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By Choe Chong-dae
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War, a series of diverse and meaningful events were held in Korea to honor the heroes who made significant contributions to this historic conflict. Among these commemorations, I am delighted to learn about the recent erection of statues at the historic battlefield of Dabudong in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province. These statues honor the esteemed legacies of Gen. Walton H. Walker.
During one of the most critical phases of the Korean War (1950-1953), the remarkable military leader Gen. Walton H. Walker (1889-1950) played a crucial role in commanding joint operations to defend against the communist forces' invasion of the Daegu and Busan regions. His leadership actions were instrumental in safeguarding the Nakdong River defense line, which served as the last line of deterrence during this intense conflict. Gen. Walker displayed remarkable courage and unwavering dedication to the defense of South Korea throughout the war. His pivotal role in the United Nations Command earned him deep admiration from both American and Korean forces. Tragically, Gen. Walker and his son, Sam Walker, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, both lost their lives during the war.
Particularly noteworthy is the presence of a distinguished stone monument in Dabu-dong, commemorating the gallant members of the "Jige Unit" who served during the Korean War. This poignant monument stands as a tribute to the remarkable courage and selflessness of these unsung heroes. These brave men, a group of Korean civilians known as the "Jige Unit" or "Porter Corps," carried burdens of up to 40 kg on their backs, including crucial supplies such as ammunition, fuel and food. They tirelessly climbed up and down the deep mountainous regions every day while facing treacherous bullets, all the while escorting the fallen and wounded.
Approximately 300,000 individuals participated in the "Jige Unit" during the Korean War. Despite having no military ranks or insignias, their primary duty was to transport heavy weights of supplies daily, covering a distance of 16 km each day on the frontline without any modern transportation assistance. Their dedication and indomitable spirit of sacrifice in the face of adversity are a testament to their unwavering commitment to their comrades and the nation.
Their unwavering dedication and determination in the face of perilous conditions exemplified the highest ideals of heroism. Despite the fact that their contributions might not have been widely recognized and could easily fade from our memory, their acts of valor are eternally etched in the annals of history. They shall be forever remembered and revered for their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
The stone monument stands as a poignant reminder of the gallant efforts and sacrifices made during the Battle of Dabu-dong. It serves as a beacon of inspiration and gratitude, ensuring that the memory of these noble soldiers and their extraordinary deeds endures for generations to come. Their legacy will forever shine as an emblem of honor and courage, guiding future generations to emulate the noble qualities displayed by these unsung heroes.
Regrettably, certain leftist radical civic groups have advocated for the withdrawal of the U.S. Army and the U.N. Command in Korea, arguing that it impedes inter-Korean unification. However, these demands fail to recognize the invaluable lessons and lofty sacrifices that emerged from the Korean War, a conflict where the U.S., U.N., ROK and other soldiers shed blood to secure the freedoms now enjoyed by Koreans. Many Korean War veterans in the U.S. and allied nations harbor deep concerns, feeling that these demands overlook their selfless sacrifices in the defense of Korea's liberty. Although more than seven decades have passed since the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War, the indomitable spirit of the numerous fallen U.N. warriors continues to evoke in me a profound sense of pride and respect.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.
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