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Part I
INTRODUCTION
Contents - Part I
Scope of the Paper
I.1
This reference information paper provides descriptions of over 39 series of textual, still picture, motion
picture, sound recording, cartographic, and architectural records that provide information about the Korean War.
Descriptive entries in this paper focus on accessioned records that were housed in the College Park, MD,
archival facility of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) as of September 1, 2000. For
information on records accessioned since then, researchers should contact the Textual Reference Division of the
National Archives at College Park, MD. Records described in the NARA publication "Records Relating to
American Prisoners of War and Missing-in-Action Personnel from the Korean War and During the Cold War Era" (RIP
102), compiled by Tim Wehrkamp (1997) are not included in this paper.
Overview of the Events
1.2
For an overview of the Korean War, see the "Combat Chronology, 1950-52" in Appendix A.
Restriction on Access
1.3
Record series that remained security classified as of September 1, 2000, are noted in the appropriate record
descriptions. Occasionally, there are relevant files that have been declassified within
security-classified records series. When applicable, that fact is noted in the record descriptions.
As declassification review of NARA records proceeds under Presidential Executive Order (April 17, 1995), many of
the security-classified records described in this paper may be declassified. In addition, the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) and E.O. 12958 define procedures by which researchers may request declassification of
security-classified Federal agency records that pertain to their research. For further information on these
procedures, researchers should contact the Textual Reference Division of the National Archives at College Park.
How to Use This Paper
1.4
The descriptive portions of RIP 103 are organized according to records format:
Part I Introduction
Part II Textual Records
Part III Legislative Records
Part IV Still Pictures
Part V Motion Pictures and Sound and Video Recordings
Part VI Cartographic and Architectural Records
Within each part of the paper, record descriptions are organized by record group, thereunder usually by
creating organization (e.g., staff, office, division, or branch), and thereunder by series title. In the
case of motion picture, sound, and video records, some descriptions pertain to individual items. The paper
concludes with appendixes that consist of the following topics:
Appendix A Combat Chronology, 1950-53
Appendix B Commanders of U.N. Forces in Korea
Appendix C Major U.S. Combat Unit Casualties in Korea
Appendix D Microfilm Records Cited in This Reference Information Paper
All paragraphs (excluding those in the appendixes) have been numbered for indexing and cross-references.
1.5
Textual records descriptions (Part II) usually consist of the following elements, keyed to the following
examples by letter:
A* record group number and title
B* agency/program, title and history
C* series title (boldface, lowercase type font) and date span
D* master location register entry number or series designator with findings aid
notation
E* linear measurement or item count
F* arrangement, structure, or organization statement
G* records format and subject narrative
Some series descriptions also include statements that identify access restrictions (H*) and finding aids
(I*). Series descriptions are preceded by agency histories only when such background was readily available
and was considered to provide critical context for the record descriptions.
I.6
The following example, keyed to letters of the descriptive elements, illustrates the basic elements of
textual record description.
Record Group 349 Records of Joint Commands (A*)
RECORDS OF THE FAR EAST COMMAND (FEC) (B*)
[Paragraph number] The textual records of the Far East command that are part of Record Group 349
include several series of general records of Headquarters, FEC, records of headquarters staff sections, and
records of the Combined Command for Reconnaissance Activities, Korea. For the most part, these records
date from the later period of the Korean War and into the postwar era, primarily the years 1953-1954. They
clearly indicate that the Korean War was but part of the theater-wide interests of the FEC, which also had
responsibilities such as providing military assistance to the Republic of China on Taiwan, supporting French
military activities in Indochina, administering the civil government in the Ryukyus, and preparing to terminate
the military occupation in Japan. (B*)
[Paragraph number] The J-3 security-classified (H*) correspondence relating to strategic
plans and operations of the armed forces in Korea, January 1946-October 1953 (C*) [NLM-4, Entry 74] (D*)
(4 ft.) (E*) is arranged by control number (401-655, with gaps). (F*) The series contains
Far East Command operational plans, strategic studies, and other formerly top secret reports, prepared or
maintained by the Joint Strategic Plans and Operations Group (JSPOG) at Headquarters, FEC. The plans,
studies, and reports relate to specific contingencies planned for prior to the Korean War's outbreak in June
1950, to operations actually conducted during the war, and to a variety of post-armistice contingencies. (G*)
A folder list is available for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request. (I*)
I.7
Descriptive entries for some small textual series (under 5 inches) or others that are essentially unarranged
do not include arrangement statements. Other series are more complex. For example, some (usually the large
military and State Department decimal correspondence files) are composed of "security-classified" and
"unclassified" sub series. These large series also tend to be divided into chronological segments that
consist of functional sections (e.g., "decimal correspondence," "project files"). These sections may be
further subdivided into topical and subtopical categories, under which records are arranged according to the War
Department decimal file system. Series descriptions in this RIP are arranged to reflect and clarify such
organizational complexities through the use of hierarchically nested series, sub series, segment, section, and
subsection files.
I.8
The description of textual records within a specific file or file category includes the file number (e.g.,
319.1) and, when appropriate, the file or file category file. When clarification is needed to locate the
files cited, box numbers also are included in the descriptions. In addition, the file or file category
linear measurement may be provided. However, many decimal file categories contain a mixture of records
that are both relevant and irrelevant to a specific descriptive topic. In those cases, there is no file
size citation; description focuses on specific types of records within the file category, folder title or (less
frequently) box number. There are file size measurements for most Department of State decimal
correspondence file and diplomatic post records series descriptions. There are fewer file size
measurements for Army, Air Force, and Department of Defense decimal correspondence file series.
I.9
Nontextual records descriptions in Parts IV, V, and VI of this paper basically consist
of the same elements that appear in textual records descriptions. There is one exception: NARA has
assigned series designators to many of its special media series. This series designator is useful to
researchers seeking information about the contents of a specific nontextual series in the NARA Archival Research
Catalog (ARC) database (I.13). For that reason, assigned series designators are cited as part of
the nontextual records series descriptions in this paper. The following example illustrates description of
a still picture series. (See I.5 for the letter key to descriptive elements.)
Record Group III Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer (A*)
[Paragraph number] The series of color photographs of Signal Corps activity, 1944-81 (C*)
[III-C} (D*) (ca. 102,300 prints, negatives, slides, and transparencies) (587 ft.) (E*) provides
images of combat, Army posts, equipment, guns and weapons, aircraft, military units and exercises, special
forces, medical facilities and procedures, military ceremonies, American and foreign prisoners of war, foreign
landscapes and populations, foreign armies and equipment, and artwork from the U.S. Army Art Collection of the
U.S. Army Center of Military History. (G*) Typed captions appear on the backs of prints. Most
negatives, transparencies, and slides also have captions, noted either on envelope jackets or on accompanying
slips of paper. 111-C is divided into two parts (by size--8x10 in. and 4x5 in.) and arranged thereunder
numerically by Signal Corps assigned "C" or ""CC" number (F*). Combat theater of operations
photography within this series derives mostly from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Korean War images focus
heavily on Army weapons, ordnance, equipment, and combat support operations. Other items document forces
deployed in or moving toward combat areas such as the Naktong River front (August 1950), the Han River (February
1951), and the Chorwon and Kumhwa valleys (the "Iron Triangle" area) (1951-52). Many images document the
day to day activities and living conditions of U.S. Army and some U.N. armed forces in the field. 111-C
also includes a few photographic portraits of individual Korean citizens and scenes of daily commerce and
activity among the Korean populace. (G*)
Related Finding Aids
I.10
Several other NARA publications supplement or amplify the research information contained in this RIP. A
good starting point is the ""Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States" (1995).
This guide provides a concise overview of all permanently accessioned Federal agency records (textual,
electronic, cartographic and architectural, still picture, motion picture, sound recording, and video) in the
regional and headquarters facilities of the National Archives of the United States (exclusive of the individual
Presidential libraries) as of October 1, 1994. Descriptive entries are arranged by record group and
include agency histories, subgroup and series titles, dates, linear measurements, contents, facility locations,
citations to relevant NARA descriptive publications and microfilm editions, and notes on access restrictions.
The "Guide" index provides access to entries and descriptions that relate to subjects, such as "Korea," "Korean
War," "North Korea," and "South Korea." NARA regularly updates record and agency descriptions in the
electronic version of the Guide, which is available through the Internet on the NARA web site
www.archives.gov/research_room/federal_records_guide/.
I.11
NARA has 10 preliminary inventories that provide descriptive information about the textual records of
specific record groups mentioned in this RIP. All of these are out of print, but may be available in the
Textual Reference Room in College Park, MD.
1. "Supplement to Preliminary Inventory No. 6, Records of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery"
[Record Group 52] (NM-48), compiled by Harry Schwartz (1965).
2. "Preliminary Inventory of the Textual Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General" [Record
Group 92] (NM-81), compiled by Maizie H. Johnson (1967).
3. "Preliminary Inventory of the Textual Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army)"
[Record Group 112] (NM-20), compiled by Patricia Andrews and revised by Garry Ryan (1964).
4. "Preliminary Inventory of the Seized Enemy Records in the Office of Military Archives" [Record
Group 242] (NM-44), compiled by Cleveland F. Collier, Ignaz Ernst, Steven Pinter, Julius Wildstosser, and
Donald E. Spencer (1965).
