'The Forgotten War': Five facts you should know about the Korean War (+video)

July 27, 2013, marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Here are five things you should know about the Korean War and armistice.

2. The Korean War was the first involving the United Nations

Jason Lee/Reuters
North Koreas perform during a mass gymnastic and artistic performance 'Arirang,' in Pyongyang July 26, 2013, as part of celebrations ahead of the 60th anniversary of the signing of a truce in the 1950-1953 Korean War.

When the North Korean People’s Army invaded South Korea in 1950, the UN called upon its members to help stymie their advance – the first time the newly minted organization had ever done so. Sixteen countries sent troops and 14 sent supplies, though the vast majority of both came from the US. The entry of the US into the war turned the tide and the North’s forces were pushed back across the 38th parallel, the temporary border set up between the northern and southern parts of Korea after Wold War II. However, the entry of Chinese troops and Soviet military aid forced the conflict into a stalemate.

Approximately 36,000 US soldiers were killed during the war and about 103,000 were injured, while North Korea and South Korea suffered millions of casualties, including about 1 million dead on each side.  Almost 8,000 US troops are still officially missing in action from the war.

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