinese were swimming on the other side.

[@lancenorton1117]

@@daniyil4843 Kim Il Sung the first Dear Leader of North Korea was still alive. There were HUGE loud Speakers at the DMZ telling us how much better it was there and Come on Over. The propaganda city on the North Korean side had ONE guy that would ride a bicycle throughout the various streets of the city with Nobody living there. It sure looked good IF you did not have binoculars. On the South Korean side older people, I mean older than 30 or so were nice and always wanting to talk to us. You could be walking 20 miles from the nearest town and meet people that knew enough English that combined with the Korean that a person would learn from being there a long time that you could talk to many people. The major roads and Highways were nice and smooth BUT the drivers were HORRIBLE. Getting on a bus there was ALWAYS taking a chance of not getting to where you want to alive. They would pass other busses on blind corners where you could not see anything was coming until you crashed head on.

[@shaundevrisky349]

@@LuvBorderCollies It's always nice to hear personal accounts or those of family and friends. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mr_M_History]

Mark, you have no idea how much guys like us look up to your content style. You're a king!

[@Filip-uw9jp]

Honestly, the visual aspect of mark’s videos could use some modernization, although the substantive part of those is top class, better than any other historical KZbin channel

[@_____Z_____]

Propaganda

[@b.elzebub9252]

@@Filip-uw9jp personally I kinda like his style. More substance/information driven than 'spectacular footage' driven.

[@expandedhistory]

I couldn’t agree anymore!

[@lordmonty9421]

“Guys like us”? How many guys are you?

[@NiskaMagnusson]

imagine being a North Korean soldier, dying for a translator that did not want to be there.....maybe they were scared the USSR would blame them

[@owllymannstein7113]

Its about the propaganda optics of the situation. A soviet defecting over the NK border was horrible for NK's image, and the guards involved all knew that it would be a death sentence to let him escape.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

I think at that moment the USSR was the least of their worries.

[@owllymannstein7113]

@Sam Wallace Hardly, defectors are seen as traitors and it makes potential defectors think twice about trying the same thing.

[@c.j.1089]

They were scared they were going to be shot behind the building with a pistol. And rightly so.

[@jyy9624]

N Koreans can not fail

[@xycomm5604]

I find it awesome how the whole historical KZbin community collectively agrees mark Felton is one of, if not THE best historical channel on this site. Truly a gem of the platform.

[@HazmatUnit]

Ehh

[@lukesalvidge118]

@@HazmatUnit what? He definitely is one of the best though?

[@HazmatUnit]

@@lukesalvidge118 he's alright and thankfully isn't another dark docs

[@xiaoka]

The best!

[@MrRjh63]

@@HazmatUnit Whats wrong with dark docs?

[@jaggedskar3890]

My boss was involved in this incident as an American soldier. He was part of the relief force sent to counter the North Koreans. Surprisingly, he was more angry with the Russian defector than the North Koreans because he felt he ignited the incident with his decision to defect in that manner at such a dangerous flashpoint.

[@siccolindsay610]

That is a much more proper and reasonable stance to take, compared to the usual "oOooO nOrT kOreA BAAADDD" I see everywhere.

[@Akm72]

To be fair the guy seems to have thought that the North Koreans wouldn't follow him across the line or shoot him once he was across.

[@penguinsmovies]

@@siccolindsay610 Why is that such a bad stance to take?

[@hectorzambrano9411]

It is a fair point. Being more angry with the Russian defector than the North Koreans makes sense.

[@Tinfoil_Hardhat]

@@siccolindsay610 They did chase after and try to murder someone for trying to escape their country. In what world is that good or acceptable to you?

[@afreightdogslife]

I served in the JSA at Panmunjom for two years, and have done several month long QRF duties. QRF - Quick Reactionary Force, is when you only have 60 seconds after the alert has been given, to get up from your cot, and then be fully ready for combat on a truck or by foot. Yes you have to sleep with your equipment on. 12B US Army, 2nd ID Korea 1984 - 1986

[@soldierski1669]

Essayons!

[@jyy9624]

Combat pay!

[@afreightdogslife]

@@jyy9624 Yes, a whole 150 USD X month extra, at the 1986 pay scale lol.

[@oryan4395]

@@afreightdogslife an extra $150 a month? Wow. So you were able to retire at 25 raking in that kind of money!

[@markshatto9716]

Task Force Thunderbolts confined and protected by stacked constina wire and 24 hr guards inside Camp Humphreys< ROK when I was there in 80-81. 2nd ID troops ORF.

[@lairdcummings9092]

Small incidents can precipitate large events. It's important to always remember this.

[@1981menso]

Gavrilo Princip agrees.