5. "Preliminary Inventory of the Records of the Army Staff, 1939-" [Record Group 310 plus Record
Groups 247 and 407] (NM-3), compiled by Helene I. Bowen, Mary Jo Head, Jessie T. Midkiff, and Olive K. Liebman
(1962).
6. "Preliminary Inventory of the Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense" [Record Group
330] (NM-12), compiled by Helene L. Bowen, Mary Joe Head, Jessie T. Midkiff, and Olive K. Liebman (1962).
7. "Records of the Headquarters, United Nations Command" [Record Group 333] (Preliminary Inventory
127), compiled by Paul Taborn and Andrew Putignano (1960).
8. "Preliminary Inventory of the Records of Interservice Agencies" [Record Group 334] (NM-16),
compiled by Olive K. Liebman, Jessie T. Midkiff, and Mary Joe Minor (1963).
9. "Preliminary Inventory of the Records of Headquarters United States Air Force" [Record Group 341]
(NM-15), compiled by Helen L. Bowen, Olive K. Liebman, Jessie T. Midkiff, and Mary Joe Minor (1963).
10. "Preliminary Inventory of the Records of Joint Commands" [Record Group 349] (NM-4), compiled by
Mary Joe Head and Jessie T. Midkiff (1962).
These publications usually consist of series descriptions (series title, dates, measurement, arrangement,
subject content) organized hierarchically by creating agency.
I.12
Many other NARA publications are listed in the Select List of Publications of the National Archives and
Records administration (GIL 3), which also provides information on ordering and purchasing NARA books and
pamphlets. Copies of the select list can be obtained from:
Publications Distribution (NWCCI)
National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20408-0001
Telephone: 202-501-5235/1-866-325-7208
FAX: 202-501-7170
General Information Leaflet (GIL) 3 is also available through the Internet at
www.archives.gov/publications/select_list_of_publications.html.
I.13
The NARA Archival Research Catalog (ARC) database (available through the Internet on the NARA website at
www.archives.gov/research_roonm/arc/)
is a useful tool for obtaining information about special media records that pertain to Korean War research.
For example, the database includes field searchable descriptions for most of the still picture records series in
the National Archives. In addition, ARC includes descriptive information about individual items from the
largest and most significant Army (Record Group 111) and Navy (Record Group 428) motion picture film series.
ARC is a relatively new information resource. At the time of this writing it covers only a small fraction
of the holdings of the National Archives, but updates to the descriptions of nontextual records occur on a
continuous basis, and there are plans to add more textual records descriptions to the database in the near
future.
Acknowledgments
I.14
The main compiler of RIP 103 was Rebecca Collier (Parts I, II, V, and VI).
Ed Schamel and Kristen Wilhelm of the NARA Center for Legislative Records contributed Part III. Tim
Wehrkamp contributed Part IV. The planning and initial writing and research for RIP 103 was
conducted mostly by members of the Modern Military Records (NWCTM) staff. Staff members volunteered to
write the initial descriptions for various record groups--Susan Francis-Haughton (RGs 175 and 112), Dave Giodano
(RG 342), Ken Heger (RGs 24, 38, 39, 84, 273, and 306), Tim Nenninger (RGs 330 and 554), Patrick Osborn (RGs 19,
24, 38, 52, 72, 74, 127, 313, and 428), Ken Schlessinger (RGs 218, 263, and 341), Army Schmidt (RG 156),
Charlotte Seeley (RG 247). Other staff members volunteered to conduct research--Richard Boylan (RG 242,
and the KMAG portion of 554), Wil Mahoney (RGs 319, 340, and 330), Cliff Snyder (RG 111), and Jeannine Swift (RG
335 and the UNC section in RG 554). Terri Hanna volunteered to design and print out the RG 407 Korean
Command Report database. Two non-NWCTM staff members volunteered their assistance as well--Bill Getchell
wrote part of the description for RGs 338 and 554, and Tim Wehrkamp wrote the product plan and edited several of
the initial descriptions.
I.15
Several NARA staff members (some previously mentioned) reviewed drafts of this paper for subject content and
phrasing, sharing their expertise and experience in ways that have added clarity, depth, and perspective to the
narrative. The compiler thanks Daryl Bottoms, Barbara Burger, Bill Getchell, Susan Francis-Haughton, Ken
Schlessinger, Debby Lelansky, Richard Smith, Tim Wehrkamp, and Kris Wilhelm for their indispensable and much
appreciated comments and suggestions. Several individuals affiliated with the Access Programs Staff have
influenced and shaped the format and presentation of this paper. Tim Wehrkamp's organization and
descriptive approaches in Reference Information Papers 102 and 107 served as models for this one. Benjamin
DeWhitt made several editorial suggestions based on his extensive experience in describing NARA records and
edited the manuscript. Katherine Coram's copy editing made the book more consistent and accessible.
Susan Carroll's index has provided the paper with a clear and comprehensive subject focus that is critical for
any finding and publication. Sharon Thibodeau, Director of Access Programs, and Sandra Glasser, Manager of
the Product Development Staff, provided encouraging advice for addressing various issues associated with this
project. Therefore, the work of a compiler reflects the knowledge, dedication, and sustained efforts of
many people.
The compiler wishes to dedicate this RIP to the men and women who served in the Korean War.
SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RECORDS DESCRIBED IN THIS PAPER
| NARA Records |
Source of Additional Information |
| Part II Textual Records of Military and Civilian Organizations |
Textual Reference Division
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-600l
Telephone: 301-837-3510 (Modern Military Records)
301-837-3480 (Civilian Records) |
| Part III Textual Records of the U.S. Congress |
Center for Legislative Archives
National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20408-0001
Telephone: 202-501-5350 |
| Part IV Photographs |
Still Picture Branch
Special Media Archives Services Division
National archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 301-837-0561 |
| Part V Motion Pictures, Sound Recordings, and Video Recordings |
Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Branch
Special Media Archives Services Division
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 301-837-3520 |
| Part VI Maps, Plans, and Engineer Drawings |
Cartographic and Architectural Records Branch
Special Media Archives Services Division
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-60001
Telephone: 301-837-3200 |
Back to Page Contents
PART II
TEXTUAL RECORDS
RELATING TO THE KOREAN WAR
Contents - Part II
Record Group 19 Records of the Bureau of Ships
Record Group 24 Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel
- Records of the Decorations and Medals Branch
- Records of the Casualty Assistance Branch
- Records of the Policy Division
Record Group 38 Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
- Records of the Office of Naval Intelligence
- Records of the Foreign Intelligence Branch
- Records of the POW Desk, Operational Section
Record Group 52 Records of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Record Group 74 Records of the Bureau of Ordnance
Record Group 84 Records of the Foreign service Posts of the Department of State
Record Group 92 Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General (OQMG)
- OQMG Central Correspondence Files
- Records of the Office of the Quartermaster Historian
- Records of the Memorial Division
- Records of the Procurement Division
- Records Relating to Food Services, Preparation, and Research
Record Group 111 Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer
- Records of the Executive Office
- Records of the Control Division
- Records of the Army Communications Service Division
- Records of the Army Pictorial Services Division
- Records of the Office of Inspector General
- Records of the Legal Division
- Records of the Personnel Training Division
- Records of the Plans and Operations Division
- Records of the Procurement and Distribution Division
- Records of the Research and Development Division
- Records of the Signal Corps Center
Record Group 112 - Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army)
- Records of the Historical Division
- Other Records
Record Group 127 - Records of the U.S. Marine Corps
Record Group 156 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance
- Records of the Executive Office
- Records of the Inspector General Office
- Records of the Legal Division
- Records of the Office of the Ordnance Comptroller
- Records of the Field Services Division
- Records of the Industrial Division
- Records of the Weapons and Fire Control Branch, Plans & Policy Section
- Records of the Ammunition Branch
- Records of the Automotive Branch
- Records of the Plans and Programs Division
- Records of the Research and Development (R&D) Division
- Records of the Ammunition Branch
- Records of the Artillery Branch
- Records of the Rocket Branch
- Records of the Small Arms Branch
- Records of the Artillery and Vehicle Systems Branch
- Records of the Infantry and Aircraft Weapons Systems Branch
- Other Records
Record Group 175 - Records of the Chemical Warfare Service
Record Group 218 - Records of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)
Record Group 242 - National Archives Collection of Foreign Records Seized
- Collection of Records Seized in Korea 1921-52
- Korean, Russian and Other Records
- Shipping Advice Inventory Lists
- Translations
Record Group 247 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Chaplains
Record Group 263 - Records of the Central Intelligence Agency
Record Group 273 - Records of the National Security Council
Record Group 306 - Records of the U.S. Information Agency
Record Group 313 - Records of Naval Operating Forces
Record Group 319 - Records of the Army Staff
- Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (OCS)
- Records of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 (Personnel)
- Records of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 (Intelligence)
- Records of the Administrative Division
- Records of the Cable Section
- Records of the Document Library Branch
- Records of the Investigative Records Repository, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command
- Records of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations and Plans)
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, Force Development
- Records of the Far East and Pacific Branch
- Records of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff G-4 (Logistics)
- Records of the Special Ammunition Staff Section
- Records of the Office of the Comptroller of the Army
- Records of the Budget Division
- Records of the Office of the Chief of Foreign Financial Affairs
- Records of the Program Review and Analysis Division, Records of the Statistics Branch
- Records of the Office of the Chief of Special Warfare (successor to the Office of the Chief of
Psychological Warfare)
- Records of the Office of the Executive for Reserve and ROTC Affairs
- Records of the Chief of Civil Affairs
- Records of the Office of the Chief of Information and Education
- Records of the Office of the Chief of Military History (OCMH)
- Records of the United States Army War College
Record Group 330 - Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Records of the Office of the Administrative Secretary, Correspondence Control Section
- Records of the Cable Section
- Records of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (ASDISA)
- Records of the Office of Military Assistance (OMA)
- Records of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower, Personnel, and Reserves
Personnel Policy Board
- Records of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative and Public Affairs, Office of Public
Information
- Records of the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
Record Group 334 - Records of Interservice Agencies
Record Group 335 - Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Army
- Records Relating to Official Actions of the United States Army Chief of Staff
- Records Relating to the National Security Council
- Records of the Office of the Under Secretary of the Army
