Three generations dedication to Korea's freedom
By Choe Chong-dae
Although it has been seven decades since the 1950-53 Korean War broke out, the spirit of thousands of fallen U.N. warriors evokes in me a sense of pride and respect.
I recently took a trip to Haman, a rural town in South Gyeongang Province. While at the town's Patriots Park, I came across a sculpture, a monument to a man bearing the inscription, “Captain Robert Lee Timmons (1919 ― 1950).”
Captain Timmons was a Korean War hero who played a significant role in protecting the last line of defense at the Nakdong River Battle.
As a company commander in a U.S. Army battalion fighting against North Korean forces on Seobuk Mountain in Haman County, Captain Timmons was killed in action on Aug.23, 1950, at what was called "Battle Mountain," part of the Busan perimeter defense on the Nakdong River. The river stretches through Daegu and Busan, and the fighting there was some of the fiercest of the Korean War. It was the last line of defense for the U.N. forces that had retreated.
Therefore, the Nakdong River Battle (Aug. 1- Sept. 24, 1950) played a crucial role in creating a natural border and securing a perimeter which prevented the North Korean army from advancing towards the city of Daegu and Busan.
Acutely aware of the critical situation at the Busan perimeter, General Walton Walker, the first Commanding General of the U.S. Eighth Army, emphasized that his men, "either protect the Nakdong line or die trying." The U.S.-led forces did their utmost to defend the circumference of the river to prevent the North Korea enemy forces from advancing further to cities such as Waegwan (Chilgok-gun), North Gyeongsang Province and Masan and Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. The Republic of Korea would have been communized by the North in a few months after the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950 if it were not for the strategic Nakdong River Defense Line.
It is worthy of note that Captain Timmons left a unique legacy of service and devotion to Korea that inspired both his son and a grandson to follow in his footsteps as U.S. Army officers. Three generations of Timmons have courageously served in Korea and have helped secure South Korea's freedom. When Captain Timmons was killed in Korea, his son, F. Richard Timmons, was only 7 years old. However, his son later joined the Army, had a successful career, and became Commanding General of the U.S. 8th Army in Korea from 1995 to 1997. During his time in Korea, Lieutenant General Timmons paid a visit to Seobuk Mountain, the site of his father's death during the Korean War.
Remarkably, in 1996, Captain Timmons's grandson, who was also an officer in the U.S. Army, was sent to Korea. He served along the DMZ and led front-line soldiers near Panmunjom.
To honor the noble spirit of Captain Timmons, a monument stands on Seobuk Mountain and his bust stands at Patriots Park, Hamam County. Furthermore, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs honored him by recognizing him as a Korean War Hero in November, 2020 in honor of his dedication to the Republic of Korea.
I am grateful for the three generations of Timmons who gave so much to Korea and will never forget their sacrifices.
Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com