South Korean Soldiers Prepare and Lay an Anti-Tank Mine, July 22, 1950

Two men seen squatting down, leaning over circular object they are in the process of burying in the ground. Each man wears a helmet but no other uniform or safety equipment. A third man is seen standing behind the man on the left along with a pile of straw in the background.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, "South Korean soldiers of the 1st Division, I Corps, prepare and lay an antitank mine somewhere in Korea during the Korean conflict," 22 July 1950

Description

Landmines have been used in warfare for decades. The United States used M15 anti-tank mines for the first time in the Korean War. It was designed to be a "track breaker," causing a tank to no longer move but likely not killing the crew inside the tank.

Unexploded land mines are a danger for decades after a war ends. Long after the soldiers have gone home, undetonated mines remain as deadly reminders of the war. Their victims often are playing children. Specialized "bomb squads" are trained to handle these explosives at significant risk to themselves.

Source-Dependent Questions

Describe what the Korean soldiers are doing in this photo. In wars, why would landmines or explosive devices be buried? What would be the benefits? What would be the drawbacks?
Why might landmines be particularly useful or effective in the Korean Conflict?

Citation Information

"South Korean soldiers of the 1st Division, I Corps, prepare and lay an antitank mine somewhere in Korea during the Korean conflict," 22 July 1950. Courtesy of Library of Congress