UN Troops at the Han River, 1951

British Pathe

UN forces advance to Han River near Seoul Copyright The WPA Film Library.

The Big Picture: United Nations Forces Push the Chinese Back

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

In an historical survey, this fascinating program from the U.S. Army describes how United Nations forces pushed the Chinese back. Featuring footage provided by National Archives and Records Administration, this video includes coverage of the Recapture of Suwon, the 25th Infantry Division’s advance of Seoul, and the Attack on Hill 584. Part of The Big Picture series, this episode features an interview by Captain Zimmerman of Lieutenant William Travis who spotted targets for the Air Force and was with the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The 24th Infantry Division in Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series tells the story of the magnificent performance of the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. Formed out of the old Hawaiian division before Pearl Harbor, the 24th Division fought bravely in many decisive battles in the Southwest Pacific. After occupying Japan, the division went on to be the first Americans to reach the bitter and tragic soil of Korea when war came again. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration follows the history of the 24th Infantry Division from their first difficult days of battle in Korea until November 1954 when the proud colors of the Division marched in Korea for the last time. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The 1st Cavalry Division in Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

Today the Army is a mechanized force, but “cavalry” is a proud word in military terminology. The men of the 1st Cavalry Division call themselves troopers, like their tough forbears who, a century ago, rode against the Indian tribes of the west. Today, these men of the division (sometimes called “the first team”) keep alive the cavalry’s tradition of bravery by fighting with courage and an indomitable will to win. From the National Archives and Records Administration, this classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series brings to light the story of the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea. (30 minutes)

FedFlix: Meeting the Red Challenge—Air Force Story, Volume 2, Chapter 2

Fedflix

This film covers preliminary events leading up to the Korean War, the communist invasion of South Korea, and the role of U.S. air power in stemming communist aggression in the south. Note: This historical recording may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material.

FedFlix: On to the Yalu, June 1950—Air Force Story, Volume 2, Chapter 3

Fedflix

This episode of the Air Force Story documents Korean War events from June to November of 1950, including Air Force mobilization and training; Military Air Transport Service operations bringing troops and supplies to Korea; B-29 bombers targeting enemy supply lines and air fields before the Inchon Invasion and the Pusan Perimeter break through; U.N. forces advancing north to the Yalu River; a mass air drop of paratroopers and equipment behind enemy lines; and Air Force F-80 pilots fighting Russian Mig-15s. Note: This historical recording may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material. (14 minutes)

FedFlix: Staff Film Report 66-2A

Fedflix

This archival footage reveals combat and other activity in Vietnam during December 1965. Elements include: the 502nd Battalion; the 101st Airborne Division; the 1st Air Cavalry Division; the 229th Aviation Battalion and Support Command; and Army Chaplain Action. (26 minutes)

General Matthew Ridgway Oversees UN Retreat from Seoul During Korean War ca. 1950

The WPA Film Library

After China entered the Korean War in late 1950, United Nations (UN) forces under U.S. command were forced to make a long southern retreat. Matthew Ridgway, who was promoted to head of the Eighth Army after General Walton H. Walker was killed in an automobile accident, oversaw the retreat from Seoul. Ridgway's forces regained Seoul in March 1951, and President Harry S. Truman announced that he would seek peace negotiations that divided the country at the 38th parallel. Copyright The WPA Film Library.

Douglas MacArthur Surveys the Results of the Inchon Landing ca. 1950

British Pathe

After North Korean forces invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, the United States and other European countries participated in a "UN Policing Action" in Korea. On September 15, 1950, General Douglas MacArthur decided to make an amphibious assault on the Korean city Inchon. He chose the site because of its proximity to both Seoul and the Kimpo airfield, the only hard-surface runway in Korea. After the successful landing MacArthur secured Seoul and the airfield, sending North Korean forces into retreat across the 38th parallel. Copyright The WPA Film Library.

The Korean War, 1950

British Pathe

Americans and British in action near Taegu; Korean War Copyright The WPA Film Library.

This Day In History: November 27, 1950 – Battle of Chosin

British Pathe

During the Korean War, Communist troops turn back U.N. forces.

