War's End (1959)
US Government work A work of the United States Government, which US copyright does not cover (17 U.S.C. 105). Record.
- Copy
- gov.dod.dimoc.30120 on the Internet Archive; released 1959
- Read
- 323 shots over 28:34 · 133 beats in 79 sequences · 214 transcript lines · JSON
- Record
- War's End US Government work
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Check before citing the shot count. A 1:50 shot at 0:00 (shot 0): either a static hold or a run of missed cuts. Treat it as unverified.
How this page was made
323 shots over 28:34, read from the Internet Archive copy gov.dod.dimoc.30120 (gov.dod.dimoc.30120_512kb.mp4, 320×240, 59.94 fps). Shot boundaries by PySceneDetect's adaptive detector; each frame links to the Archive's player at that second. Government-works dossier: War's End US Government work. JSON
Measurements: black-and-white film on its keyframes (0 of 323 shots judged colour), average shot 5.3s long, a frontal face detected in 11% of keyframes. Shots are detected automatically and each is represented by its midpoint frame.
Released 1959 (Internet Archive).
133 beats in 79 sequences, cut automatically at shot boundaries scored on picture change, pauses in speech, topic shifts, on-screen text and cutting rhythm (each beat says why it starts where it does). Each is annotated by a vision-language model from four sampled frames and the transcript lines in it, as observations with evidence; anything the frames and lines do not support is left null. Machine annotation (Qwen/Qwen3-VL-235B-A22B-Instruct), checked automatically: quotes must be verbatim, names must be spoken, "visible" events are sampled to a second model. 133 of 133 beats annotated, 132 passed the checks, 1 flagged.
Beats
Passages cut at shot boundaries and annotated by a machine from four sampled frames and the transcript lines in them. Each beat says why it starts where it does and what was checked; sequences are visual groups, not scenes.
2:261 of 1 shots sampled
2:441 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two men are seated at a desk in an office, discussing the ideological motivations behind the Korean War. One man, wearing glasses and a suit, speaks while the other, in uniform, listens.
2 people observed.
“In what respect, sir?” 3:23 · “Well, it was a total ideological war. That is to say, communist North Korea, governed and supported by the communist world,” 3:26
Evidence, details and a link to share
4:111 of 1 shots sampled
5:321 of 1 shots sampled
5:551 of 1 shots sampled
6:371 of 1 shots sampled
7:041 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A group of figures in heavy coats are gathered around a snow-covered object in a mountainous, open field. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- Figures in heavy coats gather around a snow-covered object in a field. [frame:1]
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
7:111 of 1 shots sampled
7:171 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A group of figures in heavy winter clothing are gathered around a dugout or trench in a snow-covered field with mountains in the background. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
7:211 of 1 shots sampled
7:251 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two figures in heavy winter coats are visible in a snowy, open field with distant hills. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
7:281 of 1 shots sampled
7:321 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A group of people in heavy coats and boots walks through snow. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
7:351 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military convoy moves along a dirt road in a mountainous, snow-dusted landscape. Soldiers and vehicles are visible in a line extending into the distance.
- A military convoy advances along a dirt road. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
8:061 of 1 shots sampled
8:161 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military vehicle with a mounted gun is parked on uneven, debris-strewn ground with a soldier standing beside it. In the background, damaged buildings and industrial structures are visible under an overcast sky.
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
8:181 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two soldiers in heavy winter coats operate a large artillery piece outdoors in a snowy, mountainous landscape. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- Two soldiers operate an artillery piece in a snowy landscape. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
8:201 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A person in heavy clothing stands beside a large artillery piece outdoors. The scene is in black and white, with no visible text or spoken dialogue.
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
8:421 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military tank is visible on a ship's deck, with personnel aboard. The background shows a distant shoreline and other vehicles.
- A tank is positioned on the deck of a ship with personnel visible on and around it. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
8:441 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two men are on a ship's ramp loading a tank onto a vessel marked 742. The scene is in black and white and shows military equipment being handled.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
Model synopsis: Soldiers in helmets and uniforms board and ride in a landing craft on water, with a distant shoreline visible. The transcript states that over 100,000 fighting men were evacuated in ten days.
- Soldiers board a landing craft from a beach. [frame:1]
- Soldiers are seated inside a crowded landing craft. [frame:2]
- The side of a landing craft is shown, with a distant shoreline and industrial structures. [frame:3]
- 1 more under Evidence and details.