[@brianwalsh1401]

Yeah like when they cut down the tree and were attacked by the N. Koreans and several people were killed. They had B52 bombers over head when they went back and cut that tree down. The N. Koreans were smart enough not to do anything.

[@ranickhaan]

I was a MP stationed with the 142nd in Yongsan South Korea from ‘05-‘06. We learned about this battle when we first came into country. Interestingly enough, that incident is why the DPRK soldiers now face into their country at the DMZ.

[@brianwalsh1401]

Says a lot about living in N. Korea but at least they learned from that experience. I had never heard of this battle. I guess the N. Koreans are motivated to invade the south in this instance because they knew what might happen to them if they failed. They could end up behind a building getting shot. That is some serious motivation.

[@JTA1961]

​@@brianwalsh1401 Russian to leave

[@ranickhaan]

@@JTA1961 aye-ooooooh!

[@Eric-ux4wm]

Do you know what role Lieutenant Colonel Charles Viale had in this incident?

[@johnkidd1226]

Must be confusing for North Koreans to realize they are there to keep their own peoe in and not to keep South Korea out.

[@AudieHolland]

Three North Korean troops were immediately executed for letting the Soviet photographer escape. That sends a clear message to any North Korean soldier facing similar situation: instead of trying to shoot the defector, join him! But then your family would be punished...

[@vk2ig]

Dear Mrs Ko, I regret to inform you that your dear son died of instantaneous lead poisoning after failing to do his duty to a satisfactory level. Yours faithfully, Dear Leader.

[@PrograError]

well... at least it won't happen again for a few decades until 2017

[@real_dddf]

yeah that seemed kinda stupid. I would have decorated them for trying their best to pursue and shoot the defector.

[@Rutherford_Inchworm_III]

They were also executed for crossing the border and firing shots across the border (both of which are actionable offenses under the Panmunjom peace treaty), and (most importantly of all), getting pinned down by the enemy and forcing high leadership to beg for a cease fire so the Americans didn't kill them all. Unbelievably embarrassing to the NKs.

[@224dot0dot0dot10]

@@real_dddf The three North Korean soldiers were executed for invading South Korea which almost started nuclear "World War 3" between the USA and China + the USSR (Russia). The North Koreans don't want the USA to drop nukes on their country just because a Soviet Union citizen was trying to defect to the USA and North Korean military police chased across the border after him.

[@TEKMOTION]

I was stationed south of the DMZ in 84 at Camp Humphreys (45 TRANS) . We went to full alert , issued real ammunition and I found out how heavy a 50 Cal tripod is. For 2 weeks we defended the airfield and drilled. We practiced chemical warfare defense. My MOS was airframe repair. Thank you for explaining what happened. We were told about a North Korean Cornel coming across the DMZ. That was it. Again , Thank you

[@PurpleCat9794]

Wow, I was in north of Dongducheon at that time, a 9 year old Korean civilian. Thank you so much for defending my country!!

[@raymondtonns2521]

thanks for your service!

[@donalddodson7365]

@NO1 DESIGN BUREAU, Not many civilians know that we so-called non-combat MOS were soldiers facing death and serious injury along with our 11B Comrades. I did a year in Vietnam as an 02J20 (Clarinet) 4th ID. Thank you for your Service and signing "the blank check" of life and limb. Blessings.

[@jyy9624]

I bought a t shirt in Itaewon after the KAL shoot down that said 'F*** off and die USSR!' Now its just when will this end

[@tokyosmash]

I can only imagine some flag officer at Humphreys getting all excited that they were going to get a CIB 90 miles north

[@JohnSmith-gb5vg]

In Okinawa at the time, went on 72hr alert(12hr on/12hr off). Then nothing. Never knew why till watching this.

[@Sorrywhytescaresu]

I have committed several times that I always learn something very interesting with every video of yours I watch, and that is a wonderful thing. I always recommend your content to anyone serious about learning the entire story concerning historical events. You are the best on KZbin in your category by far.

[@GrouRocks]

He could have almost made a 40 minute by minute retelling of this war!

[@briansmith7791]

