@rapsantos 20 April 2021

The Battle of Yultong

Years after World War II, peace was restored throughout the globe, nations began to rebuild what was lost, but this period at that time when tensions between the **East** - *The* ***Communists of the Soviet Union***, and the **West** - *The* ***United States and its allies***. It marked the beginning of the **Cold War**. After Japan's surrender, Korea is divided at the **38th Parallel** into 2 zones of occupation. The northern half is controlled by the **Soviets**, while the southern half is controlled by the **Americans**. But the North Korean People's Army with support from China & the Soviet Union plans to invade the South. On **June 25, 1950**, the **Korean War** began. Most of us are now getting hooked into Korean-Pop Culture, but there's one particular story during the Korean War where only hundreds of Filipino troops managed to hold the line against thousands of invading forces from the Chinese, and the first battle won on foreign soil. The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK)

Also known as the **10th Battalion Combat Team**. This was the Expeditionary Force sent to fight in the **Korean War**. Composed of **1,468 troops**, and *the fifth largest force* under the **United Nations Command**. The battalion was attached to the **U.S. 3rd Infantry Division** during the invasion to retake South Korea, but the battalion had heavy losses, only **900** remained alive. As they prepare for the offensive, the **U.S. 65th Infantry Regiment** deployed 2 Battalions facing the **Imjin River**, the **10th BCT** held the regiment's right flank, next to them was the **Turkish Brigade** in the east where the Filipinos were stationed at. How did the Battle start?

It began on **April 22, 1951**, at **8:00 pm** (**20:00**), when the Chinese hit the Turks' position with an artillery barrage. After midnight, an artillery and mortar barrage followed by small-arms & machine gunfire struck the 3rd Division of the 65th Regiment. At **11:00 pm** (**23:00**) the assault began in waves and fought a series of close combat engagements within its positions. The line for the 65th Regiment was disconnected by enemy artillery but was restored at **12:30 a.m.** (**00:30**). The Turks were ordered to reposition south of the Hantan River, while the 2nd Battalion of the 65th Regiment was forced to fall back a hundred yards to regroup since the attack from the Chinese was intense. **April 23, 1951**, **1:00 a.m.** (**01:00**), the Chinese have surrounded the 65th Regiment so no one could escape. As for the 10th BCT, they remained in their position to hold their ground: drivers, typists, clerks, medics, cooks, and a chaplain joined the fight. They were pinned down but still managed to launch a counter-attack driving the enemy away. **Capt. Conrado Yap** learned that some members of his battalion were killed, and wounded so he led a counter-attack towards the hill to rescue any survivors and recover his men. But Capt. Yap was killed in the fight. They succeeded in their objective and recovered a squad of survivors. The Fighting Filipinos held their positions until early morning and covered the 3rd Division's retreat. 12 Killed in Action, 38 were wounded while 6 were missing. While the invading force suffered a lot of casualties, more than 500 Killed in Action, and 2 were captured. The Aftermath

The late **Capt. Conrado Yap** was a decorated Filipino serviceman of the **Korean War**. He was posthumously awarded the following medals and to honor his legacy, he was commemorated in various ways provided below: **The Philippine Medal of Valor** **U.S. Distinguished Service Cross** **First Class Taegeuk Cordon** / **Order of Military Merit** ***Camp Conrado Yap***, a Philippine National Police camp in Iba, Zambales. The ***Philippine Military Academy****'s mess hall* called ***Yap Hall*** was named in his honor. **BRP Conrado Yap**, a corvette naval ship of the Philippine Navy **Capt. Conrado Yap Day** is a non-working holiday every **April 23** in **Candelaria**, **Zambales**.

A monument was erected during its 15th Anniversary of the Battle of Yultong on **April 22, 1966,** in **Yeoncheon**, **South Korea**. If you'll visit **Luneta Park** in **Manila**, there's a monument called the **Filipino-Korean Soldier Monument**. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties of the Philippines & South Korea on **September 6, 2010**. This story shows us how we Filipinos are resilient and would do anything on their part for their love of our country, and to their fellow brothers in battle. Still, both North & South Korea are not on good terms after the war, but I'm hoping for both countries to ease the tensions and may bring peace & prosperity for both nations.