Leadership Quotes from the Victors of the Korean War - Part 2

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, with the invasion of South Korea by the North Korean Communist Party under Operation Storm. It was a major war since World War II, involving United Nations (UN) forces, led by the United States, as well as the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Soviet Union (USSR). Fought between the Second World War and the Vietnam War, the Korean War is often referred to as "The Forgotten War" or "The Unknown War" due to its lack of recognition by younger generations. The conflict resulted in an estimated 2 to 2.5 million deaths on both sides, mostly civilians (around 80 percent), and including roughly 200,000 to 500,000 combat casualties. Over 100,000 UN and US soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Korea. We thank all UN and US servicemen and women for their sacrifice for the Republic of Korea.

⊙ Major General Oliver P. Smith: Leadership and Valor at the Battle of Lake Changjin

Marine Corps Major General Oliver P. Smith, a United States Marine Corps soldier renowned for his outstanding command and valor in the Korean War, commanded US Marines and allied forces in the face of a fierce Chinese offensive during the Battle of Changjin Lake in December 1950. This brutal battle, one of the most challenging of the Korean War, was fought in extreme cold and isolation.  Through it all, Major General Smith remained calm, demonstrating exceptional leadership. He not only repelled the Chinese forces but also oversaw the evacuation of thousands of South Korean troops and refugees from North Korea.

• Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction. - Major General Oliver P. Smith in Korea December 1950

• Gentlemen, we are not retreating. We are merely advancing in another direction. - Major General Oliver P. Smith in Korea December 1950

• I'm going to fight my way out, I'm going to take all my equipment and all my wounded and as many dead as I can. If we can't get out this way, this Division will never fight as a unit again. - Major General Oliver P. Smith in Korea December 1950

⊙ From Retreat to Repel: General Ridgway's Strategic Brilliance 

General Matthew B. Ridgway emerged as one of the principal commanders of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, succeeding General Walker, the commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, who tragically perished in a sudden car accident. General Ridgway played a pivotal role in stabilizing the situation amidst the Chinese offensive, deftly exercising strategic command as American forces retreated and confronted the advancing Chinese troops.

In the face of the Chinese offensive, which encompassed strategic withdrawals, the Battle of Jipyong-ri, and the recapture of Seoul, General Ridgway's restoration of the U.S. Eighth Army's morale, his meticulous planning, and audacious utilization of firepower paved the way for a counterattack. This counterattack enabled United Nations (UN) forces to repel the Chinese onslaught and restore the 38th parallel.

In April 1951, following General MacArthur's dismissal by President Truman, General Ridgway was appointed Supreme Allied Commander and Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Forces in the Far East. Under his leadership, the front was stabilized along the current armistice line. General Ridgway's astute management of prisoners of war and adept negotiation skills during armistice talks were instrumental in preventing enemy reunification on the Korean Peninsula.

• The Right Way, the Wrong Way, and the Ridgway: The Will to Succeed

• Hold positions at all costs. - Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway

• And remember this, since no one can predict today when you may be thrown into combat, perhaps within hours after deplaning in an overseas theater – as happened to thousands in Korea, and as I have no doubt to many in Vietnam – you will have no time to get in shape. You must be in shape all the time. - Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway

⊙ The Exorcising Marines: Marguerite Higgins's Reporting from the Korean War

Marguerite Higgins, an American journalist, gained worldwide fame for her on-the-ground coverage of World War II and the Korean War. Arriving in Korea just two days after the outbreak of the conflict, she reported on the war for a significant stretch. Higgins was present for the Incheon landing on September 15th, 1950, where the Marines bravely fought through fierce resistance from North Korean forces. This act of courage earned them the nickname "The Ghosts of the Korean War," a moniker that has stuck with them ever since.

• Ghost Catching Marine. - Marguerite Higgins in Korea

• It doesn’t help the nation to insult or anger the Marine Corps. - Marguerite Higgins in Korea

• A military situation at its worst can inspire fighting men to perform at their best. - Marguerite Higgins, War in Korea: The Report of a Woman Combat Correspondent

• "I thought then how much more matter-of-fact the actuality of war is than any of its projections in literature. The wounded seldom cry – there’s no one with time and emotion to listen." - Marguerite Higgins, War in Korea: The Report of a Woman Combat Correspondent

⊙ Sacrifice for Freedom and a Just Cause: Messages from the Korean War

• Freedom is not free, our cause was just, and our will unbroken - Korean War Memorial.

• Without my country I cannot exist. - General Paik Sun-yup

• "I will defend Korea as I would my own country—just as I would California." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur to Dr. Syngman Rhee, President of the two-month-old South Korean Republic, October 1948

Additional resources:

Leadership and Valor in Band of Brothers

22 Quotes about Soldiers & Army

Beyond Heroism: The Power of Camaraderie in 'Band of Brothers'

Insights on War and Peace: Moshe Dayan's Quotes

The Courage of Sacrifice: Inspiring Quotes for Memorial Day and Beyond

Remembering the Sacrifice: Memorial Day Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Motivational Quotes To Inspire You.

#Topics #Korean War #North Korean invasion #Chinese Communist offensive #Leadership #Leader #Valor #Victors #Battle of Changjin Lake #General Oliver P. Smith #General Matthew B. Ridgway #Marguerite Higgins #Courage #Sacrifice