3 people observed.
“In the space of 10 days, more than 100,000 fighting men were evacuated.” 8:46
Evidence, details and a link to share
9:271 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two people in workwear walk across an industrial yard carrying buckets. The setting includes a brick building and cranes in the background.
- Two people walk across a yard carrying buckets. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
11:261 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows a bright explosion at night with smoke rising. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are visible.
- An explosion occurs in a dark outdoor setting. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
11:521 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A person in heavy clothing bends over a barrel in a snowy, wooded area with other figures visible in the background. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- A person bends over a barrel in a snowy forest. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
11:541 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A person in heavy clothing handles metal mess tins in snow. No names, dialogue, or place identifiers are visible or audible in this beat.
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
11:561 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A person in heavy winter clothing and a hooded coat drinks from a metal cup in a snowy, outdoor setting. The scene is captured in a single, grainy, black-and-white frame with no visible text or spoken dialogue.
- Person raises metal cup to mouth and drinks. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:031 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows a snowy landscape with footprints and shadows. No people, objects, or text are visible, and no events are described.
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:241 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two soldiers in field gear are prone in tall grass, aiming rifles toward the left. The background shows bare trees and a hazy, overcast sky, suggesting an outdoor, open-field setting.
- Two soldiers lie prone in tall grass, aiming rifles. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:291 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in winter gear aims a rifle from a prone position in a grassy, hilly field. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- A soldier aims a rifle from a prone position. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:311 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military tank and a smaller armored vehicle move along a dirt road, kicking up dust. The scene is outdoors with utility poles visible in the background.
- A tank and an armored vehicle drive on a dirt road. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:351 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Soldiers in helmets and uniforms are crouched among trees and underbrush in a wooded area. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:371 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two soldiers in military uniforms are shown in a wooded area, one crouching and the other standing behind him. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
12:401 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in a hooded uniform aims a rifle from a prone position among trees and brush. The scene is outdoors in a wooded area with no visible structures or other people.
- soldier aims rifle from prone position [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
13:481 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A wide shot shows a city nestled in a valley with mountains in the background. The scene is static and captured in black and white, with no visible people or movement.
Evidence, details and a link to share
14:541 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A person is seen from behind aiming a weapon in an open field with military vehicles and bare trees in the background. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- A person aims a weapon across a field toward military vehicles. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
14:551 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A group of soldiers operates a mortar in an open field. One soldier aims the weapon while others assist or observe.
- Soldiers are positioned around a mortar in a field. [frame:1]
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
14:561 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two soldiers in combat gear are positioned prone on grassy ground, one aiming a machine gun. The setting appears to be an open field during daylight, with no visible structures or other people.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
14:581 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in a helmet aims a rifle from a prone position in a barren, hilly landscape. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- A soldier aims a rifle from a prone position. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:011 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in a helmet aims a rifle from a prone position in a barren, rocky landscape. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- A soldier aims a rifle from a prone position. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:031 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two soldiers in helmets operate a machine gun from a high vantage point overlooking a valley. The scene is shot in black and white with no audible dialogue or on-screen text.
- Two soldiers are positioned behind a machine gun overlooking a valley. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:051 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in a helmet aims a rifle from a prone position in an open field. The scene is shot in black and white with no visible text or dialogue.
- soldier aims rifle from prone position [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:071 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in a helmet is seen from behind, aiming a machine gun in a barren, hilly landscape. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
- Soldier aims machine gun across a hilly terrain. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:191 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in a helmet and coat operates a mounted machine gun while another soldier stands nearby. The scene is outdoors under bright, overcast lighting.
- soldier aims machine gun [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:221 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A wide shot shows a large plume of dark smoke rising from a flat, barren landscape with scattered low vegetation. No people or vehicles are clearly visible in the frame.
- A large plume of dark smoke rises from the ground in a barren landscape. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
15:581 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Two soldiers in helmets sit on a stone structure in a wooded area. One soldier is seated on a higher level, looking down, while the other sits lower and appears to be writing or handling small objects.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:001 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A missile launches from water near a hill, producing smoke. No people or dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
- A missile launches from water, emitting smoke. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:011 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A group of soldiers operates an artillery piece in a field, with smoke rising from the muzzle after firing. The setting is outdoors, with trees in the background and no visible structures.
