in The Korean War

It is Memorial Day 2009 in the United States, and I believe it is very fitting to remember with respect and thanks the contribution and heroism of the Turkish Brigade in the Korean War. These Turkish soldiers fought with bravery and heroism side by side with American soldiers.

In June, 1950, following the invasion by North Korea of South Korea, Turkey responded by sending a brigade of  5,000 troops to the conflict. “Turkey is ready to meet her responsibilities” was Turkey’s response to the need for action to combat the North Korean aggressor.

The Turkish Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General Tahsin Yazici, fought with courage in a number of battles, including those at Kunuri, Kumyangjang-ni, Taegyewonni and Wegas. It is estimated that Turkey lost over 700 men killed in action, with about 2,000 wounded and 400 missing in action.  Over the entire campaign period, about 14,000 Turkish troops served in Korea. The Turkish Brigade received the Distinguished Unit Citation from US President Harry S. Truman and the Presidential Unit Citation from the President of Korea.One commentator said as follows: “The Turks acquitted themselves in a brave and noble fashion in some of the worst conditions experienced in the Korean War. Very little else could have been required or expected of them. Their heavy casualties speak of their honor and commitment. Their bravery requires no embellishment. It stands on its own.”

There is an expression, “the more things change, the more they remain the same”. The news this Memorial Day is of North Korea’s underground nuclear test. This is a stark reminder of America’s need for friends in this complex world. Turkey is, and has been, one of America’s most stalwart friends. It is a committed member of NATO, and, as we have seen, during the Korean War, when North Korea launched an attack on South Korea, Turkey stepped up and showed its friendship by committing its troops to the conflict.

Americans need to know this story, and learn about the many other ways that Turkey has been a solid ally of the United States, even in the most adverse circumstances.

The story of the Turkish Brigade in the Korean War resonates brilliantly and inspires us even until today.

To the veterans of the Turkish Brigade, we give our heartfelt thanks, and to the memories of those brave Turkish soldiers of the Turkish Brigade, who fell, along with American soldiers, in the Korean War, we say: Thank you from our hearts for your sacrifice, for which we will be eternally grateful.

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Mark Meirowitz is a business lawyer in Manhattan. He also holds a doctorate in Politics and teaches undergraduate courses in Politics, History and Law at various colleges in the NYC metropolitan area. He is studying Turkish and belongs to a number of Turkish-American organizations.