I was also in Korea at the time - 3 weeks before the end of my tour of duty. I was in an artillery unit near Uijongbu, about 20 miles from the JSA. We didn't hear about the incident until long after the action was over. Earlier in the year, my battery had spent a month at a "firing base" very near the JSA - the artillery units rotated monthly, along with infantry battalions that supported the JSA. We had to leave our 155mm SP howitzers at home, and used 105mm howitzers permanently stationed at the firing base. We maintained firing data ready to fire, updating at least twice a day as weather conditions changed. We'd have "practice speedball" fire missions several times a week, where the gun crews had to race to their guns and prepare to fire (but not get out the ammunition). Actually firing artillery would have taken approval from headquarters very high up. Interestingly, though, we were allowed to fire training missions into a designated impact area south of the Imjin River. After I left Korea, the old firing base was closed, replaced by one farther south that could accommodate 155mm howitzers. All through the year, we had "alerts" at least once a month, where we would load all our equipment in our vehicles and prepare to go to war. Obviously, we never did go. The JSA/DMZ area was interesting. Both sides had one town within the DMZ. The North had an empty city - impressive looking buildings, but no people, and nothing in the buildings except loudspeakers extolling the virtues of their communist paradise. The South had a small village, restricted to families that had lived there when the armistice was signed. We had Korean soldiers integrated in our units (KATUSA - Korean Augmentation to the United States Army). If anyone suggested that the two "propaganda villages" were equivalent, the Koreans would vigorously point out that the Southern village was "real" - people lived there, grew crops, raised families.

[@FloridaBikerJP]

What an interesting story. A very interesting share. IT really puts a perspective of the times. I doubt much has changed all these years later. Thank you for your service

[@questerperipatetic4861]

@@FloridaBikerJP I was inside that blue building in 1984 and within a few feet of that cement demarcation line Trump stepped over. Nothing I could see, and I mean nothing, has been changed. That's easy to understand when it took literally weeks to negotiate the size of the flags on the table and chopping down a tree got one of ours killed. You know, our actions then were UN sanctioned and the buildings are painted UN blue. Big victory for our side. Not sure how that came about. Mark? By the way, at least then, the NK big, wide building is only about 14 feet deep and the only thing in it was a telephone.

[@williamyoung9401]

Mark, you should do a video about the axe murders that took place at the DMZ. I thought it was a sick joke at first. (4:40)

[@pitbullbite5835]

OMG... I remember the first "speedball" when I was in the "D"... Jumped out my cot grabbing my gear... Scared the hell out of me while everyone laughed... Oh the memories 🤣🤣🤣... 73 patrols on the "D"... Still remember the neon signs at night and the loud speakers talking to us to go home, "Jody" being with our wives, spider holes I fell into... I tip my hat, sir...

[@mailman35419]

Ah so you were at Casey. Rocket unit now. I had to get surgery at a hospital Uijeongbu

[@jamesgiordano6772]

Prof Felton; Hearty congratulations upon being named as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. An exceptional - and most well-deserved - honour. Bravo!

[@battlejitney2197]

The only channel where I hit the “Like” button before watching: Mark Felton Productions. Every time.

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Makes sense as there is only one mark Felton productions

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I do the same

[@michaeleastes1705]

Always interesting and informative, Mr. Felton. Keep up the good work.

[@msh6865]

Any Mark Felton video is appreciated and welcome. Best real history channel on YT by far.

[@sgarner5]

Thanks for the videos, Dr Felton. They are very enjoyable.

[@fuyu5979]

Another awesome, informative n interesting vid. Got the back story behind this incident that could have caused an international war. Fantastic archival films n pictures. Kudos. Anticipating ur next one.

[@mikewarden57]

I worked there from 85-86. Great duty station. Thank you for posting this Mark. Your historical documentaries are like no other.

[@ttboy2004]

Interesting the soldiers involved both got “metal ” the Americans and South Koreans got silver and the North Koreans got Lead

[@vk2ig]

The difference is that the North Koreans got their metal much faster than the Americans and South Koreans.

[@rconley95]

Love the channel. You never disappoint. Great work as usual

[@thebrainwash]

My man Mark! Always coming through with the fire content 🔥

[@donl1846]

Thank you, Professor Felton, for another history lesson and one I had no idea even happen !! Your attention to detail and historical accuracy is the best.

[@smokejaguarsix7757]

Mark do you know about the midget submarine, the murdered crew and the 3 DPRK SOF Commandos that were hunted down and killed by US and ROK troops in 1997? You should look it up. Its a whole saga. We were on alert at Camp Casey because there was a strong concern the North would attack. Ive been in those Blue buildings inside the JSA. Its surreal.

[@olivere5497]

'Yoy should look it up' Do you think someone who is a 20th century military historian wouldn't know about that incident?

[@smokejaguarsix7757]

@@olivere5497 Right...because being a military historian means you know about every military incident ever. GTFOH.

[@andrewbagaayi584]

@@smokejaguarsix7757 😂😂😂

[@pinchevulpes]

@@olivere5497 he did a series on modern Ukraine war and he lives in modern times…

[@bak-mariterry5180]

Oliver e... Idiot alert everyone 🙄 ☝

[@pesnevim1626]

Fantastic channel Thank you Dr Felton.

[@jasonz7788]

Thank you Mr Felton great work Sir

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

Mark, you have taught me more about world history than anything I learned at school. I'm so happy to watch all of the interesting bits not readily accessible anywhere else!