- General Correspondence Files and Indexes
- Other Records
- Records of the Army Representative on the Munitions Board
- Records of the Army Policy Council
Record Group 338 - Records of Army Operational, Tactical, and Support Organizations (World War I and
Thereafter)
- Records of United States Army Commands During the Korean War
- Records of the Eighth Army
- Records of the Chief of Staff, Eighth Army
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, Eighth Army
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, Eighth Army
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Eighth Army
- Records of the Adjutant General Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Armor Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Artillery Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Aviation Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Chaplain Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Chemical Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Engineer Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Finance Section, Eighth Army
- Records of Headquarters, Special Troops, Eighth Army
- Records of the Information Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Inspector General Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Judge Advocate Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Labor Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Medical Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Military History Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Ordnance Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Provost Marshal Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Quartermaster Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Signal Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Special Services Section, Eighth Army
- Records of the Transportation Section, Eighth Army
- Records of Corps
- Records of I Corps
- Records of IX Corps
- Records of X Corps
- Records of Divisions
- Records of Nonorganic Units
Record Group 340 - Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
- Records of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Materiel
- Records of the Office of Information Services
- Records of the Air Coordinating Committee Liaison Section
- Records of the Munitions Board
Record Group 341 - Records of Headquarters U.S. Air Force (Air Staff)
- Records of the Director of Plans
- Records of the Director of Intelligence
Record Group 342 - Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations
- Records of the Engineering Division, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Mission Reports
- Recent Accessions
Record Group 389 - Records of the Office of the Provost Marshal General, 1941-
- Records of the United States Army Prisoner of War/Civilian Internee Information Center (USPWCHC)
Record Group 407 - Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1917-
- The Adjutant General (AG) Central Decimal File, 1940-62
- Records of the Legislative and Precedent Branch
- Records of the Operations Branch, Administrative Services Division
- Other Records
Record Group 428 - General Records of the Department of the Navy, 1947-
Record Group 550 - Records of the United States Army, Pacific
- Records of the Military History Office, United States Army, Pacific
Record Group 554 - Records of the General Headquarters, Far East command, the Supreme Commander for the
Allied Powers, and the United Nations Command, 1945-57
- Records of the Far East Command, 1950-52
- Records of the Chief of Staff, Far East Command
- Records of the Public Information Office, Far East Command
- Records of the Joint Strategic Plans and Operations 137 Group (JSPOG), Far East Command
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, Far East Command
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, Far East Command
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Far East Command
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Far East Command
- Records of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5, Far East Command
- Records of the Adjutant General Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Chemical Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Civil Information and Education (CI&E) Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Medical Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Military History Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Provost Marshal Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Psychological Warfare Section (PSYWAR), Far East Command
- Records of the Signal Section, Far East Command
- Records of the Far East Command (FEC), 1953-54
- Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Joint Staff, Far East Command
- Records of the Office of the Adjutant General, Far East Command
- Records of Headquarters Staff Sections, Far East Command
- Records of the Combined Command For Reconnaissance Activities, Korea (8242nd Army Unit) (CCRAK)
- Other Records Relating to the Far East Command
- Records of Headquarters, United Nations Command
- Records of the Secretary, General Staff, United Nations Command
- Records of the J-1 Personnel Division, United Nations Command
- Records of the J-3 Section, United Nations Command
- Records of the Adjutant General Section, United Nations Command
- Records of the Civil Information & Education Section, United Nations command
- Records of the Liaison Section, United Nations Command
- Records of the Secretary, General Staff
- Records of the Adjutant General Section, Mail & Records Division
- Records of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission
- Records of the Secretariat
- Records of the Logistics and Liaison Division
- Records of the United Nations Command Planning Group, Administrative Office
- Records of the United Nations Command Repatriation Group
- Records of the Adjutant General Section
- Records of Headquarters, United Nations Command/U.S. Forces Korea (UNC/USFK)
- Records of the Armistice Affairs Division
- Records of Headquarters, Army Forces, Far East and Predecessor Commands
- Records of Headquarters, Army Forces, Far East (HQ AFFE)
- Records of the Adjutant General Section, Army Forces, Far East
- Records of the Provost Marshal Section, Army Forces, Far East
- Records of the Military History Officer, Army Forces, Far East
- Other Records Relating to Army Forces, Far East
- Records of the Japan Logistical Command (JLC)
- Records of Other Commands
- Records of the Korea Military Advisory Group (KMAG)
- General Records of the Adjutant General Section
- Records of the Adjutant General Section, Administrative Services Division
- Records of the 2nd Logistical Command
- Records of the 3rd Logistical Command
- Records of the Korean Communications zone (KCOMZ)
- Records of the Korean Base Section
- Records of the Prisoner of War Command
- Records of the United Nations Civil Assistance Command, Korea (UNCACK)
PART II
Record Group 19 - Records of the Bureau of Ships
II.1 The Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS) supervised the design, construction, conversion, procurement,
maintenance, and repair of ships and other craft for the U.S. Navy. The Bureau also developed
specifications for the various components and supplies used to construct and maintain naval vessels and
coordinated all Department of Defense (DoD) shipbuilding activities. During the Korean War, the Chief of BUSHIPS
was Rear Adm. David H. Clark (1949-February 1951), followed by Rear Adm. Homer N. Wallin (February 1951-August
1953).
II.2 The bulk of the records created during the Korean War consist of unclassified and formerly
classified general correspondence, 1940-62 [for the 1950-53 period: A1, Entries 1004-1007, 1017E-1017H, and
1017AA-1017AF] (3,283 ft). Correspondence files are arranged by year, thereunder by security
classification, thereunder according to the Navy Filing Manual, and thereunder in reverse chronological order.
Documents relating to a particular ship are filed under its hull designation (e.g., BB63 for the battleship USS
Missouri), while documents relating to insulation and lagging would be found under filing classification S39 and
documents concerning fire control systems would be under filing classification S71. Filing classifications
may also be used in combination (e.g., BB/S71 for fire control aboard battleships). In addition to
correspondence files, there is also a smaller volume of ship specification files, design history and data files,
documents relating to war damage and protection of ships, and technical manuals. Box lists are available
for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.3 Damage Control Books, 1942-64 [UD, Entry 1053B] (120 ft.), are arranged by hull designation
(mostly APD, DD, DE, and LST). The books were "prepared to assist in the understanding and teaching of
damage control by embodying in a single volume the fundamental principles of damage control, together with
sufficient data to apply these principles" to specific ships or types of ships. Box lists are available
for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
Record Group 24 - Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel
II.4 The Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), established in 1942 with the abolition of the Bureau of
Navigation, administered all personnel matters for the U.S. Navy. This included training and educating
officers and enlisted personnel; supervising the U.S. Naval Academy and other schools; establishing complements
for Navy ships; and the recruiting, assigning, and separating Naval personnel. During the Korean War,
BUPERS was headed by Vice Adm. John W. Roper, followed by Vice Adm. Laurance T. DuBose.
II.5 Deck logs of U.S. Navy ships, 1801-1971 [for the 1945-52 period: A1, Entries 118U-118X] (4,173
ft) are brief records of the daily administrative activities of a ship, that usually include journal-style
entries of the ship's administrative activities, location and course of travel, disciplinary procedures, monthly
rosters of officers, and any unusual events. The logs sometime include information related to operational
activities. In addition, when a ship is in port, the log frequently documents the arrivals and departures
of individuals and other administrative details. The level of content and detail vary widely from log to
log. All commissioned Navy ships are required to maintain deck logs. Among the ships that played
prominent roles during the Korea Conflict were the amphibious force flagship Mount McKinley, the battleships
Missouri and North Carolina, the cruisers Helena, Juneau, and St. Paul, and the aircraft carriers Boxer,
Princeton, and Valley Forge. There are lists of deck logs. Each list is arranged by year, and
thereunder into two sections. The first section is an alphabetical list of named vessels. The second
section is a list of unnamed ships arranged alphabetically by hull designation and thereunder by number.
These lists are available for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.6 Muster rolls of ships, stations and other naval activities, 1860-1971 [for 1949-56; A1, Entry
1361 (44 ft.), consist of quarterly reports of a ship/unit's enlisted personnel with monthly updates of
personnel changes. For the years of the Korean Conflict, they only list the names of enlisted personnel
who were officially attached to a particular ship or nonship unit; they do not list officers. (Prior to
May 1956, names of officers are listed in the ship's deck log for each month.) Muster rolls typically
contain the names, ranks/ratings, and service numbers of the individual servicemen. Some of the rolls
include the original place of enlistment. For the years of the Korean Conflict, muster rolls are arranged by the
ship/unit's unique "activity number." There are two primary finding aids to assist researchers determine
pertinent activity numbers. An electronic database includes the activity numbers for all named ships and
some hull designations for unnamed ships. There are also Navy-created Activity Number Lists. These
lists are divided into two sections. The first section is arranged alphabetically by name or ship or hull
designation. The second section is arranged alphabetically by the type of nonship unit and thereunder
alphabetically or numerically by individual unit. Both finding aids are available for use in the Textual
Research Room in College Park, MD.
