The ‘Humanitarianism’ of Philippine Veterans of the Korean War is our Invaluable Legacy

Korea remembers the war hero who sacrificed his only life to rescue his subordinate. 70 years ago in April 1951, 10 months after the Korean War broke out, Captain Conrado D. Yap who commanded the10th Battalion Combat Team became an immortal hero during the Battle of Yultong in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-province, Republic of Korea. During the battle to cover support for adjacent units to retreat, despite the risk of losing a withdrawal route, Captain Yap rescued a wounded subordinate, recovered the body of fellow veterans, and regained a hill position until he fell dead from an enemy bullet.

The Korean government presented the extraordinary hero Order of Taegeug Military Merit in 2018 posthumously for the incredible courage and enormous responsibility who gave his own life to save the fellow veteran, and honored him again in April 2019 by awarding him ‘Korean War Hero of the Month.’

Despite being outnumbered by the opposing forces in the Battle of Yultong, the Philippine veterans distinguished themselves with indomitable spirits, and they successfully accomplished their mission despite the sacrifice of 56 veterans, including those 12 who gave their lives. The Philippines’ brave heroes held the first overseas troops deployment ceremony under the name of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea’ and risked their lives and fought to defend freedom and peace in the Republic of Korea.

In addition to Captain D. Yap, all Philippine veterans of the Korean War who did not turn their face away from Korea in a crisis symbolize the deepest love for humanity. Even after 70 years, the Republic of Korea still remembers that love and respect for human lives.

In Korea, we say “a friend in need is a friend in deed.” The Philippines is Korea’s ‘true friend’ who stood with us in our darkest hour till the very end. Therefore, the Korean government will do its best to expand and develop the true friendship forged in blood and sweat of the Philippine veterans based on ‘veterans’ affairs’.

As such, people in Korea and the Philippines are entrusted with the invaluable legacy of humanitarianism from the Philippine veterans of the Korean War. We, who live today, owe them to make their legacy more meaningful and continue and develop our bilateral relations well into the future.