[@_Peremalfait]

From your map. "Location of poplar tree and axe murders." I remember that one. Such an outrage. Unarmed American soldiers were trimming a tree to provide better visibility and they were attacked and killed by North Korean soldiers. The next day, I believe it was, US forces returned and blew the tree up.

[@siccolindsay610]

Like when some Iraqis were simply fixing a car and were attacked and killed by US soldiers? Nice species, isn't it? Not only barbaric, but intellectually lopsided as well.

[@williamwilson6499]

The tree was cut down not blown up.

[@MMSSLL]

@@siccolindsay610 ok, we get it, you have political views. Kindly air them elsewhere.

[@bloodybones63]

@@siccolindsay610 Your first name is appropriate.

[@tonylaverick7865]

@@bloodybones63 Ad hominem insults are inappropriate. How about addressing the point he is making?

[@timothybond100]

You are the Best Mark!! Thank you the information.

[@lordofdunvegan6924]

Excellent video as always. Thank you Mark.

[@gardenman3]

Mark Felton can come up with some very interesting stories. I never heard this one before.

[@rockstarJDP]

It never ceases to stun me the notion that people will actively try to murder you just because you want to leave and go somewhere else. Absolute insanity. Great video as always Mark, you never disappoint! ❤

[@yourtoastershandemover2211]

That one North Korean defector who was almost killed by his own allies at the same area when he pulled a runner.

[@yourtoastershandemover2211]

@Pugna Tyranny.

[@Hellsong89]

Well in sense i get it, since A if that person is in high places that can hold vital military or government information, you really dont want that to leak to your potential/actual enemy. If its civilian then that is just propaganda ammo for other side. Its not like this has not happened in reverse, though way less, but people did defect to Soviet Union at the time.

[@warrioroflight6872]

@Pugna And the more people they have who defect, the more opportunities there are for Westerners to learn the truth about the Communist nightmare. One of Kim Jong-Un's greatest advantages in being able to keep his boot on North Korea's throat is the fact that the majority or Westerners are mostly ignorant of the atrocities he commits. It's not in standard human nature to care about the suffering of people on the other side of the planet, and to make matters worse, an abnormally large number of Westerners love Communism because they know nothing about it or its bloody history. So you see, the Communists can't afford to let people escape from them. It's a threat to their very existence.

[@nairpic7360]

@rockstarJDP why does it surprise you? Over the last two years, in a lot of western countries you could not leave and go somewhere else without being sanctioned, ostracized or arrested. Of course a communist nation if going to try to kill the workforce it leaves it, since they otherwise risk losing control.

[@imperatorlightoneous1382]

Great Content as always mark. Thank you

[@vet-7174]

Outstanding Video!

[@ftdefiance1]

I was about a mile away from the Truce Village when this occurred. American units were breaking out mortar shells and small arms ammo.

[@PAGoTribe1963]

I love the content. This is one of those events that I somehow missed when it was happening as I was in college with the face buried in textbooks and labs. Thanks!

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you for another interesting video Mark. Once again an incident I didn't know about.

[@drutalero2962]

mark no wonder you're about to reach 2 million subs, because your stories are so rare and you find them and tell them so well. amazing video

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

My current job is teaching English to S Koreans. I must say they are smart, motivated and so willing to take the opportunities available to them through their democratic system. Roll on unification.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@Tinkering in Thailand What you say is true, Great people, if they like you. If they don't..well that's a different story. It is also true a lot of Koreans cold give Bigot lessons to the KKK.

[@zetectic7968]

Will not happen as China will block it. They don't want US troops on their border. Who do you think has been the biggest supporter of N. Korea

[@ffjsb]

Look how far they've come in the last 60 years... Utter success.

[@vk2ig]

When the border eventually falls, unification is going to take a lot of work - much, much more than when Germany re-unified in the 1990s. It's also going to take external funding if the north is not to fall into complete poverty after re-unification.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@@vk2ig In the last couple of years I've been reading some/a few stories where Some South Koreans are asking the unthinkable question. "Do we Really want to reunite with them?"

[@magr7424]

Highly interesting... Never heard of this incident... That's my Felton productions are so unique.. He does not cover the stuff any amateur historian like me already knows.. He finds stuff that are rarely known. Thank you and a jolly good one again, Dr. Felton... Best regards from Heidelberg, Germany

[@clvrswine]

... and ... followed by ... and more ... is not English. Stop it.

[@georgewilliams8448]

Thank you for another informative video.

[@MrXdmp]

Thanks Dr. Felton!

[@projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762]

The ROK soldiers are trained well and I enjoyed training with them. Great people and culture!

[@silverstar4289]

Hey came to Vietnam for on the job training, and had no rule book.