RECORDS OF THE DECORATIONS AND MEDALS BRANCH
II.7 Awards given to ships or units during the Korean War are documented in case files for Navy
unit commendations and Presidential Unit Citations, 1941-53 [A1, 1032A] (14 ft.). The records are
arranged alphabetically by the name of the ship or unit designation. The file for each ship or unit
generally includes a copy of the unit citation, a list of component or attached units, and a list of names of
personnel with those units who were eligible for the award.
II.8 The Branch also kept records documenting awards given to foreign nationals for service during the
Korean War. Documents pertaining to awards given to Korean nationals for service during the conflict can
be found in correspondence relating to U.S. Navy awards of armed forces of foreign nations, 1942-63 [A1,
Entry 1030) (13 ft.). The files are arranged alphabetically by country and thereunder chronologically.
The records include copies of the citation, background correspondence relating to the recipient, and
"clearances" from the State Department, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Office of Naval Intelligence
concurring on the award. Virtually all of the awards are for commendable or meritorious service, mostly
awards of Legions of Merit to foreign naval officers.
RECORDS OF THE CASUALTY ASSISTANCE BRANCH
II.9 Included in these records are ship, station, unit, and incident casualty information files,
1941-45 and 1950-60 [A1, Entry 1024] (94 ft.). Documentation covering the 1950-60 period (4 ft.)
typically contains lists, radio messages, and correspondence relating to casualties sustained by particular
naval organizations or during particular actions or events. Documentation includes notification received
by BUPERS that an individual is a casualty, preliminary reports on the status (confirmed casualty or missing),
ultimate disposition of the case (sometimes a finding a year or more after the event of presumptive death), and
indication of notification of next of kin. Some cases contain considerable detail, other cases simply
include lists of names.
II.10 Casualty notification case files for Korean War-era Navy POWs and MIAs, 1950-56 [A1,
Entry 1025] (2 ft.), are arranged into two sub series--POWs returned to military control and POWs presumed dead.
Both sub series are arranged thereunder alphabetically by surname. Each file contains correspondence
relating to the notification of next of kin that a serviceman is missing and a description of the known
circumstances surrounding the incident. Subsequent documentation relates to the individual's ongoing casualty
status. The files relate to all 31 Navy personnel (aviators and hospital corpsmen) who were POWs returned
to military control, as well as 5 of the 9 Navy POWs that died in captivity.
II.11 The Casualty Branch also prepared an alphabetical listing of casualties, 1941-45 and 1950-53
[A1, Entry 1026] (5 ft.), that consists of machine-generated lists. The Korean War list (1 ft.) is
arranged alphabetically by surname and include rank, organization, date of casualty, and casualty code
(indicating KIA, WIA, POW, or MIA).]
II.12 Post-World War II casualty lists and related records, 1950-59 [A1, Entry 4] (1 ft.),
primarily consist of records relating to the Korean Conflict. These include chronological lists of
casualties sustained over distinct periods of the war, alphabetic lists of deceased POW/MIAs, and Naval Academy
graduates who became casualties. There is also a machine-generated list of casualties by state of
residence, thereunder arranged alphabetically by surname. The remainder of this series relates to a Navy
PB4Y-2 aircraft shot down by Soviet fighters over the Baltic Sea in April 1950.
RECORDS OF THE POLICY DIVISION
II.13 The Policy Division compiled summary periodic statistical reports on military personnel,
1941-1973 [A1, Entry 1018] (12 ft.). These monthly machine-generated aggregate reports are from 100 to
200 pages in length and contain basic information about numbers of personnel on duty; losses by retirement,
resignations, and casualties; and separations, reenlistments, and extensions.
Record Group 38 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
II.14 It was the responsibility of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) to advise the
President and Secretary of the Navy on the administration of the Navy and on naval warfare. It also
administered naval programs to support manpower, materiel, weapons, and logistical needs; research and
development activities; strategic planning; and the organization, training, and readiness of forces. The
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) was chief officer of OPNAV. The CNO commanded the naval operating forces
and was responsible to the Secretary of the Navy for their use, as well as for the coordination and direction of
the activities of the bureaus and offices of the Department of the Navy in meeting the personnel and materiel
requirements of the operating forces. He was also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and, as such,
participated in the strategic direction of the armed forces. The CNOs during the Korean War were Adm.
Forrest P. Sherman (November 1949-July 1951), followed by Adm. William M. Fechteler (August 1951-August 1953).
Although post-World War II OPNAV and CNO records remain with the Navy, the National Archives has custody of some
records of the subordinate Office of Naval Intelligence created during the Korean War.
RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
II.15 Although the Office was established in 1882, the responsibilities of ONI were not codified until
after World War II. Under the 1946 Navy Regulations, ONI was formally assigned cognizance over the
collection, evaluation, and dissemination of intelligence within the Naval establishment under OPNAV.
During the Korean War, the head of ONI, or Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI), was Rear Adm. Felix L. Johnson
(September 1949-June 1952), followed by Rear Adm. Richard F. Stout (July-November 1952), and Rear Adm. Carl F.
Espe (December 1952-May 1956).
II.16 ONI intelligence reports (IRs), 1947-55 [A1, Entries 1001A-1001P and UD, Entry 85] (628
ft.) primarily consist of reports submitted by naval attaches posted in foreign capitals around the world and
cover a wide variety of topics--economic, political and military. For 1950, the only year of the Korean
War period for which these documents are currently available, these reports are divided into two sub series:
confidential [A1, Entry 1001E] (46 ft.); and secret [A1, Entry 1001F] (22 ft.). Included among these are
reports compiled in Moscow (2 ft.), Taipei (1 ft.), and Seoul (1 ft.). The records of the Naval Attaché
Moscow, 1943-53 [UD, Entry 43) (10 ft.), also include a small amount of documentation (5 in.), from the
Korean Conflict, as do the records of the Naval Attaché Tokyo, 1952-53 [UD, Entry 58] (5 in.) and
Naval Attaché Taipei, 1953-55 [UD, Entry 59] (3 ft.).
RECORDS OF THE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE BRANCH
II.17 The series Requirements Desk of the Collection and Dissemination Section, 1949-53 [UD,
Entry 18] (1 ft.), includes records of military attaché conferences held in the several months prior to the
outbreak of war in the Far East (5 in.). These conferences involved lengthy discussions about the military
capabilities and political aims of the Communist bloc.
RECORDS OF THE POW DESK, OPERATIONAL SECTION
II.18 The records of the POW Desk, Operational Section, 1949-54 [UD, Entry 42] (14 ft.), are
primarily concerned with the Korean Conflict. Some of the records relate to training, doctrine, and
equipment utilized by Communist bloc naval and military forces, rosters of POWs, and repatriation. The
bulk of the series, however, pertains to the treatment and interrogation of POWs captured by both U.N. and
Communist forces and resistance to Communist indoctrination. They are arranged according to the Navy
Filing Manual. Folder lists are available for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or
upon request.
Record Group 52 - Records of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
II.19 The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) managed all naval hospitals and other medical-related
facilities such as laboratories, supply depots, and the Naval Medical Center. It also supervised the
operation of all technical schools established for the education of members of the Medical corps, Dental Corps,
Nurse Corps, and Hospital Corps. The specific mission of BUMED was the maintenance of the health of the
Navy, care of its sick and wounded, and professional education and training of officers and enlisted personnel.
Rear Adm. Herbert L. Pugh was chief of the bureau during the entire period of the Korean War.
II.20 BUMED headquarters general correspondence, 1926-76, known as Administrative Division
general correspondence from 1952, is divided into several chronological segments, two of which cover the Korean
War period--1947-51 [NM-48, Entry 15C] (89 ft.) and 1952-55 [A1, Entry 1004] (220 ft.),--and is arranged
according to the Navy Filing Manual. The footage for entry 1004 is for 1952-55 only; the entire entry
totals 878 feet. Index to general correspondence "history card," 1947-71 [NM-48, Entry 16C and A1,
Entry 1003] (90 ft.), includes many index headings for Korean War-related topics, including Korea, mobilization,
mobile medical and dental units of various types, prisoners of war, and casualties. Information found on
the "history cards" includes the date of correspondence, the specific subject, and the filing designation under
which the correspondence was filed.
II.21 Medical Corps general correspondence, 1919-57 [A1, Entry 1012] (47 ft.), is arranged
chronologically and thereunder by subject. The segment that covers the years 1950-53 (3 ft.) includes
subjects such as Fleet Marine Force, miscellaneous units, naval hospitals, and ships. The correspondence
relates to the qualifications, recruitment, training, assignment, and strength of medical personnel throughout
the Naval establishment.
