Events in 1950

May 1, 1950

US Involvement in Vietnam War

The Vietnam War began with US providing $10 million in military aid to French forces in 1950, gradually escalating to full combat operations by 1965 following the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964.

June 25, 1950

Korean War Begins

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces launched a massive invasion of South Korea, marking the beginning of the Korean War. The surprise attack involved 90,000 troops supported by Soviet-made tanks and aircraft, quickly overwhelming South Korean defenses.

September 15, 1950

Incheon Landing

A daring amphibious assault led by General Douglas MacArthur that became a turning point in the Korean War. The operation involved 261 naval vessels and 70,000 troops, successfully cutting North Korean supply lines and leading to the recapture of Seoul.

November 8, 1950

First Jet Combat in MiG Alley

The historic first jet-versus-jet aerial combat occurred when Lieutenant Russell Brown, flying an F-80C Shooting Star, successfully engaged and shot down a Soviet-built MiG-15 over MiG Alley in North Korea, marking a revolutionary moment in aerial warfare history.

November 8, 1950

First MiG-15 vs F-86 Sabre Dogfight

The historic first encounter between Soviet MiG-15 and American F-86 Sabre occurred on November 8, 1950, marking the beginning of jet-versus-jet aerial combat. The battle took place over Sinuiju, North Korea, near the Yalu River, in an area that would later become known as 'MiG Alley'.