Korean War Podcast

In the final episode of this podcast series, I tell of some of the major incidents along the Demilitarised Zone and off the seas of Korea that have occurred since the end of the Korean War.

In this the second of three special episode to wrap up on the Korean War, I shall attempt to answer question sent to me by listeners.

In the first of three special episode, I tell the stories of some of the winners of the congressional medal of honour and the Victoria Cross won during the Korean War. 

At last the final day of the Korean War arrives.  An armistice is signed at Panmunjon between Nam Il and Harrison.  However there are still artillery and air attacks even on this last day.  Both sides withdraw two kilometres and there is an exchange of prisoners of war between the two sides at Panmunjon.  A review of the performance of General Maxwell Taylor, Mark Clarke and Peng.

The peace talks at Panmunjon make slow but steady progress to reaching a cease fire deal to end the Korean War.  However there still time for the Chinese Army to successfully launch their summer offensive against the South Korean Army.  Once the offensive is over an arrangement is finally reached. a biography of William Harrision leader of the United Nations delegation at the peace talks.

Fighting along the front line in June 1953.  The South Korean President Rhee orders that 25,000 North Korean Prisoners of War who do not wish to return to North Korea are to be helped to escape.  A biography of the South Korean Minster of Nation Security who planed the escape.  The fury of the American forces Rhee to agree an armistice.

Fighting along the front line in May 1953 but the Korean War was not ended on the battlefield but at the peace talks at Panmunjon.  The peace began again and make slow but steady progress.  A biography of Nam Il the head of the North Korean delegation.  The South Korean President Rhee bitterly opposes any suggestion of a peace deal.

The Chinese Army overruns Old Baldy and American attempts to recapture it fails.  General Maxwell Taylor the commander of the Eighth Army decides to halt any further counter attacks.  The battle for Pork Chop Hill begins, the Chinese Army but this time in heavy fighting the American Army retains control of the hill.  Serious talks to begin between Communist and the United Nations about ending the Korean War.  A biography of John Foster Dulles the American Secretary of State.

Stalin's health is poor due to old age but he blames the Doctors, so begins the Doctors Plot and the arrest of hundreds of doctors.  In March 1953, after a heavy drinking Stalin suffers a stroke and dies a few days latter.  The new Soviet leadership decide they want an end to the Korean War.  There is a power struggle within the new Soviet leadership.  The Communist and United Nations exchange sick and wounded prisoners of war.  A biography of Beira the murderous head of the Soviet secret police.