Record Group 59 - General Records of the Department of State
II.22 Established in 1789 as the first executive department of the Federal Government, the Department
of State assists the President in planning and implementing his constitutional responsibility for conducting
relations with foreign governments. State Department responsibilities related to the Korean War included
collaboration with the National Security Council on the development of foreign and military policies in the Far
East, coordinating U.N. military activities and civil assistance programs, and negotiating levels of military
and economic assistance with officials of the Republic of Korea. Dean Acheson and John Foster Dulles
served as Secretary of State during the Korean War, 1949-53 and 1953-59, respectively. Three assistant
secretaries for Far Eastern Affairs, Dean Rusk, U. Alexis Johnson, and Walter S. Robertson, were largely
responsible for the conduct of diplomatic negotiations with South Korean President Syngman Rhee.
CENTRAL FOREIGN POLICY FILE OF THE UNITED STATES
II.23 The most important source of information on diplomatic relations during the Korean War is the
central foreign policy file of the Department of State, which includes the decimal file, 1910-63. The long
title is "central foreign policy file of the United States," but the collection is generally referred to as the
"central file." The pre-February 1963 "central file" is also known as the "decimal file," reflecting the
Department of State's long usage of a decimal classification system to organize its central files. In
1950, the Department of State implemented an important revision in the decimal classification system governing
arrangement of the "decimal file." Consequently, the 1945-49 decimal file chronological block is arranged
in accordance with one system; the 1950-54 decimal file, with another. File manuals for both systems are
maintained by the Textual Archives Services Division (Civilian) in College Park, MD.
II.24 Within the decimal file the component "decimal file, 1945-54" (3,619 ft.), is arranged by
chronological blocks (1945-49 and 1950-54) and thereunder according to a State Department-devised subject and
country file classification system that underwent major revision in 1950. To assist researchers with these
arrangement details, the Textual Reference Division of the National Archives at College Park, MD, maintains
State Department file manuals and National Archives informational handouts that facilitate access to documents
in this series. Onsite researchers can also use State Department-created name index card, source index
card, and "purport" list series to identify documents in the decimal file.
II.25 The "decimal file, 1945-54" provides significant information about the State Department's
activities prior to and during the Korean War. The records include documentation such as diplomatic and
consular correspondence, telegrams, dispatches, and instructions; correspondence between the Department of State
and other Federal agencies; summaries of newspaper accounts of the war from around the world; and information
pertaining to psychological warfare. Many relevant decimal files are listed below. Other pertinent
file designations may be determined by examining the Department of State's file manual and State Department
publications, such as "Foreign Relations of the United States." Reference copies for some of the cited
decimal files are contractor-produced 35mm microfilm publications (noted parenthetically in the decimal file
descriptions). Researchers may view these reels in the Microfilm Reading Room in College Park, MD, or
purchase copies upon request. Appendix D provides more information about microfilmed records cited
in this reference information paper. The following files are some examples of topics covered in the
records:
- File 330, 1950-54 (1 ft.), includes American activities on the U.N. Security Council
- File 611.95, 1950-54 (7 in.), includes American relations with the Korean peninsula
- File 795.00, 1950-54 (4 ft.) (contract microfilm LM-81[SR], rolls 1-29), contains political matters in the
Korean peninsula
- File 795.5, 1950-54 (2 in.) (contract microfilm LM-81[SR], rolls 29-30), pertains to military/defense
matters in the Korean peninsula
- File 795.56, 1950-54 (2 in.) (contract microfilm LM-71[SR], roll 30), includes military equipment and
supply issues in the Korean peninsula
- File 611.95A, 1950-54 (1 ft.), concerns American relations with North Korea
- File 795A.00, 1950-54 (3 in.), includes political matters in North Korea
- File 611.95B, 1950-54 (1 in.), contains American relations with South Korea
- File 795B.00, 1950-54 (1 ft.), concerns political matters in South Korea
- File 795B, 1950-54 (3 ft.), pertains to military/defense matters in South Korea. This file provides
extensive cable traffic, correspondence, and other records created or amassed by the Department of State
concerning the diplomatic aspects of the war.
II.26 Researchers may also wish to examine the following file categories:
- File 511.00, 1950-54 (6 ft.), concerns general American informational programs worldwide. This file
designation includes instructions and techniques devised to counter Communist anti-American propaganda during
the Korean War
- File 611.93, 1950-54 (1 ft.) (contract microfilm LM-151[UPA], rolls 3-6), pertains to Sino-American
relations
- File 793.00, 1950-54 (6 ft.) (contract microfilm LM-152[UPA], rolls 1-13), includes political matters in
the People's Republic of China
- File 793.5, 1950-54 (3 ft.) (contract microfilm LM-152 [UPA], rolls 20-26), concerns military/defense
matters in the People's Republic of China
RECORDS OF THE BUREAU OF FAR EASTERN AFFAIRS
II.27 The Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs was responsible for managing relations of the United States
with all nations of Far Eastern and Southeastern Asia and the South Pacific Islands. The Bureau was
involved in area politics, security, economics, public affairs, social affairs, and consular activities.
It also maintained and supervised relations with Far Eastern missions in the United States and guided U.S.
Foreign Service organizations in the Far East. The Bureau's constituent offices handled issues in smaller
geographic areas. For example, the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs dealt with Korea, China, and Japan,
and the Office of Chinese Affairs with China. Reference copies for several of these series are microfilm
publications available for viewing in the Microfilm Reading Room, in College Park, MD. Further information
on these publications is available in Appendix D.
II.28 In June 1950, with the outbreak of combat operations in Korea, the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs
began to collect records relating to the war. The resulting "Black Book," initiated by Dean Rusk while he
was Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs, documents State Department and Defense Department
efforts to negotiate a cease-fire agreement. Sixteen of the chronologically arranged "Black Book" volumes
are in the series "Black Book on cease-fire, December 12, 1950-December 25, 1952" [A1, Entry 1256] (3 ft.) (Lot
File 55D128) (contract microfilm C-0042 [UPA], rolls 1-7). Each volume includes Department of State
letters, memorandums, communiqués, press releases, memorandums of conversation, Department of State and
Department of the Army telegrams, intelligence reports, extracts from National Security Council numbered
documents, and various drafts and notes. There are tables of contents for most volumes. Within each
volume there are also lists of its top secret security-classified documents. Box 1 of the series includes
a series box contents list. The series reference copy is the 7-roll microfilm publication cited above.
II.29 The "Korean War Black Book, January 1, 1954-December 1954," section (1 ft.) of files relating to
Southeast Asia and the Geneva Conference, 1954 [A1, Entry 1200] (7 ft.) (Lot Files 55D480 and 55D481), consists
of chronologically arranged Department of State and Department of the Army memorandums, statements, messages,
reports, memorandums of conversations, and other records that relate to several political and military issues
that arose during implementation of armistice agreement provisions. Some of the records, for example,
document procedural disputes between U.N. and Communist forces concerning the Neutral Nations Repatriations
Commission's efforts to resolve POW repatriation. Others detail discussions between the United States and
the Republic of Korea concerning postwar economic and assistance, which led to enactment of the Korean Mutual
Defense Treaty of 1954. A fairly large segment of records in this series consists of position papers,
comments, and observations pertaining to issues considered and proposals set forth by Department of State staff
involved in the Korean Phase sessions of the 1954 Geneva Conference.
II.30 Miscellaneous subject files of the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs, [1951]-1953 [A1, Entry 1198]
(4 ft.) (Lot File 55D388), contain records illuminating U.S. and U.N. views of President Syngman Rhee’s
political confrontations with the Republic of Korea National Assembly (spring and summer 1952). British Foreign
Secretary Anthony Eden’s discussions with Secretary of State John Foster Dulles in Washington on common Far East
policy goals (March 1953), South Korean hostility toward continued armistice negotiations (May-June 1953), and
initial efforts to stage the fall 1953 Korean political conference mandated by article IV, item 60 of the Korean
War armistice agreement. [Endnote 1]
II.31 With the United Nations Command’s successful blunting of communist offensive actions in the
winter and spring of 1951, President Truman sought to forge a policy that would provide sharper focus to U.S.
war aims in Korea and open the door for a negotiated settlement of hostilities. Truman began this quest with a
thorough solicitation of views from his chief allies, military commanders, and foreign policy advisors. Much of
the resulting documentation and State Department analysis is present in relevant reports, memorandums of
conversation, instructions, guidelines, and position papers found in the subject file, 1945-53 [A1, Entry
1222] (1 ft.), and the general correspondence, 1945-53 [A1, Entry 1223] (1 ft.) (both in Lot Files
54D278, 58D529 and 56D527) (contract microfilm C-0044 [UPA], rolls 1-4), known as "records of the Director of
the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs (U. Alexis Johnson), 1945-53.} During the Korean War, Johnson served as
Director of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs, and later as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far
Eastern Affairs. His files are particularly instructive for the light they cast on views expressed in the winter
and spring of 1951 by Great Britain, South Korea, and General Ridgway on the desirability and potential scope of
negotiations with Communist forces. Johnson’s files also include dispatches, correspondence, telegrams, and
other documents relating to topics such as potential U.N. courses of military policy and action in response to
Communist force advances in the winter of 1950-51, General MacArthur’s policies and actions as Commander in
Chief of U.N. forces, and program and staffing needs for a plan of economic aid and assistance to the Republic
of Korea (1950-51).