- Artillery fires, producing a large cloud of smoke. [frame:1]
5 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:031 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military encampment is shown with soldiers near tents and a vehicle, with smoke rising in the background. No people are named or speaking in this beat.
- Smoke rises from a vehicle or structure in a field with tents and soldiers nearby. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:041 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A smoky, debris-strewn outdoor scene with a damaged vehicle or structure on a slope. No people or spoken dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:061 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A field artillery piece fires in an open, hilly landscape, producing smoke. No people are clearly visible, and no dialogue or on-screen text is present.
- An artillery piece fires, producing smoke. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:351 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A tank is visible moving through a wooded area, kicking up dust and smoke. No people or spoken dialogue are present in this beat.
- A tank moves through a wooded area, stirring up dust and smoke. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
Model synopsis: A tank is shown in a hilly, grassy terrain, with smoke rising near it in one frame. The scene shifts to a wide view of a barren hillside and then to a damaged tank in a field.
- A tank is visible on a grassy slope with smoke rising nearby. [frame:1]
- A wide shot shows a barren, treeless hillside under an overcast sky. [frame:2]
- A small dark object, possibly an aircraft, is visible in the sky. [frame:2]
- 1 more under Evidence and details.
Flagged: visible event not seen (A wide shot shows a barren, treeless hillside under an overcast sky.)
Evidence, details and a link to share
16:431 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A dark, indistinct object is visible against a hazy, rocky hillside. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are present in the frame.
Evidence, details and a link to share
19:261 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows a gray, grainy surface with vertical streaks and specks, likely film damage or rain on glass. No people, objects, or readable text are visible, and no events occur.
Evidence, details and a link to share
19:311 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows an abstract, grainy, high-contrast image with no identifiable place, people, or objects. No transcript lines are provided for this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
19:341 of 1 shots sampled
20:181 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military vehicle with mounted weaponry is visible through haze or smoke. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are present in this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:211 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows a hazy mountain range with no people or structures visible. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:251 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A large plume of smoke rises from a hillside, viewed from a distance. No people or structures are visible in the frame.
- A large plume of smoke rises from a hillside. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:271 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military jeep is parked in a dusty, mountainous area with smoke rising in the background. No people are clearly visible, and no dialogue or on-screen text is present.
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:291 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A tank advances through a dusty, mountainous valley while smoke rises from the ground. No people are visible or audible, and no text or dialogue is present.
- A tank moves forward through a dusty valley with smoke rising in the background. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:311 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows a hazy mountain landscape with no people or structures visible. No audio or on-screen text is present in this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:321 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military vehicle with a large gun is positioned in a mountainous, dusty terrain. No people are clearly visible, and no dialogue or on-screen text is present.
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:331 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A man in a sleeveless shirt and cap stands near a vehicle with another figure partially visible behind him. The scene is outdoors and appears to involve military or industrial equipment.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:351 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A military vehicle with a large gun is positioned on a beach with smoke in the background. No people are clearly visible or named, and no dialogue is present in this beat.
- A military vehicle with a large gun is stationary on a beach with smoke rising in the background. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:371 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows an explosion on a wooded hillside, with smoke rising among trees. No people, objects, or text are visible, and no audio is provided for this beat.
- An explosion occurs on a wooded hillside, producing smoke and debris. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
20:401 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A wide shot shows a large pile of artillery shells in an open field with mountains in the background. No people are visible in the frame, and no dialogue or on-screen text is present.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:131 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in helmet and uniform runs forward across open terrain with another soldier visible behind him. The setting appears to be an outdoor field or battlefield with low vegetation and a hill in the background.
- A soldier runs forward across open ground. [frame:1]
- Another soldier follows behind the first. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:151 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in helmet and uniform holds a rifle in a barren, hilly landscape with leafless trees; another soldier is visible in the background. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
Model synopsis: A soldier runs through a wooded area while an explosion occurs on a ridge labeled 'HEARTBREAK RIDGE'; a bird is seen flying overhead. The transcript mentions battle names being difficult to remember.
- soldier runs through forest [frame:1]
- bird flies in sky above trees [frame:2]
- explosion occurs on ridge labeled 'HEARTBREAK RIDGE' [frame:3]
- 1 more under Evidence and details.
