By Mark McConville
AS AMERICA stands on the brink of war with North Korea meet the American GIs who fought in the first conflict in the 1950s.
Action-paced pictures show a bomb exploding after being dropped form a fighter jet, soldiers and equipment filling the sky as they parachute to earth and soldiers clearing the path of mines for their tank unit.
Other incredible images show an American soldier carrying a wounded South Korea soldier to safety, South Koreans waiting to welcome North Korean defectors and American soldiers sending home a message for New Year’s.
The pictures of war-torn Korea act as a reminder and a warning as to what could happen should the current strike between North Korea and America escalate.
The Korean War began on 25th June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. This prompted the United Nations, with USA as the principal force, to come to South Korea’s aid. North Korea were aided by China while the USSR gave some assistance.
Korea had been split into two regions with separate governments in 1948 as a product of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States who operated in North Korea and South Korea respectively.
The war became one of attrition and the frontline was close to the 38th parallel, the dividing line between the two countries.
An armistice was signed on 27th July 1953 and fighting came to an end. The agreement created the Korea Demilitarised zone to separate the two countries and allowed the return of prisoners.
As no peace treaty has been signed North and South Korea are still technically at war.
Stunning shots also show military vehicles crossing over the 38th Parallel, American soldiers being treated for their wounds and North Korean prisoners being closely guarded.
