Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
한국군사연구 Journal of Korean Military History, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.26-57, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
This article examines Turkey's participation in the Korean War, focusing on the Turkish Brigade's role in two major battles: Kunu-ri and Kumyangjang-ni. Turkey's decision to join the conflict was motivated by a desire to demonstrate its commitment to the Western alliance after remaining neutral during World War II. Initially offering a full infantry division, Turkey ultimately sent a brigade of 6,092 personnel, marking its first foreign military engagement since its founding in 1923. This study compares official accounts from the United States, South Korea, and Turkey to provide a comprehensive history of the Turkish Brigade's involvement. It highlights discrepancies in these accounts, particularly regarding the Battle of Kunu-ri. The U.S. official history criticized the Turkish Brigade's performance and cited communication issues, which the paper attributes to differences in military cultures between Turkish and American forces. The Battle of Kumyangjang-ni proved to be a turning point for the Turkish Brigade's reputation. Their successful defense against Chinese forces, particularly their famous bayonet attacks, earned them recognition from UN Forces Commander General Douglas MacArthur, who dubbed them the "bravest of brave." This article argues that Turkey's participation in the Korean War, especially after the initial setback at Kunu-ri, played a crucial role in repairing its international credibility. This engagement had significant implications for Turkey's internal politics, fostering the growth of pro-Americanism and anti-communism within the country. Overall, this study aims to fill a gap in existing literature by providing a balanced account of the Turkish Brigade's Korean War experience, drawing on multiple national perspectives.