[@jacksonquinn8744]

@otto Lincoln seethe

[@waterheaterservices]

ROK rocks

[@chrisdraughn5941]

I was an Intel troop and worked in a joint surveillance center with their Air Force. I was very impressed by them. I always thought they would devastate the North Koreans and I don’t think that has changed.

[@unrecognized1909]

When did you train with the rok

[@judithmatthews8460]

I remember this incident. Maybe we got differing reports in the UK. Lots of sympathy for the Russian defector. But understanding the fear of NK soldiers they would be held responsible for his escape. They were shot afterwards so clearly they were in a no win situation. Not for triggering the incident but the defection that led to it. Ordinary people always pay the price.

[@Rutherford_Inchworm_III]

You don't get stationed on the DMZ as a North Korean unless you are considered eminently trustworthy *and* you have a family they can hold hostage. Otherwise they'd have guys walking across the border every day.

[@rolandocastaneda4429]

Thank you Mr. Felton for sharing.

[@illmerica322]

Thanks Mark! These are the type of videos I subscribe for...

[@kleverich]

I'm surprised i hadn't heard about this incident before. I knew about the story of the tree-trimming gunfight from the 70s, but not about this one.

[@ktiger1766]

They down play the incident! Not to upset the North Korean!

[@OOTurok]

It was a tree trimming ax fight.

[@mwdouglas3794]

The show of force afterwords was called Operation Paul Bunyan.

[@evancoker194]

My brother was stationed there in the late sixties. He told me there have been continual incidents; but they don't get out.

[@epa316]

I was there when I was in the Army in the 1990s. I went on the tour in the building with the table dividing it. The guide said, "Those of you on the other side of that table are technically in North Korea." We also went down inside an invasion tunnel that North Koreans had dug. It had been discovered, and walled up inside.

[@mach1mike351]

Nice one Mark, yet another great informative vid 👍

[@christiancartne906]

I wish I had you as a teacher when I went to school. Thank you once again Mr Felton.

[@tonymcdonnly6492]

Thank you Dr. Felton for highlighting this event. I was a teenager when this event happened. You're work is of superior quality and high academic research and standards.

[@totallynotafed8786]

i've been there and its the most unnerving place , very surreal

[@The_PaleHorseman]

I love you'r ww2 documentaries, but now I absolutely love you're branching out! So excited

[@bamxire8845]

Thanks Mark, another great piece of work here.

[@aubreydavis8822]

I've become a big fan of this channel over the last couple of years, every days a school day here. Thanks a lot

[@DB-yj3qc]

Mark thanks again for highlighting almost forgotten military history. I started my young Infantry career a few years after that event. I volunteered over and over trying go to S. Korea for most of my time in the Army. Back then duty in S. Korea was only place you could "get" creditable patrol time and experience.

[@questerperipatetic4861]

You reminded me of something funny said to me after reaching my next assignment at the dog and pony show that was the Berlin Brigade by an old veteran SFC. I asked him how often alerts happen and where's our armory? He laughed at me and I said in Korea we had alerts all the time, because I didn't know what he was laughing about. He stopped laughing and said, "Oh. I didn't know you were a real Lieutenant".

[@Firefox13A]

Nice work. Very informative.

[@alanmoffat4454]

BUSY TIME Dr FELTON KEEP UP THE VERY GOOD WORK 👍.

[@Lord_Stickman]

A very serious incident that seems to have been too soon forgotten. Great job for finding and making people aware of these topics.

[@superjonboy873]

Mark, thanks for sharing this. I realized at the end that all of the intense fighting was to allow a random Soviet translator to have freedom, and that Americans and South Koreans were willing to die for that. Makes me proud to be an American. Thanks as always for the fantastic content!

[@cyberherbalist]

Being willing to die for one's country is a wonderful thing, but even a "random" Soviet translator will have plenty of intelligence value. No doubt much was learned from him.

[@superjonboy873]

@@cyberherbalist No one would have known who he was until he was brought in, the soldiers were just responding to a developing event.

[@ciilqabeduubi3953]

U must be proud for ur country for invading 87 countries as well

[@reubeng2110]

im very proud of our soldiers as well as damm proud of the rok forces after all they were legit fighting for there homeland from a sadistic regime

[@reubeng2110]

@@ciilqabeduubi3953 wheres your country is it on the list?

[@burtthebeast4239]

AGAIN, I'm taught something new... Thanks again Mark. ONE OF THE BEST CHANNELS ON KZbin.

[@cola_420]

excellent vid as always.. very interesting

[@manuelroca5289]

I remember that escape. That I recall the 40 minutes fire engagement was never mentioned probably to avoid further crisis. What I do recall was the news of the North Korean soldier defection under fire. It was on all news medias. Dr. Felton thank you so much for your videos. They are historical!

