Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

[5th Army Division] “We remember Turkish heroes forever”

The 5th Army Division held a memorial ceremony for the battle of Jangseungcheon with the Turkish Embassy in Korea in Jangseungnae, Naesan-ri, Sinseo-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, on April 22.

The ceremony was attended by 30 key personnel, including the 5th divisional commander, the Turkish Ambassador to Korea, Arslan Hakan Okcal, and the vice-governor of Yeoncheon-gun, Kim Jeong-gi.

The commander said, “The sacrifices of Turkish fellow soldiers came into bloom as a flower of freedom, peace, and prosperity in this very land after over half a century. I would like to express my respect to those Turkish heroes for the gallantry and righteousness they showed during the fierce wartime.”

The Turkish Ambassador said, “Thank you for this ceremony, which ties our friendship and unity together. We will try to solidify the special blood alliance that was gained through the Korean War.”

The battle of Jangseungcheon in April 1951, during the 6·25 Korean War, served as a delaying action that was successfully conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces, which belonged to the 25th U.S. Army Division, despite a rear attack and interception of retreat by the Communist Chinese Army. Thanks to the fierce fighting of the Turkish forces, the U.S., French, and Philippines Armed Forces could safely withdraw and carry out their counter-attack operations.

By Seung-Hee, Ahn < seung@dema.mil.kr >
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