Fifty-four years after the guns went silent on the Korean Peninsula, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, today called on Australians to remember the conflict and all those who served and died. “There were 340 Australians who lost their lives during the Korean War out of more than 17,000 who served our country during this conflict,” Mr Billson said. “In addition to those who died, about 1200 Australians were wounded and 29 taken prisoner of war. Following the ceasefire, 18 Australians lost their lives in post-armistice Korea.” Mr Billson also acknowledged the losses suffered by Allied and enemy countries.

“The total loss of life of the Korean War extended to nearly four million people—two million civilians from South and North Korea; 415,000 South Korean forces; 40,000 from other United Nations forces; and perhaps 1.5 million North Korean and Chinese,” Mr Billson said. “Today we mourn all the lives that were lost. And we remember the Australian servicemen and women who served in the Korean War and our Allies who served side by side with them, particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Mr Billson said that when North Korea invaded South Korea, Australia was among the first countries to respond to the United Nations’ call for help. “Our country committed more than 17,000 to defend South Korea from the threat of armed aggression, and to uphold our commitment to the security of the region,” he said. “Our men and women in Korea served with remarkable courage, mateship and perseverance in an arduous environment, including extremes in climate, and I thank them on behalf of our nation.”

The 77 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force was awarded the Korean Presidential Unit Citation for meritorious service and heroism during the war. The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was awarded the United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation for its heroic actions during the Battle of Kapyong.