How a Tree Almost Started a War

When 2 American soldiers were axed to death

Map of the Joint Security Area in the DMZ — Source: Wiki Commons

Inside the Korean Demilitarized Zone, besides the Bridge of No Return, is United Nations Command (UNC) checkpoint, CP#3. Between CP#3 and observation post, OP#5, on the South Korean side, there was a poplar tree. In the summer months, because the poplar tree was obstructing the view, only the top of CP#3 can be seen from OP#5.

As this was on the South Korean side, on August 18th, 1976, UNC and South Korean personnel were sent to trim the poplar tree. Among the 11 men, were Captain Arthur Bonifas and platoon leader, First Lieutenant Mark Barrett.

As works of trimming the tree begin, about 15 North Korean soldiers appeared on the other side of the bridge, led by Senior Lt. Pak Chul. After 15 minutes of watching, Pak suddenly ordered the work to stop. Captain Bonifas did not adhere and the work continued.

Pak then sent a runner across the bridge, and, along with 20 North Korean guards, Pak himself crossed the bridge in a truck. He ordered again the trimming to stop, and once more, Bonifas ordered the detail to continue.

After a brief moment… Pak ordered to kill.