[@ktiger1766]

You a right! They are down play the incident not to upset the North Korean !

[@christopherlarsen7788]

That was an intense firefight, but it was far from the largest battle in and around the Korean DMZ. In 2005, the US Armed Forces formally recognized the DMZ as a conflict theater and awarded campaign ribbons for Warriors who served there from July 1953 to October 1991. The British actor Sir Michael Caine rightfully noted the bitter sensitivity of this conflict as "forgotten." I served with the 1-17th Infantry 'Buffalos' in the Korean DMZ in the summer of 1986. My cousin was wounded in the leg during a fight in 1983 while serving with the 1-9th Infantry 'Manchus'. My father and two uncles all served along the Korean DMZ in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was a mess. In preparation to deploy to combat operations in the DMZ, American Soldiers must study about 60 incidents of combat engagements and 240 contingency plans of action. We studied this incident in Panmunjom. It had occurred less than two years earlier, and US Army Intel provided a detail description complete with color photographs. The North Koreans left 18 dead soldiers in the sunken pond area. We literally counted them in photos. Intel said they didn't know the total number of North Korean dead or wounded because the enemy had pulled back, and US and ROK forces continued to fire into North Korea to suppress enemy fires. (I had not heard that two North Korean soldiers were executed. Interesting. But also, sad.) One American Soldier was wounded in the jaw, as you've reported. The Soviet soldier was also wounded. And two ROK soldiers were wounded, while a third was killed in action.

[@CHPMP5]

Can confirm, my family is from Korea and my father did his conscription in the 80s. He told me how men who enlisted in more "dangerous" duties were able to have shorter conscription services (specifically by volunteering for the ROK Marines or DMZ duty) and how he initially volunteered for the DMZ when he began his military service. My dad isn't a superstitious man by any means but he talked about how eerie and downright spooky the DMZ was. I remember him specifically telling me about a rainy night where a small group of individuals were spotted fleeing from the North and all hell broke loose as both sides of the DMZ start frantically shooting. When they send out a patrol to investigate the area the next morning, they couldn't find anything. No bodies, no blood, no foot prints, nothing. Multiple people from different positions had seen this group running , yet it was as if they vanished into thin air. So while no one doubted what they had seen, no one knew if they were enemy sappers/spies or just defectors. No one knew who started shooting first, but what bothered my dad the most was how casual everyone was about it. Here my dad was worrying that a major offensive action was about to begin and everyone was acting like it was just a normal night on the DMZ. My dad soon asked for a transfer Now while I have no idea on the veracity of my dad's anecdotes, it makes sense to me that when you have a bunch of young men guarding one of the most militarized areas in the world, that "minor" skirmishes are bound to happen and be swept under the rug. I often wonder how many unreported incidents, "random" firefights/localized battles, and other straight up strange things have happened along the DMZ during the 50s-90s. Appreciate your service and insight!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@CHPMP5 - Your father's story seems absolutely "normal" for the DMZ combat operations. Not kidding at all. That is a routine occurrence in the DMZ. In 2005, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) requested an audience with the US Senate Armed Forces Committee in collaboration with US Department of Defense representatives from the Pentagon. In that meeting, the VFW representatives chastised the military for failing to recognize the combat service of American veterans who served in Korea from July 1953 through October 1991. The meeting was "closed door" so we have only stories to go on. But I've heard them told often enough and from reasonably reliable sources. I believe they are accurate. The story goes that in this meeting with the Senators, the VFW asked the Pentagon, "How many US servicemen and women were killed in action in, around, or near the DMZ since July 1953?" The Pentagon supposedly responded with an off-hand answer, "There have been a bit more than a thousand US service deaths." The VFW corrected the Pentagon in front of Congress. "There have been 1,252 US service deaths, and here are there names and dates of death" (handing the Senators a list). The VFW continued, "How many US servicemen and women have been taken POW by North Korean forces since July 1953?" Again, the Pentagon is reported to have responded with a round number, "About 50." The VFW again corrected the Pentagon representatives in front of Congress. "There have been 54 service members taken prisoner by the North Koreans, and here are there names and dates of incidents" (handing the Senators a list). The VFW continued, "How many US servicemen and women have been wounded in action on, in, or near the DMZ since July 1953?" Now the Pentagon officials conferred quietly with each other before admitting to Congress, "We do not know." The VFW asked, "Would you accept 2,500 US service wounded in action?" "Yes, we'd accept those numbers," Pentagon representative. The VFW asked, "Would you accept 3,500 US service wounded in action, or more?" "Yes, we'd accept those numbers," Pentagon representative. About this time, as the story goes, one of the Senators asked the Pentagon representatives, "How can you NOT know the exact number of killed, wounded, and captured US servicemen and women?!" And the Pentagon representative responded, "Every command of every presidential administration since July 1953 has directed the US Armed Forces to suppress this information and keep it hidden from the American public for fear that it would disturb the American citizens and cause Congress to withdraw American military support from South Korea." I cannot confirm the veracity of the story above, of course. What I can tell you is that due to the VFW meeting with the US Senate Armed Forces Committee in 2005, the Pentagon has issued a service campaign ribbon for US servicemen and women, formally recognizing their service in South Korea since July 1953.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@CHPMP5 - Now...what were the SOUTH KOREAN ROK casualties from combat action in, on, and near the Korean DMZ from July 1953 onward?! My honest guess would be numbers above 10,000 casualties in total. And, I'd further guess that North Korea suffered just as many, perhaps more. If those assumptions are even in the ballpark of realistic numbers...then the total casualties associated with the Korean DMZ since 1953 might be as high as 25,000 killed, wounded, and captured over the past 60 or so years.