II.32 Records [of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs] relating to foreign policy decisions, 1950-56
[A1, Entry 1221] (2 ft.), (Lot Files 58D184, 58D208 and 59D476) (contract microfilm C-0044 [UPA], rolls 5-6)
(see Appendix D), include documentation concerning issues that arose during late stages of the armistice
negotiations and continued into the immediate postwar period. There are, for example, aide-memoires, memorandums
of conversation, and other records concerning U.S. negotiations with President Syngman Rhee to elicit or force
his acquiescence to continued United Nations Command armistice negotiations with Communist forces in the spring
and summer of 1953. The results of these efforts are documented in series records such as a copy of the U.S.
aide memoire delivered to President Rhee by Gen. Mark Clark, Commander in Chief, United Nations Command, and
Ellis O. Briggs, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, on May 28, 1953, and in file documents relating to
the visit of Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Walter S. Robertson with Rhee in June and
July, 1953. The aide memoire and related records are located in Folders "III-2 Korea Armistice, 1953-54" and
"III-4 Armistice Negotiations, 1953-54". The aide memoire suggested terms of the Korean Mutual Defense Treaty of
1954. Robertson’s discussions with Rhee in Seoul are partially documented in folder "III-21 Robertson-Rhee
Meetings, 1953." Other records, chiefly memorandums of conversations between the Department of State and
Government of India diplomatic officials, detail disputes and controversies confronted by the Neutral Nations
Repatriation Commission while carrying out its POW repatriation responsibilities and Indian criticism of the
U.S. and U.N. for failure to support the commission. Additional reports illustrate issues raised by the Republic
of Korea and India concerning participation in the postwar political conference recommended in article IV, item
60 of the armistice agreement.
II.33 The briefing books and reference materials relating to Korea [maintained by the Office of
Northeast Asian Affairs], 1947-56 [A1, Entry 1225] (2 ft.) (Lot File 60D330) (contract microfilm C-0044 [UPA],
rolls 10-14) (see Appendix D), include background material, talking points, correspondence, memorandums
of conversation, meeting minutes, and other documents pertaining to several diplomatic issues. In early August
1953 Secretary of State John Foster Dulles met with President Syngman Rhee in Seoul to discuss several issues,
including the postwar Korean political conference recommended by armistice negotiators, South Korea’s economic
assistance requirements, its relations with Japan, and a United States-Republic of Korea treaty of mutual
defense. At the conclusion of these meetings, Rhee and Dulles announced that they had initialed a draft treaty.
Records pertaining to these discussions include copies of meeting minutes, joint statements, and various "black
books" and briefing papers prepared for use by Dulles in preparation for the talks. Between December 1953 and
January 1954 representatives from the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and
the United States met to discuss preliminary arrangements for the Korean political conference recommended by
armistice agreement negotiators. Records relating to these inconclusive discussions include transcripts of
proceedings and meetings of liaison secretaries, staff advisors, and subcommittees. There are also copies of
plenary session proceedings, briefing and background papers, and other records pertaining to the Korean Phase of
the 1954 Geneva Conference. Other records in the series focus on actions of the United Nations Commission for
the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea in President Rhee’s dispute with the South Korean National Assembly
in 1952.
II.34 The top secret subject file [of the Office of Chinese Affairs], 1945-50 [A1, Entry 399A]
(4 ft.) (Lot File 56D151) (contract microfilm C-0012 [UPA], rolls 15-16) (see Appendix D), includes files
documenting Office of Chinese Affairs positions on several early Korean War issues and contemplated United
Nations Command war actions, including intervention by Communist China, the possibility of Soviet intervention,
the bombing of Yalu River hydroelectric facilities (Suiho Dam), "hot pursuit" of Communist aircraft in
Manchuria, attacks on Communist airfields in Manchuria, and the acceptance of Chiang Kai-Shek’s offer of Chinese
Nationalist troops for combat in Korea.
II.35 File 312.4 (3 in.) in the numeric file of the Office of Chinese Affairs, 1949-55 [A1,
Entry 1208] (13 ft.) (Lot File 57D633) (contract microfilm C-0012 [UPA], rolls 21-22), contains documentation on
various Korean War issues considered by the United Nations in 1951.
RECORDS OF THE HISTORICAL STUDIES DIVISION
II.36 The Department of State’s Historical Studies Division was responsible for producing historical
monographs documenting the course of events in important foreign policy issues. Report lists are available for
use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.37 The series research memorandums ("slash series"), 1946-54 [A1, Entry 1468] (1 ft.) (Lot
File 87D236), includes 10 reports dealing with various aspects of the Korean War. Report number RM 51/20, for
example, analyzes Communist China’s entry into the war in November, 1950. RM 51/51 evaluates issues in the
"Truman-MacArthur controversy." Other reports focus on topics such as Russian policy in the Korean War (RM
53/2), President Truman’s definition of combat in Korea as a "conflict" rather than a "war" (RM 52/39), prisoner
of war issues and proposals, and United Nations Command "concessions" to Communist negotiators during the
armistice talks (RM 52/30, March 13, 1952).
II.38 The series research projects, 1945-54 [A1, Entry 1471 (11 ft.) (Lot File 87D236),
includes 53 relevant reports, including monthly chronologies of principal events relating to the war from June
1950 through June 1953.
II.39 The records of the Historical Division also include the "Korea Project" of the Division of
Historical Policy Research, 1950-51 [A1, Entry 1251] (20 ft.) (Lot File 78D174). This project was a
large-scale effort to document the events of the Korean War and American diplomacy and policy. The records are
arranged chronologically and include embassy and consular dispatches, intelligence estimates and reports,
Department of State policy statements, opinion surveys, memorandums of conversations and U.N. agendas and
proceedings.
RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF UNITED NATIONS AFFAIRS
II.40 This office was created in 1955 as the Office of Special Political Affairs and assigned
responsibility for international organization, international security, and related affairs. In January 1948 the
name of the office was changed to the Office of United Nations Affairs.
II.41 The subject files of the Office of United Nations Political and Security Affairs, 1945-57
[A1, Entry 1265] (6 ft.) (Lot Files 59D237 and 59D742), contain material pertaining to the Korean War, including
information on Communist charges that U.N. forces engaged in bacteriological warfare and minutes of ambassadors’
briefings.
Record Group 72 - Records of the Bureau of Aeronautics
II.42 The Bureau of Aeronautics (BUAER) was responsible for non-operational matters related to naval
aviation, including testing, procurement, maintenance, repair and salvage of aircraft. During the Korean War,
the chief of BUAER was Rear Adm. Alfred M. Pride (May 1947-May 1951), followed by Rear Adm. Thomas S. Combs (May
1951-June 1953) and Rear Adm. Apollo Soucek (June 1953-March 1955).
II.43 The preponderance of BUAER records created during the Korean War are found in the
unclassified, classified and formerly classified general correspondence, 1922-59] [for the 1`950-55 period:
UD, Entries 1001B-1001E and 1004C-1004F] (1,321 ft.). But there are also contract correspondence, 1940-60
[UD, Entry 911] (3,043 ft.), arranged by contract number, drawings of aircraft carriers, 1942-51 [UD,
Entry 135] (8 ft.); and quarterly flight deck operations reports, 1936-53 [UD, Entry 132] (8 in.). The
correspondence files are arranged according to the Navy Filing Manual. Documents relating to a particular
aircraft type were filed under its designation preceded by a "V". For example, the Chance-/Vought Corsair would
be found under VF4U, while documents relating to machine guns carried on a particular Corsair variant might be
found under VF4U5/F41. Secret correspondence files from the 1950-53 period remain classified.
II.44 In addition to the correspondence, there are several other much smaller record series that
include documents from the Korean War period. These include Aeronautical Engine Lab reports, 1922-65 [UD,
Entry 95] (45 ft.); aircraft mock-up reports, 1946-56 [UD, Entry 121] (4 ft.); aircraft
specifications, 1930-61 [UD, Entry 126] (116 ft.); and formerly classified technical handbooks, 1943-60
[A1, Entry 1003] (16 ft.). Finally, miscellaneous contract records, 1940-60 [UD, Entry 91] (3,043 ft.),
pertain to the procurement of aircraft for the Navy and are arranged by contract number. Box lists and other
finding aids for these records are available for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon
request.
Record Group 74 - Records of the Bureau of Ordnance
II.45 The Bureau of Ordnance (BUORD) procured, stored, and issued ordnance and ordnance-related
equipment used by the Navy. During the Korean War, the chief of BUORD was Rear Adm. Malcolm F. Schoeffel
(1950-54).
II.46 Records created during the Korean War include general correspondence, 1942-59 [A1,
Entries 1003A-1005 and 1017A-1071B] (2,115 ft.), which is arranged according to a refined version of the Navy
Filing Manual. Of these records, only Entry 1003A (324 ft.) is currently unclassified. Other records that touch
on the Korean War era include contract correspondence, 1946-62 [A1, Entry 1018] (524 ft.), arranged by
contract number; ordnance specifications, 1949-61 [A1, Entry 1023] (16 ft.), and technical and
scientific reports, 1946-61 [A1, Entry 1021A] (1,668 ft.) both of which remain classified; and research
and development documents pertaining to guns, gun mounts and breech mechanisms, 1925-53 [A1, Entry 1024] (14
ft.). Box lists and other finding aids for these records are available for use in the Textual Research Room in
College Park, MD, or upon request.
Record Group 84 - Records of the Foreign Service Posts of the Department of State
II.47 Record Group 84 consists of records that were originally created and maintained by American
embassies, legations, and consulates. For correspondence between the State Department and foreign service posts,
consult the central file records in Record Group 59. Post files may contain correspondence with local officials
or with other posts. For a few posts there may be discrete bodies of records relating to unique activities.