1 person observed.
“battle names not difficult nor pleasant to remember.” 21:16
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:251 of 1 shots sampled
21:271 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A title card reading "BUNKER HILL" is superimposed over a forest scene. No people or actions are visible in the single frame provided.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:301 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows an overcast sky with a small portion of foliage visible at the top left. No people, objects, or text are present, and no events occur.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:341 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A title card reading 'BLOODY RIDGE' appears over a mountainous landscape. No people or actions are visible in the single frame provided.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:361 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A tank is visible on uneven ground with smoke in the background. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are present in the frame.
- A tank is positioned on rough terrain with smoke rising behind it. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:381 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in helmet and uniform operates a large artillery piece mounted on a tracked vehicle. The scene is outdoors, with smoke visible, suggesting recent firing.
- A soldier adjusts his helmet while standing on an artillery vehicle. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:411 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A barren, hilly landscape with a leafless tree in the foreground and a small vehicle visible on a distant ridge. No people or dialogue are present in this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:471 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A title card reading 'THE HOOK' appears over a distant shot of two figures on a barren hillside. No people are clearly visible, and no dialogue or action is recorded in this beat.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:511 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Soldiers are visible in a rugged outdoor setting with ammunition and equipment. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:521 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in helmet and uniform moves across a rocky, grassy slope with tents and other soldiers visible in the background. The setting is a mountainous outdoor area with no clear indication of time of day or specific location beyond the terrain.
- A soldier walks across a rocky slope with tents and other soldiers in the background. [frame:1]
2 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:541 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A battlefield scene with smoke rising from the ground and the text 'SNIPER RIDGE' overlaid. No people or spoken dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
- Smoke rises from the ground in a barren landscape. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
21:561 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A single frame shows a battlefield scene with smoke rising from the ground and a figure partially visible in the foreground. No people are named or audible, and no on-screen text or specific time of day is indicated.
- Smoke rises from the ground in an open field, suggesting recent explosion or gunfire. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
22:001 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A title card reading 'THE PUNCHBOWL' appears over a landscape showing multiple explosions on a hillside. No people or dialogue are present in this beat.
- Multiple explosions occur on a hillside. [frame:1]
Evidence, details and a link to share
22:061 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: Three soldiers in helmets and uniforms are positioned in a field with foliage; one kneels holding a weapon while another crouches nearby. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
3 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
22:121 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: The beat shows soldiers in a field and at a transport site, with a close-up of a hand on a radio, while the transcript describes a 1953 political shift and prisoner exchange that resumed truce talks in Korea. No named individuals appear; the setting is outdoors during daylight, with military personnel and vehicles present.
- Soldiers are seen in a field, some carrying a stretcher. [frame:1]
- Soldiers gather around a vehicle in a camp-like setting. [frame:2]
- Soldiers board or stand near a bus or transport vehicle. [frame:3]
- 1 more under Evidence and details.
2 people observed.
“It was costly, but there was no clear way out.” 22:35 · “The big break came in April 1953 with little switch.” 22:40
Evidence, details and a link to share
Model synopsis: A group of soldiers is shown in a field, first gathered around a radio, then standing in formation near a flag, and finally in a line with a cemetery of white crosses in the background. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in the frames.
- Soldiers gather around a portable radio in a field. [frame:1]
- Soldiers stand in formation near a flagpole in a field. [frame:2]
- Soldiers stand in a line in a field, facing forward. [frame:3]
- 1 more under Evidence and details.
6 people observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
24:171 of 1 shots sampled
Model synopsis: A soldier in uniform stands outdoors holding a megaphone to his mouth. A white cross and distant hills are visible in the background.
- A soldier holds a megaphone to his mouth. [frame:1]
1 person observed.
Evidence, details and a link to share
24:271 of 1 shots sampled
24:421 of 1 shots sampled
25:151 of 1 shots sampled
27:141 of 1 shots sampled
28:061 of 1 shots sampled
Transcript
Machine transcription of the Archive copy's audio with Whisper large-v3-turbo (temperature 0); the model heard it as en. 214 segments kept, 11 dropped as the kind of hallucination the model produces over music and silence. Each timestamp links to the Archive's player at that second. This has not been checked against the film and can be wrong.
- 0:09 The United States Army presents The Big Picture.
- 0:15 An official report produced for the armed forces and the American people.