The Big Picture: Broken Bridge

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy stars in this classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series. His two young sons prompt Murphy to make a tour of modern Army installations and revisit some of the places he saw in Europe during World War II.In Germany, he visits Hitler's stadium in Nuremberg,the Third Division platoon in Wurzburg, and views the Corporal and Redstone missiles. In Norway, Murphy views the Nike Ajax and Hurcules missiles. Returning to the U.S., Murphy sees the LaCrossse, Little John, and Hawk in action at the White Sands Missile Range. From the National Archives and Records Administration. (30 minutes)

Disciplining Children

Dialogue Systems Inc

Contrasts the difference between "discipline" and "punishment" while demonstrating the benefits of teaching self-control. The need to develop a strong sense of security in children and set good examples is emphasized. A detailed study guide is included which can be used for practicing disciplinary skills. (9 min.) A Meridian Production.

UN soldiers Fight the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge During the Korean War ca. 1951

British Pathe

The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge was one of the last major UN offensive strikes during the Korean War. The ridge was heavily fortified by North Korean troops, and it provided a strategic high point over the surrounding valley. After taking Heartbreak Ridge, UN troops continued to move north toward China. Copyright The WPA Film Library.

The Big Picture: The 3rd Division in Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

With exciting footage provided by the National Archives and Records Administration, this episode goes behind the scenes of the Third Division in Korea. Produced by the U.S. Army, this engaging installment in the Big Picture series is the story of the Korean conflict as filmed on the front line by U.S. Army Signal Corps cameramen. Audie Murphy has been invited to help with the narration of his old division and he appears in the program alongside co-host Sergeant Stuart Queen. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The 1st Cavalry Division and the 41st Infantry Division

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

Produced by the U.S. Army, this engaging installment in The Big Picture series examines two fighting infantry divisions: the 1st Cavalry Division and the 41st Infantry Division. With footage provided by the National Archives and Records Administration, this video depicts the Cavalry in action in the jungles of the southwest Pacific, its landing on Leyte, and is entrance into Tokyo. The activities of the 41st Infantry Division during the war are told graphically and Colonel Quinn dissects the infantryman's weapons verbally. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: United Nations Forces Escape the Chinese Trap

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

Produced by the U.S. Army, this historical recording in The Big Picture series follows United Nations forces as they escape the Chinese trap. With footage provided by the National Archives and Records Administration, this documentary follows the Army’s 7th Division at the Manchurian border, men enjoying a hot Thanksgiving Day dinner on the banks of the Yalu River, the evacuation of the Hungnam beachhead, and much more. An interview with Sergeant Charles W. Dumas of Providence, Rhode Island by Captain Zimmerman is also included in this captivating video. (30 minutes)

UN Troops Driven from Seoul, ca. 1951

The WPA Film Library

UN forces abandon Seoul Copyright The WPA Film Library.

The Big Picture: The Army Combat Team

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

There is no accurate way to fully describe a battle that occurs in a time of war. This is the premise of this episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series. Set in the rugged terrain of the Korean peninsula, this video from the National Archives and Records Administration compares a news bulletin from a daily paper to the actual fire-power versus manpower fight between the Infantry, Artillery Armor and Army Aviation and the Communists. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Pridgin, former Battalion Commander with the 7th Division in Korea and the recipient of a profusion of prestigious medals and honors, gives a personal report on the efficiency of the Army Combat Team. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The 25th Infantry Division in Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

The story begins on June 25, 1950, when the 25th Infantry Division was still in Japan. As filmed by combat cameramen of the Army Signal Corps, this classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series tells the history of the “Tropic Lightning” Division in Korea, as they battle from a perimeter defense in the north near Sangju, advance 150 miles south to meet the Pusan-bent enemy, and back up the Korean Peninsula. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration shows the division on the outskirts of Seoul in January 1951 as U.N. troops retired from the city; along “The Iron Triangle” with the start of Armistice negotiations in July 1951; and last major battle in May 1953. Note: This historical recording may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: United Nations Forces Counterattack

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series covers events surrounding the U.N. counterattack against the Chinese Spring Offensive in May and June of 1951. Captain Zimmerman interviews decorated veterans Chaplain Joseph Murphy, whose jeep was labeled “Life with Father,” and Captain John Rock, former company commander with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea. Chaplain Murphy pays tribute to the U.S. Infantry spirit and Captain Rock tells how the Army’s Information and Education program functions in the front lines in Korea. Note: this historical recording from the National Archives and Records may contain variations in audio and visual quality based on the variations of the original source material. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: 42nd Field Artillery Group

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

Produced by the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series, this classic episode focuses on the 42nd Field Artillery Group in Germany where two of its most formidable weapons are tested—the "Corporal" guided missile and the 280mm cannon. Their training represents the Army's ongoing firepower developments, which serve as a further deterrent to any future wars. Featuring footage provided by the National Archives and Records Administration, this film examines the mobile artillery weapons that are capable of massive concentrated firepower. These same weapons can be used to support ground troops of the new Pentomic Division which have been reorganized to meet the demands of warfare on the fluid atomic battlefields of the future. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: Pentomic Seventh Army