[@CHPMP5]

@@christopherlarsen7788 First of all, thank you for the detailed reply. While this suppression of information is not surprising to anyone who has a modicum of understanding of politics and history, as a Korean American, it's certainly chilling nevertheless. My father (through his older brother's best friend who was an Army detailer at the time) was able to join KATUSA because he happened to be an English Literature major of all things. He worked as a translator for an American transportation company/motor pool, translating accident reports from Korean conscripts driving deuce and a halfs. He got a pretty good insight into the American military/culture and always marveled at the logistical beast that is the US Army. That combined with the better pay American troops received, and the professional attitudes he encountered, demonstrated the raw power and strength of the United States and her people. Being an English Literature major, my dad quickly made friends with American soldiers who helped him improve his English and convinced him that America was where he wanted to be. So while I'm saddened that we hide the ongoing cost of America's Forgotten War, I'm also eternally grateful for the literal blood, sweat, and tears that this country has shed for my home country. I was raised in the suburbs of the Northeast, a far cry from the war torn ruins that my parents grew up in. I like to think my family's history and path is a shining example of the American Dream and as a family we often marvel at the fortune this country has brought us. But as the war in Ukraine continues, I can't help but draw parallels to my own family's experience during the Korean War. My maternal grandfather was a university student when he volunteered to fight during the Pusan Perimeter. My maternal grandmother was born into a well off family of government officials and lawyers. Most of her family were either killed in the fighting or executed by the North Koreans and she was left with nothing. I'm in a unique position to understand that costs of war continue far beyond the last bullet fired but I am also literally only here today because of American intervention. While this country certainly isn't perfect, my father has always noted with respect that "Americans are always driven to do the right thing." So from one stranger to another, thank you for your service and have a great weekend!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@CHPMP5 - Thank you, brother. And agreed. The USA is so very far from perfect, and frankly we Americans very often stick our noses where we are not welcomed! But in the end ... I'm rather proud of America's place in human history.

[@jimyoung9262]

This was very interesting. Thanks

[@Mavd-mk9iq]

Thank you Mark for sharing this

[@markgarin6355]

Four platoons is a company sized unit, not a battalion. But great presentation. Being in the ROK in 1976-7, glad we won one.

[@AntiFederalist58]

I reported for duty at Suwon Air Base five weeks prior to this incident and was scheduled to go on a tour of the JSA that very day. Obviously our tour was cancelled.

[@johnsaucedo1131]

Love your posts. It's Sunday night and I wish this video was longer.

[@Ayala-99]

Outstanding presentation!

[@devildog3246]

I had completely forgotten this incident happens. I remember it being a situation that was of great concern that it would be the beginning a hot war starting up again. It got pushed under the carpet pretty fast like most incidents on the DMZ.

[@jtukko]

Another piece of history i had no idea about, thank you Mark!

[@guillermo7298]

Blessed with KZbin recommendations , great video.

[@davidlabedz2046]

Excellent piece of history. Thank you.

[@MajorHavoc214]

Although I hadn't been assigned to my permanent duty station yet when this event happened, it wasn't too long before I met some veterans from that short battle.

[@SteveMikre44]

I learn an important part of forgotten history almost every episode. Thank you Mark...

[@PrograError]

sometimes the korean war is called the forgotten war cos technically it's still on going due to it being an armistice and not a peace treaty

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation

[@paulneppes8893]

Dr Felton...you've done it again. Another program that you, and only you, seem to be able to come up with containing details on many interesting and unusual military conflicts most of which seemingly unreported by other historians. Captain Paul Neppes, 1968-72 USMC. I salute you.

[@mbrady3748]

As per usual a great video from mark felton, keep up the good work

[@kel5423]

I was stationed at Kunsan AB when this happened. The base went on alert for a week. That's always fun...