- 0:44 Come on.
- 0:49 one of the finest tributes to the military stature of any country
- 0:53 may be indicated by the number and variety of published works on its military history.
- 0:59 books reflecting the entire spectrum of opinion,
- 1:02 on the experience, achievements,
- 1:05 and merits of wars fought.
- 1:08 Our country has been fortunate to have produced so many capable military critics and historians.
- 1:13 to chronicle every major action,
- 1:16 of every major war we have engaged in.
- 1:19 The Korean War has been no exception.
- 1:22 Many volumes have been written about this ideological conflict.
- 1:27 Many more will be written to be sure.
- 1:30 I'm Sergeant Stewart Queen, your host for The Big Picture.
- 1:34 In two previous big picture issues,
- 1:37 We presented the Korean War from its start in the summer of 1950.
- 1:42 through Thanksgiving Day of that year.
- 1:45 In this issue,
- 1:47 we will present the final chapter of the Korean War.
194 more segments
- 1:52 These two books.
- 1:55 contain some penetrating thoughts about the Korean War.
- 2:00 They were written by a distinguished citizen soldier
- 2:04 Brigadier General S.L.A. Marshall.
- 2:08 In these books,
- 2:09 And in other documents he has written, General Marshall recorded the Korean War as he saw and analyzed the conflict.
- 2:16 In 1951, the Department of the Army sent General Marshall to Korea.
- 2:21 the third major conflict in which he served as an army officer.
- 2:26 The result of his experiences in Korea
- 2:29 and his long and valuable experience with our military establishment.
- 2:33 make him eminently qualified to comment on the Korean War.
- 2:37 And now...
- 2:39 The big picture presents this distinguished...
- 2:41 Citizen Soldier.
- 2:44 Brigadier General S. L. A. Marshall.
- 2:48 General Marshal? Sergeant Quain.
- 2:51 General Marshall, against the background of your far-reaching experience in wars we fought,
- 2:57 What are some of your observations and conclusions in regard to the Korean fighting?
- 3:02 Basically, the tactics of the Korean War taught us a lot about mountain fighting,
- 3:07 defense against night attacks and the like,
- 3:10 But the fighting was essentially the same as World War II.
- 3:14 That is, the battles were won by the infantry with the usual support from the other arms and services.
- 3:20 But in one sense, the Korean War was different.
- 3:23 In what respect, sir?
- 3:26 Well, it was a total ideological war. That is to say, communist North Korea, governed and supported by the communist world,
- 3:33 He estimated that South Korea was
- 3:36 ripe for the taking.
- 3:38 In an ideological sense,
- 3:40 the opportunity could not be overlooked to seize the territory and to extend Communism
- 3:46 over more ovation.
- 3:48 Obviously, the Communist world planned to benefit from the quick victory in South Korea,
- 3:53 at our expense.
- 3:55 Does this in any way explain the entry of the Chinese Communist into the Korean War?
- 4:02 In part, yes.
- 4:03 Primarily, I believe it was because our advancing United Nations forces came within tactical reach
- 4:09 of red china
- 4:11 Our forces have become overstretched and vulnerable to the attack.
- 4:15 And they grabbed the opportunity.
- 4:17 Before the Red Chinese attacked,
- 4:19 The United Nations Command believed that Communist China would not enter the war
- 4:24 if we can find our advance to the area south of the Yalu River.
- 4:28 But it is a military fact, is it not, General?
- 4:31 that it takes time
- 4:33 Lots of time.
- 4:34 organize and
- 4:35 Move an army into position to attack?
- 4:38 How did the Chinese communists do this without revealing their plans to us?
- 4:44 Give them their due.
- 4:46 They are masters of concealment and deception.
- 4:50 It took them 60 to 90 days to organize their so-called volunteer army.
- 4:55 and it required another two weeks or more to move the army into a position to attack.
- 5:02 Before the Red Chinese sprung the trap,
- 5:05 They had moved 80,000 troops across the Yalu and into positions deep into North Korea.
- 5:12 There was a total of 120,000 Chinese Communist troops ready
- 5:17 when they attacked
- 5:18 And all of this accomplished without the United Nations command
- 5:23 realizing the intent of Red China.
- 5:26 Deception or not, General,
- 5:28 How did the Chinese communists keep our air reconnaissance from spotting the large concentrations of troops, vehicles, and equipment?
