Veterans Day, 2000

Korean War Campaigns Remembered

YONGSAN GARRISON, SEOUL, South Korea—On a crisp, autumn Saturday morning this past weekend, Korean War veterans, dignitaries, family members, and guests gathered at Yongsan Garrison for an honor ceremony to commemorate the Northern Campaigns of 50 years ago. Dignitaries and guest speakers included USMC Maj. Gen. J.D. Humble, Royal Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Rob Fulton, Korean Veterans Association President Lee Sang-hoon and retired USMC general and Medal of Honor recipient, Raymond Davis.

 In his opening remarks to the audience, Maj. Gen. Humble emphasized the sacrifices that Korean War veterans, made 50 years ago north of the 38th Parallel, “The battles you fought here, the sacrifices made, laid the foundations for this great nation.” He went on to say that, it was these veterans who helped bring peace to the peninsula, and a “testament to the fact that freedom is not free.”

 Fifty years ago this month, US/ROK and UN forces found themselves engaged in fierce battles against the Chinese north of the 38th Parallel. Despite the wave of euphoria following the breakout of the Pusan Perimeter, the successful Inchon Landing, and the liberation of Seoul, the Chinese intervention in the autumn of 1950 would change the course of the Korean War.

 On this day of remembrance, Maj. Gen. Fulton, in his speech, recalled the allied contributions and sacrifices made by British Marines who were attached to the 1st Marine Division. Lee Sang-hoon, a retired ROK Army general, also remembered those sacrifices that Korean War veterans made, and those “who gave their lives on this soil for the sake of the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea.” He also extended his “heartfelt gratitude and sincere encouragement” to those family members who lost their parents, siblings, and children during the war.

 Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine general Raymond Davis underscored not only the sacrifices that so many made on behalf of freedom 50 years ago, but also the bravery of soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors. “The purpose of these Korean War commemorations is to honor the veterans, their families and especially to those families that lost loved ones or that are still missing in action.”

 Davis, in his poignant overview of the Northern Campaigns, emphasized the combined effort to stem the tide of the Chinese intervention. He recalled the hardships faced by US/ROK and UN forces—the deep snow, freezing temperatures, frozen rations—at the same time being attacked from all directions day and night.

 “Despite overwhelming odds and hardships, though, we held our heads high,” Davis said, emphasizing the support the Army, Marine Corps, and allied forces received from the bravery of the pilots, the aircrews, and the Navy ships. “We owe our success to all the combined efforts of those men. I salute everyone here and everyone around the world who came and participated in this effort.”

 Davis also remembered those fallen comrades who are still buried in the northern mountains and those missing in action. “Those who we will never forget,” Davis said. “those whose sacrifices have not been in vain.”

 As for the Korean War commemorations, Davis pointed out that, “returning veterans are especially pleased to be a part of these commemorations and to have the opportunity to visit the battle sites where they once served.”