When in 1950 the United Nations called upon its members to provide aid to South Korea, more than forty nations responded. Some of these sent troops which fought under the United Nations Command, some sent commodities and medical supplies. Some nations offered moral and political support but for a variety of reasons were not able to send aid. This book looks at the nations involved, what was behind their willingness to provide troops or aid, or what prevented them from doing so. The military contribution of the nations involved is discussed. The combination of troops, and their individual needs, made the logistics of this enterprise difficult, but in the end troops from 17 nations fought together to defend the freedom of South Korea.

Paul M. Edwards is the founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of the Korean War at Graceland University’s Independence, Missouri, campus. He is a Korean War veteran and author of 13 works on military history. He lives in Independence.

Paul M. Edwards
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 224
Bibliographic Info: 23 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2013
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7457-8
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0266-0
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents

Preface   1
Introduction   5
1. A Brief History of the Korean War   19
2. The Role of the United Nations   27
3. Who Is to Fight?   58
4. Nations Providing Fighting Forces   66
5. Nations That Provided Medical Units   131
6. Nations That Provided Commodities   145
7. Silent Partners   159
8. Acceptance Deferred   167
Conclusion   175
Notes   191
Bibliography   199
Index   205

“valuable…recommended”—Choice; “invaluable”—The NYMAS Review; “a valuable work for those interested in the Korean War”—Strategy Page.