Who was the commander of U.S. forces during the Korean War?

The commander of U.S. forces during the Korean War was General Douglas MacArthur. He played a central role in the early phases of the conflict, which began in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. MacArthur was responsible for leading United Nations forces and executing significant military strategies, most notably the successful amphibious invasion at Inchon, which turned the tide in favor of UN troops initially. His leadership and tactical decisions were pivotal in shaping the course of the war.

General William Westmoreland, while a prominent military leader, is best known for his command during the Vietnam War. General Colin Powell also rose to prominence later, notably during the Gulf War, while General George Patton was a famous commander during World War II but had no direct involvement in the Korean conflict. Thus, General MacArthur stands out as the key figure leading U.S. forces in Korea, making him the correct answer.