Honouring our Korean War Veterans 75 years on

As we commemorate 75 years since Australia's involvement in the Korean War, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of our Korean veterans.

In the early hours of 25 June 1950, the North Korean People’s Army (KPA) crossed the border at the 38th parallel and advanced with incredible speed to capture the Korean peninsula capital, Seoul, within three days.

The United Nations (UN) Security Council called on its members to provide assistance to the South, and 22 member nations answered the call.

Australia was the second nation, after the United States, to commit personnel from all three armed services to the war. Australian personnel from Navy, Army and Air Force were posted to both Korea and the support base in Japan.

On 1 July, HMAS Shoalhaven became the first Australian unit to see active service in the war when it escorted US troop ships to Pusan. The next day, No. 77 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flew their first combat mission over Korea.

In September, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) joined the war effort, engaging in successive battles, including the fierce Battle of Kapyong where they fought off a large Chinese force trying to break through to advance on Seoul.

In the years following, thousands of additional Australian personnel from all three services took part in the war effort.

While direct conflict ended with the signing of an armistice on 27 July 1953, Australian forces remained in South Korea until 1957 when the United Nations Command was satisfied the ceasefire would hold.

Today, Australia remains a member of United Nations Command and continues to provide peacekeepers.

75 years on, we remember the more than 18,000 Australian personnel who served in Korea and those who paid the ultimate price.

We remember the wounded, those taken prisoner and the more than 40 who are missing in action, presumed dead.

We thank all those who have participated in peacekeeping efforts in the years since.

The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war.

To all of Australia’s Korean War veterans and their families; we commit as a nation to remember.

We say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.

We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour.

We honour your mates who never came home and the heartache of their families who continue to mourn 75 years on.

We thank you for your service.

Lest we forget.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608