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| ▲ This undated photo provided by the veterans ministry on Jan. 31, 2025, shows the U.S. 8240th Army Unit. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
US military unit-recognition
U.S.-led guerrilla unit named as Korean War hero for next month
SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's veterans ministry said Friday it has designated the U.S. 8240th Army Unit, a U.S.-led guerrilla force, as the Korean War hero for February in recognition of its contributions during the 1950-53 conflict.
Formed in 1951, the irregular task force, made up of U.S. and South Korean officers as well as Korean volunteers, aimed to disrupt North Korean and Chinese forces through guerilla warfare after Chinese troops entered the war in late 1950.
Mostly composed of South Korean fighters, the unit operated along the eastern and western coasts, deploying 32 teams with over 20,000 personnel in more than 4,000 operations, which included intelligence gathering and sabotage missions, according to the ministry.
The unit's operations forced North Korea to divert over 20,000 troops to coastal defenses, weakening their front-line capabilities, it said.
After the 1953 armistice, the unit was reorganized to serve as the foundation for the South Korean Army's 1st Combat Group -- now known as the 1st Special Forces Brigade.
South Korea has recognized the contributions of the guerrilla operatives, awarding military honors to 65 members of the unit, according to the ministry.
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