South Korean president thanks US veteran of Hungnam evacuation
Burley Smith, 89, gives his thoughts on South Korea at the Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp, Friday. / Yonhap
Smith, his family and South Korean government officials at the park / Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
President Moon Jae-in has expressed his gratitude to a U.S. veteran, who participated in the operation that saved the lives of Moon's parents during the Korean War (1950-53).
In his letter to Burley Smith, 89, who is visiting South Korea with his family, Moon expressed his deep gratitude to the former sailor on the SS Meredith Victory, a ship that carried 14,000 North Korean refugees, including Moon's parents, to South Korea at the height of the war.
“My parents would not have made it to Geoje Island, if it weren't for great sailors like you. I also wouldn't be here today,” Moon wrote.
“I'd like to express my gratitude to you in person in Busan, but I won't be able to because of my schedule as president.
“But a senior official at the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will serve you there for me. If your schedule permits, the official will treat you and your family a lunch. I heard some of the five babies born on the ship, including the 'Kimchi five,' will greet you there. I hope you all make wonderful memories.”
The operation took place in December of 1950, when Chinese troops were pouring down the Korean peninsula to fight U.N. troops. Only hours before Chinese forces swept into the area, U.S. Captain Leonard LaRue ordered his sailors to dump weapons and supplies from the ship to make room for as many refugees as possible.
Moon's parents were among the refugees who made it to Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province on Christmas Eve, 1950.
Five babies were born during the voyage and they were nicknamed “Kimchi one, two, three, four and five.” The ministry was able to find two of them, who met Smith in Geoje Friday.
Son Yang-young and Lee Kyung-pil ― the first and last babies who are 67 years old today ― welcomed Smith, his wife and daughter with big smiles.
They then all visited the monument for the Hungnam evacuation at the Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp to pay homage to the late captain and sailors.
After the war, LaRue returned home and served as a monk at St. Paul's Abbey in New Jersey until his death in 2001.
Smith donated the city flag of Miami, his hometown, to the park as a symbol of the alliance between South Korea and the U.S.
Smith is one of only three American survivors who took part in the rescue operation. Moon met Robert Lunney, another surviving veteran, in the U.S. last June.