- The United States' immediate involvement in the Korean War was a result of policy to stop the spread of communism. At peak troop strength more than 300,000 American soldiers were involved in the conflict. Of these, 33,741 died and 23,615 of those were killed in action. More than 90,000 American troops were injured, and 4,820 soldiers were missing in action and declared dead. There were 7,245 prisoners of war (POWs), and 2,847 died in POW camps, according to the "Korean War" website.
- The Republic of Korea, or South Korea, had fewer than 100,000 soldiers when the conflict broke out. The troops were badly out-manned, and the army was under-equipped. During the war the South Koreans had more than 137,000 men killed in action. More than 450,000 were wounded in action along with almost 25,000 soldiers deemed missing in action. Over 8,000 South Koreans were taken as prisoners of war.
- North Korea had been preparing for the war whereas South Korea had not. The North Korean forces exceed 220,000 men at the beginning of the conflict. The North Koreans also had tanks and a small air force that participated in the initial crossing of the 38th parallel. An estimated 520,000 North Korean soldiers died during the war.
- Twenty countries besides the United States and South Korea provided soldiers or resources, such as hospitals, during the Korean War. These countries included the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Columbia, Denmark, Ethiopia, Greece, Holland, India, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand and Turkey.
- North Korea was and still is a communist country. In 1950 the U.S.S.R. and China were the biggest allies to the North Koreans. It is estimated that 900,000 Chinese causalities may have been suffered during the three year war. The involvement of the U.S.S.R. is more uncertain, with varying reports. The Russians provided air support to the North Koreans along with supplies and equipment.
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