In a surprise attack, U. S. forces
landed; but the invasion was difficult because of extreme tides on the Yellow
Sea and because small landing craft had to be used for the offensive action.
Nevertheless, the Americans got through. Despite losses on both sides, the
Americans won a clear-cut victory before being forced to withdraw by sea.
Korea was the scene of the action,
but in the 19th century, not during the Korean War when we landed at
Inchon. In 1871, undertaking a punitive expedition because the American trading
ship General Sherman had been set afire and destroyed by Koreans, Marines
entered Korea up the Hon River and captured five or more forts and killed
hundreds before departing with their squadron. The landing was acclaimed as an
American victory throughout the world.