Progressive Historians on Ridgway

The progressive historians have published an excellent comment about General Mathew Bunker Ridgway who, at Christmas 1950, took over command of the United Nations forces in Korea.

He arrived he found a demoralized army and a highly aggressive enemy at his heels. His response was a long unappreciated military marvel.

Check their website: http://www.progressivehistorians.com

Senior Fellow, Paul M. Edwards

'MacArthur' Too Simple An Explanation

I'm still thinking about David Halberstam's book The Coldest Winter, which is turning out to be a best seller.

There are a lot of things about the book I don't like, but the author must be given his due credit. Reading it puts me in the strange position of defending General MacArthur.

In a better world I would die my death rather than defend this man who, in my opinion, was the worst egomaniac among an army of egomaniacs. But, come on, to blame the whole war on him? No, I don't think so.

Certainly his ego got in the way and in the final analysis made a difficult job even more difficult, but there is a lot of blame to be spread around. To focus so harshly on General MacArthur leaves the reader with a far too simple explanation for a very complex problem.

Senior Fellow, Paul M. Edwards

Treaty To End the War?

Who makes the peace treaty? We are hearing a lot these days about some sort of final treaty to end the Korean War. After more than half-a-century that would be nice. I wonder, however, just who will be involved in such a treaty.

My understanding is that the cease fire, signed in July 1953, was between the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North), and the United Nations Command. The South Korean government did not sign the cease fire.

As far as I know the Chinese People’s Volunteers no longer exist. Can a treaty of peace be signed between the Koreas? Is that enough? Will the United States, or representatives from the 26 other nations involved have to participate, or is there enough United Nations Command left to take part?

Be interesting to see who we think, now 54 years later, was fighting who.

On another note, if you've never checked out the US Army Heritage and Education Center, it's worth a visit to their website.

Senior Fellow, Paul M. Edwards