The Korean War Begins: A Tough Decision for President Truman on June 25

June 25 is a very serious and important day in U.S. presidential history — it’s the date in 1950 when the Korean War began.

Early that morning, the army from North Korea moved across the border into South Korea. This was a huge challenge for President Harry S. Truman. He was at his home in Missouri when he got the emergency phone call. He had to decide very quickly if the United States would step in to help South Korea stay free.

President Truman believed that if he didn't act, other small countries might be in danger too. Within just a few days, he ordered American ships, planes, and soldiers to help. This was the first time the newly formed "United Nations" worked together to stop a war, and it showed that the President of the United States had a major role in keeping peace around the world.

Who Was Harry S. Truman? Quick Bio for Kids

Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States (1945–1953). He became president at a very difficult time, right at the end of World War II.

Truman was known for being a straight-talker who wasn't afraid to make hard choices:

• The "Buck Stops Here": He had a famous sign on his desk in the Oval Office that said "The Buck Stops Here." It meant that as President, he was the one who took final responsibility for every decision.
• A Fair Deal: He wanted to make sure every American had a "Fair Deal," including better housing and healthcare.
• The Piano Player: He was an excellent piano player and once even played a duet with a famous movie star!
• Waking Up Early: He was a very early riser and loved taking a brisk "power walk" through the streets of Washington, D.C., every morning before starting work.

Harry Truman didn't come from a rich family—he was a farmer and a shopkeeper before he became a leader, which helped him understand the problems of everyday people.

What Happened on June 25, 1950?

• The Emergency Call: Secretary of State Dean Acheson called President Truman on a Saturday night to give him the news that North Korea had attacked.
• The Long Flight: Truman flew back to Washington, D.C., on his presidential plane, named the Independence, to meet with his military advisors.
• Working with the World: Truman didn't want to act alone. He asked the United Nations to agree that helping South Korea was the right thing to do.
• A Brave Choice: This was a brand-new kind of challenge. Truman had to lead the country into a "police action" to protect freedom without starting a much larger world war.

Fun Facts About Harry S. Truman and June 25 for Kids

• The "S" Mystery: Harry Truman’s middle name is actually just the letter "S"! His parents couldn't decide which grandfather to name him after, so they just picked a letter that started both their names.
• No College Degree: Truman was the last U.S. president who did not have a college degree. He learned everything he knew by reading thousands of books on his own!
• Walk and Talk: During his morning walks, reporters would often try to keep up with him to ask questions, but he walked so fast they would get out of breath!
• The First "Oval Office" TV: Truman was the first president to give a speech from the Oval Office that was shown on television.

Why June 25 Is Important in Presidential History

This day shows us the heavy responsibility that a president carries as the "Commander-in-Chief." It teaches us that sometimes leaders have to make very difficult decisions to stand up for what they believe is right, even when it leads to a hard struggle. June 25 reminds us that the United States plays a big part in the global community and that our leaders work with other countries to try to keep the world safe and free.

What do you think?

• If you had a sign on your desk like President Truman, what would it say?
• Do you want to learn more about Truman's famous morning walks or see pictures of his plane, the Independence?