Dr. John Clement Ready

Korean War

My great grandfather served in the United States Navy Medical Corps during the Korean War. He was earning his undergraduate degree at Harvard College when he joined the military. While he served instead of finishing his last few courses, Harvard gave him his degree because he had already been accepted to Tufts Medicals School and they wanted him to be able to go to graduate school upon returning from war. He served at the Naval Hospital in Beaufort, SC and at the United States Naval Hospital in St. Albans, NY.

On June 25th, 1950, the first military action of the Cold War took place. The North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel and invaded the Republic of Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was backed by the Soviets. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) was pro-western. This was a historical divide since after WWII the peninsula got divided into the Russian controlled land north of the 38th parallel and the U.S. occupied land south of the parallel. Therefore, America backed The Republic of Korea in an effort to stop the spread of communism.

On July 27th, 1953, the Korean War ended. Ultimately, the 38th parallel remained the border. However, South Korea gained 1,5000 square miles. POWs were allowed to settle where they wished. There remains a 2 mile demilitarized zone by the border today. (https://www.history.com/topics/korea/korean-war)