Freedom is not free

Mural Wall

Comprising more than 2,400 photographs of service members, the black granite mural wall consists of 41 panels and extends 164 feet. The photographs are computer-enhanced to give a uniform lighting effect and the desired size. They are also arranged to give a wavy appearance in harmony with the layout of the nearby statues. When viewed from afar, the wall gives the appearance of the mountain ranges of Korea.

Making of the Memorial

Pool of Remembrance

The Pool of Remembrance is bordered by a stepped weir giving its edge a small waterfall. The water feature is encircled by a walkway, more than two dozen trees and seven benches for visitors to rest and reflect on the price paid by the United States and its allies during the war.

Facts

The Korean War is sometimes referred to as “The Forgotten War” because of its place in the timeline of U.S. history — between World War II and the Vietnam War.

The Korean War proved the value of the aircraft carrier in the nuclear age. The U.S. Navy began the war with 15 active carriers and ended it with 38 in service.

The war emphasized the importance of maintaining the Marine Corps as a ready striking force. The Corps emerged from the Korean War with the largest sustained peacetime strength in its history.

The leading American fighter ace during the Korean War was Capt. Joseph McConnell Jr., who shot down 16 enemy aircraft in just over four months of flying. Many of the Air Force’s best pilots in Korea, including McConnell, were veterans of World War II. McConnell survived the war but was killed testing a fighter jet in 1954.

The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) was the Army’s only all-Black Ranger company to serve in the Korean War. Arriving in Korea in December 1950, the company endured a winter with subzero temperatures and saw intense combat, suffering many casualties. Nine men received Silver Stars and 13 others were awarded Bronze Stars with Valor.

Negotiations to reach a treaty ending the Korean War were the longest in history — including 158 meetings spread over two years and 17 days. The armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

Statues

The 19 statues were created by Vermont sculptor Frank Gaylord and represent an ethnic cross section of America. They include 14 soldiers, three Marines, one sailor and one airman. The troops wear ponchos covering their weapons and equipment which seem to blow in the cold winds of Korea.

United Nations Curb

Walking along the United Nations Curb, visitors will see the names of the 22 nations that fought together under the United Nations Command during the Korean War. Seventeen nations provided combat units and five contributed medical support.

By The Numbers

• The Korean War lasted 3 years. It began June 25, 1950, and ended July 27, 1953.
• About 1,789,000 U.S. military personnel served in the Korean War theater.
• More than 33,000 U.S. service members were killed in battle.
• About 7,600 American military personnel remain unaccounted for.
• 133 U.S. service members have received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in the Korean War, 95 posthumously.

Dedication Stone

The inscription on the dedication stone echoes the message to visitors that freedom is not free. The stone also complements other features including the statues and remembrance pool in honoring service members who fought in what was once called the “Forgotten War.”

Honor Roll

The memorial’s kiosk, where park rangers are available to assist visitors, features the computerized Korean War Honor Roll, which lists the names of all military personnel who lost their lives during the conflict. Visitors can find information such as service, unit and rank, date of birth and hometown, as well as the date and cause of death. The honor roll also lists awards and a photograph if available.

Highest Honors

One hundred thirty-three U.S. service members received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Korean War. Learn more about some of the recipients.