The Story of the Korean War documents war-torn Korea the way the soldiers saw it-in full, shocking color. This digitally mastered documentary presents a true picture of war-full of terror, chaos, blood and courage. Many of the images included here have never been seen by the general public before, having been kept top secret for decades by military officials for fear of a public backlash. Here are just a few of the color highlights: M.A.S.H. units in action - these are the real men and women who saved thousands of lives. Also: the daring Inchon invasion, the battle of Seol, the Naktong River campaign, winter along the Chosin Reservoir, War in the Skies, and legendary director John Ford s rare footage of the 1st Marine Division in Action. In April 1950 Kim Il-sung travelled to Moscow and secured Stalin's support for a policy to unify Korea under his authority. Although agreeing with the invasion of South Korea in principle, Stalin refused to become directly involved in Kim's plans, and advised Kim to enlist Chinese support instead. In May 1950 Kim visited Beijing, and succeeded in gaining Mao's endorsement. At the time, Mao's support for Kim was largely political (he was contemplating the invasions of Taiwan and Tibet), and was unaware of Kim's precise intentions or the timing of Kim's attack. When the Korean war broke out, the Chinese were in the process of demobilizing half of the PLA's 5.6 million soldiers Stalin created "detailed [war] plans" that were communicated to the North Koreans. On 7 June 1950, Kim Il-sung called for an election in whole Korea on 5--8 August 1950 and a consultative conference in Haeju on 15--17 June 1950. On 11 June, the North sent three diplomats to the South, who were later arrested by the South. Fourteen days later on 25 June 1950, the North Korean People's Army (KPA) crossed the 38th parallel border and invaded South Korea.

• published: 22 Sep 2013
• views: 8