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This film from the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series takes viewers behind the scenes of the Seventh Army, a symbol of America’s military strength overseas—prepared to meet either a limited war or a nuclear attack. The mission of this army is to serve as a bulwark of NATO’s defense forces in Western Europe to protect the free world from any type of aggression. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration shows a jeep patrol to check outposts along the West German border and a battle simulation. Seventh Army servicemen are called to prepare to launch a corporal missile in a drill. (30 minutes)

UN Forces at Taejon, 1950

British Pathe

"First Pictures From Taejon"; the outgunned UN forces trying to buy time, civilian Korean refugees Copyright The WPA Film Library.

The Big Picture: The WAC Is a Soldier, Too

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series goes to Fort McClellan, Alabama, for this first look at the new training center for Women’s Army Corps officers and enlisted women. Since the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps was created in 1942, women training for service with the U.S. Army have had a number of temporary homes, ranging from Florida to Massachusetts, from Iowa to Virginia. The permanent WAC Center is a cluster of 22 cream-colored buildings in a natural setting at Alabama’s Fort McClellan. This program from the National Archives and Records Administration looks at the increasingly important role women are playing in the nation’s defense. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: Brush Fire -- Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series, originally broadcast as “The First Forty Days,” is a story of how a handful of men were locked in bitter combat with a ruthless enemy army of five divisions. A soldier of the Army Infantry tells the dramatic story of our first 40 days in Korea—a glowing tribute to the officers and men of the 24th Infantry Division. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration shows how the war in Korea hastened the development of this modern Army, which has come a long way from those first grim days. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The 2nd Infantry Division in Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This exciting episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture series documents the famous “Indianheads,” the men of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division and the vital role they played in Korea. Though the fighting in Korea is over, the deeds of the 2nd Infantry Division will long be remembered. With footage provided by the National Archives and Records Administration, this outstanding documentary tells the up close and personal story of the soldiers of the Indianhead Division who lived up to their motto “Second to None.” (30 minutes)

UN Troops Advance on Seoul, 1951

The WPA Film Library

Allied counterattack toward Seoul; Korean War Copyright The WPA Film Library.

United Nations (UN) Forces Land at Inchon, Korea ca. 1950

British Pathe

In September 1950, General Douglas MacArthur launched a fleet of 260 ships containing 70,000 troops toward the Korean port city of Inchon, 25 miles west of Seoul. The first troops landed at Inchon on September 14, and by September 27, the United Nations (UN) was able to temporarily recapture Seoul. The charge at Inchon& - "the biggest offensive since D-Day" - marked the United Nations' first offensive strike of the Korean War. It would become known as one of the United Nations' greatest victories of the war. Copyright The WPA Film Library.

The Big Picture: Exercise Flash Burn

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

In this episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series, viewers are taken to a deserted area in North Carolina to see what happens when an aggressor attacks our forces. Some of the modern muscle used to thwart attacks includes the 280 mm cannon, the Honest John artillery rocket, and the Corporal, a long-range guided missile. Viewers of this program from the National Archives and Records Administration get a first hand look at exactly how these weapons are employed on the battlefield. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The United Nations Offensive

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

From September 20 to October 20, 1950, United Nations forces struck hard against the Communist army in Korea. This classic film, from the National Archives and Records Administration, features footage of the recapture of Seoul and the fall of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital city. As part of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture series, this historical recording also includes incredible footage of an airdrop by the 187th Regimental Airdrop team and the U.S. Navy battleship Missouri in action. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: Turning of the Tide

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series describes events in Korea from August 10 to September 20, 1950, showing how American troops fought to hold on to the Pusan perimeter, the air support they received from carriers, and the march on Seoul. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration also includes a report from Lieutenant Tom Dreisenstock, platoon leader of the 24th Infantry Division. (30 minutes)

The Big Picture: The 7th Infantry Division in Korea

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series tells the story of the 7th Infantry Division’s performance in the fight that started with the bold invasion of Inchon in the early fall of 1950. The 7th Division’s invasion of the “Land of the Morning Calm” was really a return to a land that they had come to know intimately. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration explains that South Korea was where the 7th Infantry Division had accepted the surrender of Japanese troops at the end of World War II and remained until the end of 1948 when they left for Japan. (30 minutes)