Foreign Service post files are arranged alphabetically by name of country and thereunder by series and
thereunder according to the Department of State’s Foreign Service4 post decimal filing manual. At one time
consulate records were maintained in one of two series: unclassified "general records," and as "security
classified general records" (now declassified).
II.48 Several declassified series of embassy and consular records that contain substantial
documentation of the Korean War are as follows:
- Japan - Office of the Political Advisor (POLAD) for Japan classified general records, 1950-52 [UD,
Entry 2828] (32 ft.), under file 321 "War. Peace" (3 in.) pertain to the conduct of the war.
- Japan - Tokyo Embassy general records, 1952-55 [UD, Entry 2826C] (34 ft.), under file 321 "War.
Peace" (1 in.) include documents pertaining to the conduct of the war in the 1952 segment. The 1953-55
segment under file 310 "Political Conferences" (1 in.), includes documents relating to the international
political conference on Korea; file 321 "War. Peace" (2 in.) pertains to the conduct of the war and includes
folders on Indian and American troops in the war; and file 321.9 concerns the "Termination of Hostilities" (1
in.).
- Japan-Tokyo Embassy classified general records, 1952-55 [UD, Entry 2828A] (54 ft.), under file 321
"War. Peace" (2 in.) include records pertaining to the conduct of the war in the 1952 and 1953-55 segments and
under file 321.9 "Termination of Hostilities" (3 in.) in the 1953-55 section.
- Korea-Seoul Embassy classified general records, 1953-55 [UD, Entry 2846] (8 ft.), contain documents
under file 310 (8 in.) that pertain to the international political conference on Korea and to the Geneva peace
conference and under file 321.9 "Armistice Negotiations" (1 ft.) that concern efforts to end the war.
- Switzerland-Bern Embassy general records, 1953-55 [UD, Entry 32009B] (7 ft.), include file4 321.9 (2 in.)
that relates to the Geneva peace conference.
- Switzerland-Geneva Consulate records relating to the Geneva conference, 1954 [UD, Entry 3238] (2
ft.) consist of an extensive subject file maintained by the American delegation to the conference, and
includes correspondence, minutes of meetings, and transcripts of speeches.
Record Group 92 - Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General (OQMG)
II.49 During the Korean War the Office of the Quartermaster General was the Army's principal
procurement and distribution agency for non-ordnance equipment, supplies, and services common to all Army combat
arms and services. The Quartermaster General (QMG) located, purchased, stored, and distributed nearly
everything that servicemen ate, wore, slept in, traveled on, or otherwise depended upon, ranging from powdered
eggs and field jackets to tents, trucks, fuels, and lubricants. The QMG also developed commodity selection
standards or specifications to ensure that Army equipment and supplies served required needs and purposes.
The Procurement Division and its predecessors carried out much of the acquisition work--determining the
availability of raw materials, commodities, and equipment; assessing the needs of Army units and functional
areas; and then obtaining and allocating materiel on the basis of its assessments and strategic requirements,
OQMG commodity standards and specifications rested on research, development, and field testing evaluations of
the Research Division and its predecessors. The Food Services Division largely determined what Korean War
GIs ate and how it was processed, shipped, preserved, prepared, and served.
II.50 Throughout the war, OQMG graves registration service units in Korea and Japan served as the primary
agents for recovering and identifying remains of United Nations Command servicemen killed in action.
Working under policies and programs set by the OQMG Memorial Division, these units also provided remains
disposition and transportation services. They also maintained United Nations Command cemeteries in Korea.
The Memorial Division supervised operations of national military cemeteries in the United States and its
territories during the Korean War.
II.51 Korean War records of the OQMG were often integrated with World War II records. The most
important Army quartermaster records of the Korean War era are located in the OQMG central correspondence files
and within various office files and historical reports maintained by the OQMG historian. Records relating
to American military personnel who were prisoners of war (POWs), missing in action (MIAs), and killed in action
(KIAs) are more fully described in Reference Information Paper 102. The Quartermaster General from March
21, 1949, through September 30, 1951, was Maj. Gen. Herman Feldman. He was succeeded by Maj. Gen. George
A. Horkan, who served from October 9, 1951, to January 31, 1954.
OQMG CENTRAL CORRESPONDENCE FILES
II.52 The unclassified general correspondence [relating to places] ("geographic file"), 1936-54
[NM-81, Entries 1892A-E] (720 ft.), is organized into chronological sub=series, arranged thereunder
alphabetically by geographic location, and thereunder according to the War Department decimal file system.
Korean War-era records are located within the 1949-50, 1951-52, and 1953-54 sub series, under various geographic
location terms and decimal file numbers. Quartermaster Corps activities are most commonly documented in
such file classifications as: 319.1 (e.g., progress and personnel reports, forms control and standardization
reports); 333.1 (e.g., inspection reports of storage facilities and distribution operations); 337 (conferences,
military and naval, and other); 353 (training); 680.35 (memorial services); and 687 (cemeteries). The
unclassified "geographic file" primarily documents QMC activities at specific locations in the U.S. (cities,
states, forts, camps, and military cemeteries). Under names of cemeteries (e.g., "Arlington National
Cemetery," "Port Hudson National Cemetery"), decimal classifications 293 and 314.6 contain some records
pertaining to funerals, burials, and cemetery maintenance, including burial lists of interred service personnel.
Some records provide information about Quartermaster Corps activities in U.S. territories and foreign countries.
For example within the 1953-54 sub series, under the geographic location "Korea," file 314.6 contains records
that deal with the disposition and shipment of deceased personnel remains. The unclassified "geographic
file" generally contains less substantive documentation than the "miscellaneous file" and the "subject file"
central correspondence described below. However, "geographic file" document cross-reference sheets provide
leads to correspondence, reports, studies, and other records that may have been maintained by the OQMG within
these two series or within other OQMG records series. Box lists are available for use in the Textual
Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.53 The formerly classified "geographic file," 1936-52 [NM-81, Entry 1892F] (23 ft.),
supplements the general "geographic file" with information considered worthy of a higher security
classification. It is organized into two chronological sub series (1936-45 and 1946-52), arranged
thereunder alphabetically by geographic location, and thereunder according to the War Department decimal file
system. The series includes reports and other records ranging from topics such as United Nations Command
civil assistance activities in Korea (see 1946-52 sub series, "Korea", decimal file 319.1 51 md) to 8th Army and
2nd Logistical Command petroleum operations and facilities in Korea (same sub series and geographic location,
decimal file 333.1 1951 mjr). Box lists are available for use in the Textual Research Room in College
Park, MD, or upon request.
II.54 Most useful for information concerning overseas operations of Quartermaster corps units are the
formerly classified [general correspondence relating to organizational units] "miscellaneous file," 1936-52
[NM-81, Entry 1894D] (27 ft.), and the unclassified general correspondence [relating to organizational
units] ("miscellaneous file"), 1939-54 [NM-81, Entry 1894A] (268 ft.). Each of these series consists
of chronologically organized sub series that are arranged alphabetically by category, name of unit, or subject,
and thereunder according to the War Department decimal file system. The unclassified 1949-50, 1951-52, and
1953-54, and formerly security-classified 1946-52 sub series are the most relevant for Korean War research.
II.55 A brief overview of Army Quartermaster activities, facilities, and organization in Korea can be
found in a copy of the 1952 report "Brochure of Korean Base Section Quartermaster Activities, Prepared for
Brigadier General Frank C. Holland" in the formerly security-classified "miscellaneous file," 1946-52, under
"Army Forces in Korea," decimal file 401. Within that same section and sub series, "Far East Command"
decimal file 319.25 contains copies of some policy and program correspondence between Brig. Gen. Kester L.
Hastings, Far East command Quartermaster, and Major General Feldman. This correspondence, which extends
from August to December 1950, focuses on many substantive Korean War logistics issues, including supply and
transportation problems, graves registration services, and the field performance of equipment and supplies.
For example, Hasting's letter to Feldman, dated December 25, 1950, evaluates the naval evacuation of X Corps
troops, supplies, equipment, and accompanying refugees from Hungnam and the performance of the Japan Logistical
Command. Other letters assess the effectiveness and troop acceptance of winter issue clothing, with
examples from 7th Infantry Division experiences in the Chosin Reservoir campaign.
II.56 "Far East Command" decimal file 319.25 and "Army Forces in Korea" decimal file 400.314 (both in
the formerly security-classified "miscellaneous file," 1946-52 sub series include copies of the periodically
issued "Basis for Planning supply Requirements and Service Support for Military Operations in Korea." This
report, covering various operational periods from August 15, 1950 to July 1, 1951, emphasized logistical
requirements to support ground force offensive operations north of the 38th parallel. "Army Forces in
Korea" decimal file 400.34 (formerly security-classified "miscellaneous file," 1946-52) consists of records that
document Republic of Korea Army and U.S. Army in Korea table of organization and equipment (T.O.& E) and table
of allowances (T.O. & A.) requirements, changes, references, and recommendations. [Endnote 2]
II.57 The Korean War offered an ideal opportunity for Army field evaluators to test the performance of
supplies and equipment. "Army Forces in Korea," decimal file 319.26 (1951) (in the unclassified
"miscellaneous file," 1951-52 sub series) contains a copy of the OQMG Research and Development Division report
"Field Observer Comments on Performance of Quartermaster Equipment. 3. Korea, Summer 1951" (November 1952).