- 5:36 moving into North Korea.
- 5:39 before they entered the war full length,
- 5:42 The Chinese forces moved only at night
- 5:45 During the daylight hours, they packed themselves into whatever buildings, houses, and huts they could find,
- 5:51 They were jammed in like sardines.
- 5:54 Their vehicles and equipment were camouflaged expertly,
- 5:58 They were not highly mobile, however. They advanced at the marching pace of a man.
- 6:03 But their columns stayed concealed in day, and the few who walked abroad made expert use of shadows.
- 6:10 to foil their reconnaissance.
- 6:13 It is at this point, General Marshall.
- 6:15 that we're going to present the photographic record of the Korean War.
- 6:19 starting with the 8th Army's offensive the day after Thanksgiving in 1950.
- 6:24 An operation beginning with high hopes.
- 6:27 but one which was quickly changed...
- 6:30 in its tactical complexion.
- 6:33 8th Army's end-of-the-war offensive was launched the day after Thanksgiving in 1950. It started out smoothly, but by nightfall of the second day, the UN was facing a new enemy in Korea, and a new war had begun. The Chinese rolled swiftly southward, splitting the Allied line and cutting off Marine and 7th Division troops in the east near the Chosin Reservoir.
- 7:07 We took turns sleeping in the daytime. It was too cold at night. I heard later we lost more people from freezing and from enemy action.
- 7:19 Even the mortar rounds froze through the caissons.
- 7:27 The Chinese had an awful lot of people between us and the beach.
- 7:39 All our resupply came by air. Without that, we never could have made it.
- 7:45 Same goes for the close air support we got from the Marine Air Wing and the Air Force.
- 7:57 They fought their way toward the sea through an enemy force which outnumbered them five to one.
- 8:03 Pausing only to evacuate wounded by air from Hagaroo, they pushed on, reaching safety on December 10th. They found Hoongnam a busy town.
- 8:22 Within the harbor's perimeter, heavy weapons worked around the clock, throwing up a curtain of fire through which the enemy divisions dared not pass.
- 8:33 a near miracle of planning, organization and teamwork was taking place. A massive amphibious landing in reverse.
- 8:46 In the space of 10 days, more than 100,000 fighting men were evacuated.
- 8:53 North Koreans by the tens of thousands flocked to the dock area to plead for evacuation.
- 9:03 From this one area, more than 90,000 North Koreans deserted their homes, rather than return to the life they had experienced under communism.
- 9:13 We were the last to leave. When we were gone, the harbor would be too. We set blocks of TNT and laced hoses filled with jellied explosive all along the waterfront.
- 9:28 When we left, the harbor was one big ticking time bomb.
- 9:33 The evacuation convoy steamed southward toward the free ports of Pusan and Pohang. Their troops would re-land, re-group, and move back to engage the enemy.
- 10:03 parallel. But for hundreds of thousands of civilians trying desperately to outrun the advancing communists, the journey southward was a nightmare of cold, weariness, and confusion.
- 10:21 Old people pulled loads meant for oxen or carried their precious few belongings on their backs. Children who had no part in the causes of war received full measure of its hardships
- 10:33 same. On December 27th, General Ridgway arrived to replace General Walker, killed in a tragic Jeep accident. He was just in time for the enemy's New Year's Eve offensive. Once again,
- 11:03 out of Seoul, blowing the Han River bridges behind them. Incheon, like Hoongnam, was evacuated by sea. Here, too, we took pains to leave nothing behind which the enemy could use.
- 11:39 In the south, the troops which had been taken off the beach at Ong Nam were regrouped, and despite bitter weather, took advantage of a welcome opportunity to catch up with themselves.
- 12:09 High-powered thrusts called "Operation Killer." The enemy held a huge numerical advantage. Ridgeway was out to eliminate it.
- 12:42 Assault units moved up, expecting to meet great strength. They found surprising weakness. Under the pounding raids of Operation Killer, the enemy fell back. Ridgway pressed the advantage. No rest for the enemy, and not much more for 8th Army.
- 13:00 If anybody ever invents a mattress that feels half as good as a patch of frozen ground fell thin, you'll make a million dollars.
- 13:09 Although destruction of enemy forces remained its prime objective, Operation Killer had evolved into a ground gaining operation.
