Image
![Seven uniformed, smiling, relaxed soldiers from Iowa are seen seated on an army jeep. They hold a sign that reads: “Rock of the Marne • Happy New Year • To The Folks at Home.” The background is a wooded hillside with a large amount of sandbags stacked up. Seven uniformed, smiling, relaxed soldiers from Iowa are seen seated on an army jeep. They hold a sign that reads: “Rock of the Marne • Happy New Year • To The Folks at Home.” The background is a wooded hillside with a large amount of sandbags stacked up.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/primary-sources/images/history-education-pss-korea-marne-source_0.jpg?itok=jW5Izp8t)
Description
Iowa soldiers serving with the 3rd Division's "Rock of the Marne," are shown in this photograph sending a New Year's greeting from Korea in 1951. The 3rd Division's "Rock of the Marne" was known as a rapid-response unit and even nicknamed the "Fire Brigade," and while their last Korean combat was in 1953, the division remained in Korea until 1958.
Source-Dependent Questions
- The soldiers in this photo are from Iowa in the 3rd Division "Rock of Marne." This division was a rapid-response unit, meaning they could respond to a situation quickly. Why would it be a good idea for military units involved in war to specialize in certain areas, like this rapid-response unit? What are the drawbacks?
- This unit stayed in Korea for five years after the armistice was signed. Why would a military presence remain in Korea five years after the conflict was over?