The invasion, commemorated at the USS Inchon on Friday, is lauded as one of the most successful amphibious operations in military history. Casualties weren't heavy. It was a momentous victory. Korean War veterans say they proved to the rest of the world that American troops should be taken seriously, despite several setbacks up to that point in the fight against communism. And Inchon's residents say their booming economy is thanks, in large part, to the landing, which cut the city and the rest of South Korea below it off from North Korean forces.
Veterans are proud of that.
At the Inchon ceremony Friday, aboard the mine countermeasures support ship that bears the city's name and once was an amphibious force landing vessel, veterans couldn't help but brag a little. It was almost as if South Korea, Inchon in particular, was their baby. It was against all odds. It was like there was no planning. It was a one-time go.