The heroic but unpublicized role of the Turkish troops during the 1950-53 Korean War is far from being fully acknowledged by most of the Western historians and public, although we observed the 50th anniversary of that fateful war on June 25, 2000.
The 5,453-strong Turkish brigade served under the command of late Brg. Gen. Tahsin Yazici as a part of the U.N. force fighting the communist expansion on the Korean peninsula. The Anatolian Lions were later awarded the highest honorable citation of the U.S. Army for saving the U.S. Eighth Army and the IX Army Corps from encirclement and the U.S. 2nd Division from total annihilation. In this legendary effort, the Turks lost 717 men and suffered 2,413 wounded representing the highest combat casualty rate of any U.N. unit engaged in Korea.
U.S. Congressman John P. Murtha (Democrat -- Pennsylvania 12 District) of the House of Representatives (as Rep. Hobson) was one lawmaker who remembered the great Turkish-American solidarity that shaped history fifty years ago in the cold, harsh, and unforgiving hills of Korea.
Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) Praises Turks in Korean War
As someone who joined the Marine Corps during the Korean War, Ive always felt strongly about our allies in Turkey, Said Rep. Murtha on June 27, in his address he delivered on the House floor.
As we mark the 50-year anniversary of the start of the Korean War on June 25th, the Turkish militarys bravery and heroism deserve great praise.
The Turkish Brigade demonstrated superior combat capability and courage from the critical moment it entered the battlefield in October 1950, through the cease-fire agreement of July 1953, Murtha reminded.
Chinese prisoners cross-examined at Turkish
Brigade Headquarters
Gen. MacArthur said, ?The Turks are the hero of heroes?
General Yazici gets the Silver Star from U.S.
8th Army General Walton H. Walker, for Yazici's
heroism and courage during the Kunuri battles.
"...The fierce combat ability of the Turkish Brigade should never be forgotten."
Turkey provided the fifth-largest military contingent among United Nations forces 5,453 soldiers at the peak of the war. The Turkish Brigade is credited with saving the U.S. Eighth Army and the IX Army Corps from encirclement by communist enemies, and the 2nd Division from total destruction during critical battles in November 1950, he said.
United Nations Forces Commander in Chief General Douglas MacArthur said the Turks are the hero of heroes. There is no impossibility for the Turkish Brigade. No enemy attack succeeded in penetrating the front of the Turkish Brigade, while British and American forces were forced to withdraw from defensive lines. Even though out of ammunition, the Turks affixed their bayonets and attacked the enemy, eventually in hand-to-hand combat. The Turks succeeded in withdrawing by continuous combat and carryÂing their injured comrades from the battlefield on their backs.
Among the twenty U.N. Members contributing military forces in Korea, Time Magazine praised the Turkish Brigade for its courageous battles and for creating a favorable effect on the whole United Nations Forces. A U.S. radio commentary in December 1950 thanked the Turkish Brigades heroism for giving hope to a demoralized American nation, Murtha continued.
Although the Korean War is often called the Forgotten War, partly because it ended inconclusively with no real winner, the fierce combat ability of the Turkish Brigade should never be forgotten. The 717 Turkish soldiers killed in action, and the 2,413 wounded in action, represent the highest casualty rate of any U.N. element engaged in the fighting. The simple white grave markers in a green field near Pusan will eternally remind us of the heroic soldiers of a heroic nation, Murtha ended his remarks.
The South Korean monument reads, in part:
"On October 17, 1950, Turkey dispatched army units to defend the freedom of Korea and the peace of the world. From that time until the Korean Armistice was signed in 1953, the Turkish forces fought valiantly in the Battles of Kumu-ri, Wawon, Shillim-ri, Uijongim, Yonch'on, T'oegyewon, Kumhwa and Hansullim. They suffered 717 dead, 2,246 wounded and 167 missing in action. Even after the war, the Turkish troops remained in Korea until July 1966."
Senator Robert C. Byrd, on June 27, 1995:
The United States relationship with Turkey dates back to .the post-World War I creation of the Turkish Republic, which was founded on the American model of separation of church and state and the free-market economic system. That relationship continues today as Turkey remains a bulwark of secular democracy in a hotbed of neighboring conflicts involving religion and national boundaries.
A testament to Turkeys friendship with the United States is Turkeys crucial role during the Korean War. Turkey came to our aid during that critical time. Turkish troops fought alongside American forces and demonstrated exemplary courage, dedication, and discipline. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, who was then the Commander of the United Nations forces in Korea, hailed the Turkish troops as the bravest of the brave.
Turkeys decision to get involved in Korea secured its rightful place in the family of nations. At great risk to its own political future as well as to its economy, Turkey showed itself to be a reliable and stalwart world partner.
Over the years since the Korean War, the United States relationship with Turkey has only grown stronger. As a fellow member of NATO, Turkeys strategic location near the Soviet Union and its former satellite states, as well as Turkeys role in the volatile Middle East, has proved invaluable.
The Turkish Republic has come a long way since its inception in the early part of this century. Its future as a friend of the United States and a a crucial member of NATO is assured. As we approach the 21st century and look back on what has been accomplished during this century, I am proud to call Turkey a friend and ally.
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Yep, Senator Byrd is correct... Turkey has proven an incredible friend and ally to the United States through the years. Another recent "critical time" was when President George Bush Senior began to put together the alliance in preparation for the Gulf War, and Turkey's then President Turgut Ozal was the very first (if memory serves) to pledge significant support.... ultimately costing billions to the Turkish economy in years to come. Meanwhile, The United States has proven a great friend and ally to Turkey as well... but only when the United States needs Turkey! Otherwise, this fair-weather friend's government and media treat Turkey as the Rodney Dangerfield of loyal allies.
http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/pics/korean/korea-fire.JPG
to be continued...
http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/korean.htm
