STORIES FROM AMERICA'S CONFLICTS

They Died For Their Country

America's War Dead From the Revolutionary War to Iraq

Throughout our history, thousands of brave Americans have died serving their country and fighting for their beliefs. From the early days of the American Revolution to our current war in Iraq, the numbers of battle deaths speak to the sacrifices our soldiers, and their families, have made.

American Revolution (1775-1783)	4,435
War of 1812 (1812-1815)	2,260
Mexican War (1846-1848)	1,733
Civil War (1861-1865)	140,414 (Union); 74,524 (Confederate)
Spanish-American War (1898-1902)	385
World War I (1917-1918)	53,402
World War II (1941-1945)	291,557
Korean War (1950-1953)	33,686
Vietnam War (1964-1975)	47,410
Gulf War (1990-1991)	147
Afghanistan War (2001-present)	488 (as of April 5, 2008)
Iraq War (2003-present)	4,017 (as of April 8, 2008)

Eulogies and remembrances being delivered to the Korean War Memorial during the 2005 Remembrance Ceremony.

REFLECTIONS

“As a 30-year veteran of the USAF, having served in Korea and Vietnam, I salute those men and women who have volunteered to serve our country and support the premise 'freedom thru vigilance.' It is not always easy to wear the uniform of our military services. It is often a symbol that others find offensive because it represents the greatest nation on earth and it stands for the freedom we enjoy. Something not shared by other nations or its people. So, as you wear that symbol of freedom, I salute you and want you to know that I am grateful for your service to our country.”

James C. Boyd
Raleigh, NC

Updated On: 05.06.08