Banquet Address by Major General Kim Seong-Sup, AROK-Ret

I am here from Korea to honor the Marines who died bravely in the battles of Jang Jin (Chosin) Reservoir, Operation Killer, Operation Ripper, Hwachon Reservoir, and Iron Triangle.

Dog Company Marines will always be remembered for their brave fights in many other battles such as Bunker Hill, Carson, Reno and Vegas in the defense of Korean lives till the very last days of the war, July 27, 1953.

You came to defend the Korean Penninsula that few recognized at the time and which was not even your native land.

You sacrificed your precious youth to protect our peace and freedom as international policemen. Your sacrifice has proved that democracy is the best system mankind has known.

During your stay in the Korean War, you actually fought three old enemies. You fought a Chinese Communist force that was nine times bigger than your force. You fought the minus 40 degrees brutal cold weather in a very rough mountainous terrain.

However, you were among the greatest Marines in the world and won the battle with great fighting spirit.

Because of you, Marines, it was possible to evacuate more than 150,000 refugees to South Korea as free men and women during the Hung Nam evacuation operation. I will never forget that operation because I can proudly say that I was one of the 150,000 to gain freedom. Thank you for saving my life.

Without your help and sacrifices the 150,000 would be suffering from hunger and poverty under Kim Jung Il's North Korean communist dictatorship.

In the last three years North Korea has begged food of the international society. On the other hand, the communists have wasted alot of money developing nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles preparing for war.

As you did, maybe our sons will fight bravely to keep our freedom. However, I am confident to say that we, as Koreans, have tried our best to prevent war and to protect our free democratic system which we, you and us, together have defended.

Once again, I would like to thank you for protecting our free democracy 49 years ago and also thank you for inviting me here today. I would like to pray for those who fell in battle and to sympathise for the wounded.

Finally, I would toast to your health and the happiness of you and family.

Thank you,