Honoring West Point’s Legacy in the Korean War
September 15, 2025, marks the 75th anniversary of the Inchon Landing, a daring amphibious assault masterminded by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur 1903 that turned the tide of the Korean War. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, your Association of Graduates honors the graduates whose leadership, sacrifice, and valor shaped the course of the conflict and cemented the Academy’s enduring legacy in American military history.
The Inchon Landing was more than a tactical victory—it was a testament to strategic vision and bold execution. Among its architects was LTG Edward Rowny ’41, who served as MacArthur’s spokesman and strategic planner. Rowny not only helped plan and execute the landing but later orchestrated an airdropped bridge to rescue surrounded U.S. forces at the Chosin Reservoir.
The United States Eighth Army, the backbone of American ground forces in Korea, was led by a succession of graduates whose leadership proved decisive. GEN Walton Walker 1912 held the line at the Pusan Perimeter. After his death, GEN Matthew Ridgway 1917 revitalized morale and reversed the tide of battle. When Ridgway replaced MacArthur as Commander in Chief of United Nations Command on April 14, 1951, GEN James Van Fleet 1915 assumed command of the Eighth Army. Then in 1953, GEN Maxwell Taylor 1922 succeeded GEN Van Fleet and served during the final phase of the war.
The war also saw extraordinary heroism from younger graduates. The Class of 1950, which graduated just weeks before the conflict began, went straight to war and suffered over 120 killed or wounded. Three graduates received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Korea: 1LT Samuel Coursen ’49, who died rescuing a wounded comrade; 1LT Richard Shea Jr. ’52, who led a fierce defense of Pork Chop Hill; and COL Ralph Puckett Jr. ’49, whose leadership under fire became legendary. Their courage exemplifies the Academy’s motto: Duty, Honor, Country.
Graduates also played vital roles behind the scenes. GEN Alexander Haig Jr. ’47, who later became Secretary of State, was an aide to the X Corps Commander, to LTG Ned Almond, and witnessed the brutal conditions and strategic challenges at the Chosin Reservoir. GEN Bernard Rogers June ’43, later Chief of Staff of the Army and Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, commanded a battalion and was executive officer to GEN Mark Clark, April 1917, Commander in Chief of United Nations Command. Lastly, COL Harry Maihafer ’49 would immortalize his experiences and those of his class in From the Hudson to the Yalu.
As we commemorate the Inchon Landing, let us remember the Long Gray Line that stood firm in Korea—leaders, warriors, and patriots whose legacy continues to inspire. Their contributions remind us that history is not only shaped by grand strategy, but by the character and courage of those who answer the call.
Photo Captions: (1) General Mark W. Clark, April 1917 (back seat, left), General James Van Fleet 1915 (back seat, center), and General J. Lawton Collins April 1917, Chief of Staff of the Army (front seat), ride in a vehicle in Korea. From: Harry S. Truman Library, Gene Putnam Date(s) ca. 1951 (2) The Medal of Honor plaque for COL Ralph Puckett Jr ’49 is unveiled at the Inchon Sallyport, West Point, NY, on May 23, 2023. U.S. Army photo by Christopher Hennen, USMA (3) Korean Conflict plaque erected by classmates to honor those who were killed, died of wounds, and missing in action located in Cullum Hall. (4) GEN Mark W. Clark April 1917 (back seat), and GEN Matthew B. Ridgway April 1917 (front seat, foreground), sit in a vehicle in Korea. From: Harry S. Truman Library, Gene Putnam Date(s) ca. 1951
See Also:
MacArthur’s Duty, Honor Country Speech