Conducted by the Division's Field Observation Office, this report covers textiles, clothing, footwear, chemicals
and plastics, mechanical equipment, fuels and lubricants, and food and containers. A July 1953 report of
travel "to observe methods of handling, storage, and condition of v-based containers for subsistence presently
under field test by Quartermaster Board, Ft. Lee, Virginia" (QMB Project S-297) is located in "Army Forces, Far
East" decimal file 331.1 (unclassified "miscellaneous file," 1953-54 sub series).
Winter clothing and equipment performance, a major Army Quartermaster concern during the Korean War, was the
subject of a "requirements" conference held at Tokyo Quartermaster Depot, December 3-6, 1952. A copy of
the conference record, in report form, is located in "Army Forces Far East" decimal file 337 (unclassified
"miscellaneous file," 1953-54). Early Korean War Army Quartermaster correspondence and reports pertaining
to development of the winter and Arctic clothing program for Korea, August-December 1950, are located in "Far
East Command" decimal file 319.25 (unclassified "miscellaneous file," 1949-50). The records include lists
of specific items issued to the troops.
II.58 "Graves Registration Service," "Army Forces in Korea," "Far East Command," and "Army Forces, Far
East" 293 and 314.6 decimal files in both the formerly security-classified and unclassified series sections
contain substantive information regarding recovery, identification, and disposition of the remains of deceased
American servicemen. Other decimal file classifications contain additional information on graves
registration services, U.N. cemetery, and mortuary services operations and facilities in Korea. For
example, "Far East Command" decimal file 333.1 (unclassified "miscellaneous file," 1953-54 sub series) contains
Arm mortuary facilities inspection reports. American Battle Monuments Commission reports, correspondence
memorandums and other records relating to military cemeteries in Korea, with focus on the U.N. cemetery at
Tanggok (Pusan), Korea, are located in "Army Forces in Korea" decimal file 687 (unclassified "miscellaneous
file," 1951-52). And, an early OQMG report on graves registrations services in Korea, November 1950, is
located in "Army Forces in Korea," decimal file 333.1 (formerly security-classified "miscellaneous file,"
1946-52).
II.59 During the Korean War, the Army, the Department of State, and the Economic Cooperation
Administration (ECA) formed the Committee for the Coordination of Non-Military Assistance to Korea (CCONMAK) to
administer a program of Civilian Relief to Korea (CRIK). OQMG, coordinating with the Commander in Chief,
Far East (CINCFE), served as the distribution agent for CRIK food, clothing, and relief items. To a lesser
extent, the Army also participated in ECA and Mutual Defense Assistance Program (MDAP) assistance to the
Republic of Korea. Unclassified and formerly security-classified "miscellaneous file" documentation of
OQMG participation in these programs includes information on CRIK program policies and standard statistical form
shipping reports that enumerate shipped ECA, CRIK, and other assistance program commodities (by long ton,
account number, and/or commodity name) and their value. These records are located in both the unclassified
"miscellaneous file" (1946-52 sub series), under "Foreign Aid," and "Mutual Defense Assistance Program (MDAP)"
decimal files 319.1, 400.3591, and 462. Box lists for the formerly security-classified and unclassified
"miscellaneous file" are available for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.60 The largest collection of records concerning the distribution of equipment and supplies is the
unclassified general correspondence ("subject file"), 1936-61 [A1, Entries 1890A-I] (1,185 ft.), organized into
chronological sub series and arranged thereunder according to the War Department decimal file system.
Korean War data is in the 1949-50, 1951-52, and 1953-54 correspondence sub series (242 ft.). Decimal file
classification 400.112 in these sub series comprises approximately 51 ft. of documentation pertaining to the
testing and development of named equipment and supply items, arranged alphabetically under decimal file 400.112.
These items range from ambulances, tractors, and trucks to goggles, insignia, and cartridge belts. Decimal
400.112 includes subsistence items (e.g., "Cans, Food"; "Ration, Combat"), basic materials (e.g., "Cloth"), and
finished products (e.g., "Overcoats"; "Shoes"). Additional data for many of these items can be found in
the following decimal file ranges: "materials, machines, and hardware" (410-418); "clothing and equipage"
(420-429); "subsistence stores" (430-439); "medical, surgical, and veterinary instruments, supplies, and
equipment" (440-458); "other supplies" (460-469); and "ammunition, armament, and other similar stores"
(470-478).
II.61 These same sub series document additional topics, such as contracts with private businesses and
labor (decimal classifications 160-164); meetings of the Quartermaster Technical Committee (334); mobilization
planning (381); and the requirements, production, and storage of oil and petroleum products (classification
463). Decimal file 461 includes copies of baking manuals for Army cooks, the book of standards for all
Quartermaster items, and general Quartermaster manuals. Information concerning deaths and burials of
military personnel is located in decimal files 293 and 314.6. Box lists are available for use in the
Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.62 Formerly classified general correspondence ("subject file"), 1936- 54 [A1, Entry 1890AA] (72
ft.), contains additional records pertaining to topics and subjects covered in the unclassified and formerly
security-classified "subject file." This series is also organized into chronological sub series (e.g.,
1946-52) and arranged thereunder according to War Department decimal file system. Box lists are available
for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or upon request.
II.63 Closely related to the "subject file" general correspondence is the general correspondence
regarding research and development, 1928-54 [A1, Entry 1890J] (304 ft.), divided into chronological sub
series (e.g., 1949-50, 1951-52, 1953-54), and arranged thereunder alphabetically by subject within decimal
400.1141 (the only decimal classification in the series). Subjects in the 1949-54 sub series (153 ft.)
essentially duplicate those filed under classification 400.112 in the general correspondence ("subject file")
series described above. Where the latter series documents testing and development of specific equipment and
supply items, the research and development correspondence provides final production specifications for the same
items. In addition to correspondence and reports, this series includes illustrations and sketches for some
equipment items. It also includes some subsistence item topics (e.g., ice cream) not found in the "subject
file" correspondence. Box lists are available for use in the Textual Research Room in College Park, MD, or
upon request.
RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER HISTORIAN
II.64 Following World War II, Quartermaster historians gathered copies of official records (letters,
memorandums, reports, orders, issuances, directives), and other documentation such as newspaper clippings,
magazine articles, and research notes to support wartime histories of the Quartermaster Corps. These
records were then organized as three topically arranged research series. They provide a comprehensive and
conveniently organized overview of QMC policies, programs, and operations from the beginning of World War II
through the formal cessation of combat operations during the Korean War. For that reason, these three series
offer a convenient starting point for research on topics relating to the Quartermaster Corps during the Korean
War:
- Copies of documents relating to the postwar history of the Quartermaster Corps, 1946-62 [A1, Entry
21151] (22 ft.), were used to write a post-World War II history of the Quartermaster Corps. Topical
focus concentrates on core QMC functional responsibilities and programs (e.g., procurement, graves
registration, and food services), with some emphasis on how the Korean War influenced QMC's organizational
development and led to supply, equipment, and administrative changes and innovations. Thus there are
series records relating to commodities such as dehydrated foods, field rations, and clothing. Other
records document organizational and program changes within major QMC functional areas (e.g., research) or
organizational entities (e.g., the Memorial Division).
- Copies of formerly security classified documents relating to the Quartermaster Corps in the Korean War,
1950-54 [A1, Entry 2116] (17 ft.), include records relating to QMC functional support of combat operations
(e.g., food services, clothing and equipment, and graves registration) and QMC items of issue (e.g., rations,
footwear, winter clothing, casualty bags, and equipment). Records under other topical headings document
QMC's responsibilities for supplying other U.N. force contingents with items such as food rations for Thai
forces and clothing for the Republic of Korea Army. This series also includes G-4 and Quartermaster Section
periodic reports of the U.S. 8th Army and of some component infantry divisions. Under various topics,
there is detailed policy and program correspondence (1950-52) between Far East Command Quartermaster Brigadier
General Hastings and other subordinate and superior command quartermasters (including Major General Feldman
and Major General Horkan). Another large topical category in this series consists of reports, summaries,
tactical narratives, and other records that detail QMC's operations during the various phases and campaigns of
the Korean War. Under the topical category "Quartermaster Support in Korea," these records are arranged
chronologically under campaign or war phase subtopics (e.g., "Pusan Perimeter," "Inchon," "1st Counter
Offensive," and "3rd Winter").
- Copies of unclassified documents relating to the Quartermaster Corps in the Korean War, 1948-52
[A1, Entry 2116K] (3 ft.), also consist of records relating to QMC functional support of combat operations and
specific items of issue. The series includes a number of QMC observer and travel reports that focus on
combat performance and effectiveness of supplies and equipment (e.g., boots, bath units, and nurse's
clothing), programs (e.g., cold weather indoctrination instruction and publications), and QMC organization
(e.g., the structure and performance of various logistical commands and QMC service units in Japan and Korea).
Under the topic "Brig. Gen. K.I. Hastings," there is a substantial run of the 1950-52 Far East Command
Quartermaster's policy and program correspondence with Army quartermasters and other military commanders.
These exchanges allude to a number of large and small Korean War innovations such as the use of IBM data
processing technology in remains identification operations, spare parts inventory and control improvements,
clothing item coatings designed to resist chemical warfare agents, synthetic shrouds, and dehyd
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