State Historical Society of Iowa

Iowa Soldiers at the "Rock of the Marne" Holding the Sign "Happy New Year to the Folks at Home," 1951

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Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, 1951

Description

Iowa soldiers serving with the 3rd Division's "Rock of the Marne," are shown in this photograph sending a New Year's greeting from Korea in 1951. The 3rd Division's "Rock of the Marne" was known as a rapid-response unit and even nicknamed the "Fire Brigade," and while their last Korean combat was in 1953, the division remained in Korea until 1958.

Transcribed Excerpts of Bell v. United States

Source Dependent Questions

  • The soldiers in this photo are from Iowa in the 3rd Division "Rock of Marne." This division was a rapid-response unit, meaning they could respond to a situation quickly. Why would it be a good idea for military units involved in war to specialize in certain areas, like this rapid-response unit? What are the drawbacks?
  • This unit stayed in Korea for five years after the armistice was signed. Why would a military presence remain in Korea five years after the conflict was over? How do you think continued military action after the armistice impact the cost of the war for the American people?
  • Considering the description of the conflict by soldiers in the other sources in this set, how does this image show the human cost of the war? What type of psychological cost will the war have on soldiers?

Citation Information

"Chang, Sfc. Al. U.S. Army, near Haktong-ni, Korea," Morning Calm Weekly Newspaper, 28 August 1950. Courtesy of Morning Calm Weekly Newspaper Courtesy of Library of Congress