In the Battle of Geumbyeongsan in 1951, amidst a hail of bullets, one US Army officer calmly walked around with his arms crossed. He walked behind soldiers who were randomly firing their guns while hiding behind cover and encouraged them to resist fear, stand tall, and shoot correctly. Thanks to his endeavors, the morale of his unit was boosted. The area under his command, which was different at the beginning, uniquely advanced northward compared to other battalions after May 31st. This man who put his own life on the line during the Korean War was called Colonel Young-Oak Kim.
Today is Veterans Day in the US. As a Korean immigrant in America, my way of paying respects to this day is celebrating the life of Colonel Young-Oak Kim. His life story, spanning two of the 20th century’s most significant conflicts — the Second World War and the Korean War — is a testament to the strength of character and unwavering dedication that I aspire to follow.
Born in 1919 to Korean immigrant parents in Los Angeles, Kim grew up facing the stark realities of racial discrimination. At first, he was refused by the US Army to enlist because he was Asian. Despite these challenges, his commitment to his country never wavered. It was profoundly evident when, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army. Thanks to the U.S. Congress that enacted a law subjecting Asian Americans to conscription in 1941, he could mark the start of an illustrious military career that year.
In World War II, Kim was initially assigned to a segregated unit composed of Japanese-American soldiers. His leadership and bravery were conspicuous during his service in the famed 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, units renowned for their heroism and heavily decorated nature. Notably, Kim was the only Korean American in these units, highlighting his unique position in a racially diverse military landscape.
Colonel Kim’s heroics in Europe are legendary. He played pivotal roles in several key battles, including the Rescue of the Lost Battalion in France, where his unit saved hundreds of fellow American soldiers. His gallantry earned him numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star.
Following World War II, Kim initially faced obstacles in his military career due to racial discrimination. He returned home and operated a laundry shop for a living. But the start of the Korean War reignited his will to fight, leading to his recall to the US Army in 1951. As a battalion commander, Kim’s strategic acumen and compassion were evident. He insisted on treating Korean civilians and prisoners of war humanely, setting a standard for conduct in war.
Colonel Young-Oak Kim passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his military achievements. He remains a symbol of the possibilities that emerge when courage, dedication, and a commitment to equality are the guiding principles of one’s life.
Today, I am happy I could be one of many who remember his contributions. For immigrant Americans searching for a beacon of what it means to be a true hero, Colonel Kim’s story should continue to inspire through generations.