- 13:20 The way things were going, we couldn't stay outnumbered for long. The word was they were losing ten men to R1.
- 13:30 For six weeks, the seasoned fighters of 8th Army scoured the countryside, inflicting fantastic losses on the retreating Reds.
- 13:39 the enemy's main stronghold east of Seoul was smashed. The next step would be Seoul itself.
- 13:50 On March 15th, Korean troops entered the city. They found a few old people and children. The communists had fled. Across the full width of the peninsula, the enemy was retreating. Figure this one out. We're chasing them and they're leaving surrender posters behind for us.
- 14:08 In April, General James Van Fleet arrived to take over the 8th Army. A canny tactician, he replaced General Ridgeway, who had been appointed Supreme Commander when General MacArthur returned to the United States. Within a week of Big Jim's arrival, he was fighting off the Communist Spring Offensive. The Communists concentrated their barrages on the East Central Front, probing for a weak spot into which to pour their tides of humanity.
- 14:38 All available UN forces were needed to slow the enemy's human wave tactics.
- 15:08 We had a routine. Hold till the ammo ran out, then pull back and call for an airstrike.
- 15:25 When foul weather grounded the Air Force, units north of Seoul were forced back across the Imjin River.
- 15:38 Seoul was fortified against the coming second wave of the Red Offensive. Van Fleet was determined not to lose the capital city again. Whoever said the worst part about war is the waiting was right.
- 15:55 Still, we didn't have to wait long.
- 16:08 Every road, every valley approach had been zeroed in beforehand. The enemy lost thousands of men, breaking through the curtain of fire, then faltered and lost his advantage.
- 16:29 As the enemy turned once again to retreat northward, Van Fleet followed with mobile firepower.
- 16:46 By June 2nd, we had recrossed the parallel. The enemy had spent 200,000 men, a third of his entire force, and gained nothing but the knowledge that numbers were not enough. Operation Killer continued without let-up.
- 17:08 Within a month, truce feelers materialized into the first meetings at the red-held city of Kaesong. World peace hopes soared.
- 17:22 The chief UN negotiator was Vice Admiral Turner Joy. His opposite number, North Korea's chain-smoking General Nam Il.
- 17:32 Pessimistic correspondents predicted the talks would drag on for as long as six weeks.
- 17:38 With the opening of truce negotiations, the line became stabilized. With minor fluctuations, it would remain much the same until the ceasefire. New battle techniques were developed. In the eastern sector, a marine battalion made history by securing a hill and no man's land from the air by helicopter. The first wave landed a shore party which would clear the small landing area needed.
- 18:08 In a matter of minutes, the first copter load of aerial cavalry was arriving, fully equipped, fresh, ready for action.
- 18:22 By using copters, the Marines secured commanding high ground within enemy territory without having to fight their way to it. Copters supplied the operation and evacuated troops at its completion, opening the way to a new concept in tactical troop movement.
- 18:38 In Kaesong, the truce talks were already bogging down, deadlocked over the issue of a ceasefire line.
- 18:49 We didn't like the setup in Kaesong. It was the enemy's home ground and he knew it.
- 18:57 Namil used the talks as a propaganda loudspeaker. The so-called neutral area was crawling with armed red soldiers.
- 19:05 We broke off the talks.
- 19:08 Air Force Sabre jets ruled the skies. At this point in the fighting, the UN had lost less than 80 aircraft. Verified kills on communist lanes numbered 510.
- 19:38 unchallenged. Near the end of October 1951, truce talks were resumed at the tiny farming village of Panmunjom. The UN delegates offered a compromise. They would accept the communists proposed cease fire along the present battle lines if all other problems could be ironed out within 30 days. If not,
- 20:08 all bets were off. The war virtually stopped.
- 20:12 except for the constant booming of artillery.
- 20:46 Winter came, the deadline was passed, the war was on again. The deadlock issue now was the right of prisoners to free choice in the matter of repatriation. Both sides were adamant.
- 21:16 battle names not difficult nor pleasant to remember.
- 22:16 Wooded slopes were laid bare, pitted almost beyond believing.
- 22:23 This war had reverted to the style of 1914, opposing trench lines facing one another, night patrolling and local attacks across the no-man's land which lay between.
- 22:35 It was costly, but there was no clear way out.
- 22:40 The big break came in April 1953 with little switch.
