Operation Paul Bunyan

In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," Josh and Chuck discuss Operation Paul Bunyan, which occurred in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 1976. They detail the events leading up to the operation, including the division of Korea after World War II, the establishment of the DMZ, and the tensions between North and South Korean soldiers in the Joint Security Area (JSA). The central conflict revolves around a poplar tree that obstructed the line of sight between UN command checkpoints, leading to a violent incident where North Korean soldiers murdered two American officers with axes. The United States, under President Gerald Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, considered various responses, ultimately deciding on a show of force called Operation Paul Bunyan. This involved mobilizing a large number of troops and military equipment to cut down the tree, sending a message of resolve to North Korea while averting a larger conflict. The hosts also explore the aftermath of the operation, including North Korea's expression of regret, the establishment of a clearer demarcation line within the JSA, and the eventual replacement of the tree with a memorial.