The 1950s were a time of intense global tension, as the world stood on the brink of the Cold War. While the scars of World War II were still fresh, the Korean War erupted, further shaping the decade’s military landscape. Armed forces were thrust into new challenges, from the fear of nuclear warfare to the realities of battle in Korea. These years saw a shift in both technology and strategy, as the world’s armies adapted to a rapidly changing environment. The rise of jet aircraft, advances in surveillance, and the spread of ideological warfare marked a turning point in military history. Through the lens of military photography, we glimpse the lives of those who served, the sacrifices made, and the struggles endured in an era that would leave a lasting impact on the course of history. We hope you’re ready to take a look into the military in the ’50s, because that’s what we have for you. Here are 20 military photos from the 1950s.
1. Camp Humphreys, 1950s.
Camp Humphreys is located in South Korea.
2. U.S. Army ambulances, 1950s.
It’s awesome that medics are protected and not supposed to be shot during war.
3. Korea, August 1950.
These are some mean-looking marines.
4. Rifle grenadier, 1950.
This weapon was developed in the 1950s in the Philippines for the U.S. Army.
5. This is a U.S. Army base in the late ’50s.
This base was located in Germany.
6. Here we have a U.S. Army serviceman and his rifle.
I think he needs a bigger rifle.
7. This Marine is tearing up a portrait of Stalin.
This was after the liberation of Seoul from the Communist North Korean Army during the Korean War.
8. The 1950s United States ‘Soldier of Tomorrow’.
Needless to say, this is not the gear soldiers wear today.
9. Elvis in the Army, late 1950s.
Imagine if the King never made it home.
10. The Officer’s bowling tournament.
Those are some serious trophies.
11. The U.S. Army’s ‘Land Train’.
Now this is a feat of engineering.
12. This is a tank that was used in the Korean War.
The evolution of tanks is truly incredible.
13. U.S. Army 11th Airborne in Japan.
This photo was taken in the early 1950s.
14. An Army Sargeant driving a DeLackner DH-4.
I can’t be the only one who had no idea this existed in the ’50s.
15. This anti-tank vehicle was developed in the ’50s.
Marines used this for direct fire support for the infantry in combat.
16. Marines loading onto a chopper, 1950s.
This photo was taken in Korea.
17. Lee Harvey Oswald in the Marines.
Oswald joined just a week after his 17th birthday.
18. American Army Nurse receiving a patient at a hospital.
After being injured, a smile like that will make anyone feel better.
19. These 1950s military crafts are mind-blowing.
How have we still not created a hoverboard?
20. Heading back from Iceland during the Korean War.
You can tell those boys needed to catch up on some sleep.
