Percentage of Korean War Vets Who Were Drafted: An In-depth Analysis

During the Korean War, approximately 1.5 million Americans served in the military. Of these, around 50,000 were drafted, while roughly 750,000 were volunteers. This stark difference highlights the significant role of the draft during this conflict and the urgent need for forces in the early 1950s.

Role of the Draft

The draft was a significant aspect of military service during the Korean War. Given that nearly all young men were conscripted, the impact of the draft extended beyond just the numbers. For instance, veterans of World War II who decided to remain in service, and civilian officers with families, enjoyed the benefits of peace and prosperity. Notably, many officers had signed contracts that allowed for their potential reactivation should their country require their services again.

Impact of the Draft

The draft had a profound impact on many aspects of service and civilian life during the Korean War. For example, the officer during World War II, having served, was contracted to rejoin his service if ever called upon. This exemplifies the complex decision-making process young men faced when choosing their service or risking the draft. Many chose the draft rather than being conscripted into a branch they didn't want.

Personal Tributes and Tragic Loss

In personal terms, the draft took a heavy toll. For instance, my uncle joined the Marines and served in Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Okinawa. He was recalled in 1950 and tragically killed in 1952. Meeting him would have been a profound experience. His children have no real memories of him, adding to the sadness of this loss.

Strategic Decisions and Context

From a strategic perspective, Truman and the Pentagon correctly assumed that the Korean invasion was Soviet-inspired. Consequently, they kept their professional army in Europe, facing the Soviets, while using draftees to fight in Korea. This led to a lot of bad feelings, especially for National Guard troops who had previously served in World War II and were just trying to rebuild their lives.

Call to Active Duty

Something missing from the initial data is the number of non-commissioned officers and junior grade infantry officers who served during World War II and were recalled to active duty. My father was one such example. His employer intervened to keep him stateside in a civilian capacity. It is estimated that the number of men called back to active duty was enormous, highlighting the extended impact of the draft and service during the Korean War.