DEFCON 3 declared after North Korean soldiers killed two U.S. Army officers in the DMZ.
Detailed Account
Operation Paul Bunyan was a U.S. military response to the axe murder incident in the Korean Demilitarized Zone. On August 18, 1976, North Korean soldiers attacked and killed two U.S. Army officers who were supervising a work party trimming a poplar tree.
In response, the United States raised its alert status to DEFCON 3 and launched a massive show of force. The operation involved infantry, artillery, attack helicopters, B-52 bombers, and the aircraft carrier USS Midway. The tree was subsequently cut down by a heavily armed engineering team.
In response, the United States raised its alert status to DEFCON 3 and launched a massive show of force. The operation involved infantry, artillery, attack helicopters, B-52 bombers, and the aircraft carrier USS Midway. The tree was subsequently cut down by a heavily armed engineering team.
Commands Affected
U.S. Forces Korea, Pacific Command
About DEFCON 3
DEFCON 3 - ROUND HOUSE
Increase in force readiness above normal. Air Force ready to mobilize in 15 minutes.
Above normal readiness. Increased intelligence watch. Some forces on higher alert.
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