- 22:46 march, and Malenkov had taken over. Immediately, he launched his worldwide peace offensive, and the Chinese agreed unconditionally to General Clark's standing proposal to exchange sick and wounded prisoners. The exchange went smoothly, and truce talks were resumed. Encouraged, the world listened for news of the final signing that would mean ceasefire in Korea.
- 23:16 While the communists signed at Panmunjom, General Clark, in ceremonies at the UN base camp in Munsan, signed six copies of the document which would end the bloodshed. There was excitement, but little rejoicing.
- 23:46 to heal. Therefore, I am thankful. The task now is to put the ceasefire agreement into full effect and get down to working out an enduring settlement of the Korean problem. I cannot find it in me to exult in this hour. Rather, it is a time for prayer, that we may succeed in our difficult endeavor to turn this armistice to the advantage of mankind.
- 24:25 Yes, the free world was happy to see the truce concluded.
- 24:28 The need ended for more white crosses.
- 24:31 in those faraway military cemeteries in Korea.
- 24:34 General Marshall, few of us possess your extensive background from which to draw when evaluating military affairs.
- 24:41 In the light of your experience,
- 24:43 Would you tell us some of your thoughts and conclusions with regard to our country's participation in the Korean War?
- 24:50 One of the most unusual is what might be called our psychological experience.
- 24:55 The long truce negotiations, the seemingly interminable haggling by the communists,
- 25:01 These things could have been foreseen by us.
- 25:04 Red China's leader Mao Zedong
- 25:07 published in 1945 his outline of Communist doctrine.
- 25:12 In it Mao stated clearly that if he ever had to negotiate with a capitalist country,
- 25:17 he would use the same delaying and demoralizing tactics used by Trotsky for Lenin
- 25:23 at Brest-Litovsk in 1917 and 1918,
- 25:27 when the Bolsheviks were negotiating with the Germans for an armistice.
- 25:31 Now these same techniques were used by the Chinese communists in Korea
- 25:36 The negotiating table was employed as another battlefield
- 25:39 to demoralize us.
- 25:42 General, were there any other aspects of our psychological experience in Korea?
- 25:47 Well, indeed there were.
- 25:49 American troops were the best fighting men the United States has ever delivered to a battlefield.
- 25:55 and they fought better than any troops before them.
- 25:59 but
- 26:00 They had no training in the ideological aspects of war.
- 26:04 And so when American troops were captured,
- 26:07 They were not prepared for the psychological warfare techniques of communist prison camps.
- 26:13 We now know that they don't observe a civilized code,
- 26:17 and will resort to anything to break a prisoner of war.
- 26:21 As a result of this experience,
- 26:24 We have taken positive steps to correct this area of training the American soldier.
- 26:30 The relatively new code of conduct for the armed forces is one of the results, is it not, General?
- 26:36 Yes?
- 26:37 A direct result of the Korean War.
- 26:40 We all know how important that code is today.
- 26:44 Now, General, what are some of your other conclusions with regard to the war in Korea?
- 26:50 One other point.
- 26:52 We learned again in Korea that a trained reserve and ready National Guard are essential to our scheme for survival.
- 26:58 I saw hundreds of reservists flown in and fitted into broken units.
- 27:03 in the great emergency of the 1950-51 winter,
- 27:07 These citizen soldiers had been suddenly lifted from their homes
- 27:10 But they kept their chins up.
- 27:12 They fought bravely.
- 27:14 The Eighth Army couldn't have rebounded otherwise.
- 27:18 At one time in Korea,
- 27:20 Our forces were about 50% reserve and National Guard.
- 27:25 There's a great payoff in these civilian component programs.
- 27:29 And why not?
- 27:31 Men fight well because they're Americans.
- 27:34 And of course,
- 27:35 The heart of the training
- 27:37 the better the product.
- 27:46 for your noteworthy comments on the Korean War.
- 27:49 and your timely recognition of the continuing importance...
- 27:52 of the Reserve and National Guard programs.
- 27:55 which are today an important segment of our military establishment.
- 28:00 Now, this is Sergeant Stewart Queen, your host for The Big Picture.
- 28:10 The Big Picture is an official report for the armed forces and the American people.
- 28:17 Produced by the Army Pictorial Center.
- 28:24 Presented by the Department of the Army in cooperation with this station.