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@frednugent2310]

Wow, this is awesome. I remember something about a skirmish when i was a teenager. Thanks Dr. Felton for this awsome presentation.

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

Mark you are a gem, you always captivate us all with your unique historical material, this was yet another of these largely unknown incidents that you bring to your viewers. Thank you Sir. 🙏🏻

[@abelincoln8446]

CSM (ret) Rick Lamb, then a staff sergeant, earned a Silver Star for his actions in this battle. He would later go on to play a pivotal role in Task Force Ranger's fight against guerrilla warlords in Migadishu Somalia in October of 1993.

[@bkamem5180]

Rick Lamb is a legend.

[@arthurweir]

He was my squad leader when I was stationed there. In 85-86.

[@askme5111]

Another simply OUTSTANDING video..... Brilliant

[@geemanbmw]

I never knew this happened. Thank you Mark for your Excellent work !

[@garypulliam3740]

Not injured. Killed or wounded. For example, a soldier who twisted his ankle jumping out of bed to respond to the action would not be eligible for a Purple as that would be an injury, but a soldier who was shot or received shrapnel from a grenade would be eligible for a Purple Heart as that would be a wound (terminal or not). The U.S. Military is very clear on this.

[@HustleMuscleGhias]

How does a broken bone from a parachute jump into an active war zone factor into a purple heart award? From your example above, it seems that it would be easy to class it as having the same qualities as just a twisted ankle.

[@garypulliam3740]

@@HustleMuscleGhias That is a good question and you are correct. Technically, it is an injury, not a wound. But say an enemy shell lands nearby and breaks the soldiers leg in the exact same manner. That would be a wound. I, myself, tore my anterior cruciate ligament and my lateral ligament when I jumped into a ditch. I got nothing. I didn't expect anything. Because it was an injury, not a wound inflicted on me by the enemy, or even friendly fire. Read the rules for the Purple Heart for yourself. It is public information. They are rather cumbersome but very specific about what counts and what doesn't. Thank you.

[@12namleht]

I was up on the DMZ in the Ready Room when all hell broke loose....No one I talk to remembers this...

[@andrewmorgan5950]

as always your the man

[@matt.willoughby]

I had no idea about this little part of history! Always fun to watch these videos ✌

[@vertigq5126]

I hadn’t heard about this, it’s a really interesting incident and you covered it thoroughly. Thanks Mark! Keep it up and God bless you :)

[@jonathanperry8331]

My neighbor patrolled the DMZ for 4 years. At night they would draw chalk marks around the bullet holes on their bunkers to see how many times they got shot at in the morning. Him and my uncle were there during this time. There were always snipers and infiltrators and patrols. I have pictures of both of them at that site and of the ax murders. Actually you should do a video about that operation Paul Bunyan. The time you needed an entire aircraft carrier group to cut down a tree. I also knew a tank commander that got shot in the chest when he was unbuttoned by a sniper in the 80s.

[@deniimacdougall]

Killing it as always!

[@newreality5295]

Amazing video

[@barftrooper102]

Thanks so much for doing a video on this event Dr. Felton! You're a Chad for doing this.

[@vk2ig]

A chad? Isn't that the little rectangle of cardboard only partially punched out of a voting card in Florida by a retiree, which then allows the Republican Party to go to court to have these accounted for in a disputed election?

[@REVOLVER_NOIR]

As a US Marine I was stationed there for about 9 months and it was a very tense situation.

[@flight2k5]

Cool story

[@REVOLVER_NOIR]

@@flight2k5 thanks bud, we’re you there too?? Or were you home eating Cheetos in your parents basement? 🤣

[@flight2k5]

@@REVOLVER_NOIR 😂🤣 I wasn’t old to be there at the time. But you saying you were stationed there for 9 months is completely irrelevant to the video. You just added it to make your l self feel better about yourself. And as the Army was on the border with the Soviet Union and still in the border with NK and the marines held what? A useless bay in Cuba goes to show you are pointless. 😂😂🤣🤣

[@cpi3267]

@@REVOLVER_NOIR ok boys we know he's legit, he misspelled "were", def a marine.

[@REVOLVER_NOIR]

@@cpi3267 yeah when you are typing fast mistakes never happen. Ever 🤦‍♂️

[@ociriszues]

I had never heard of this even.. Thanks for sharing with us

[@truthbtold2910]

First, congratulations on ur recent recognition, for a job well done. I've been working on a book, regarding my Father's experiences as an US Marine, G/3/7, 1950, Chosin. As a result of research, (including urs) have shown there to have been a number of 'Korean Wars,' dating back before our Civil War. Thanks so much on ur detailed work....keep it up.