Often called the “Forgotten War,” the conflict in Korea during the 1950s holds a handful of critical battles at risk of being lost to history.
Among them: The Miracle at Gapyeong, during which 240 soldiers from the Utah National Guard defended themselves against surprise attacks from thousands of enemy soldiers — without suffering a single fatality. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Utah battalion stuck together to force the Chinese and North Korean forces to surrender after 300 of their soldiers were killed and another 800 were captured.
On the 75th anniversary of that battle, Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy visited the Korean War memorial in Seoul to honor the soldiers from the Beehive State.
“Because of their sacrifice, the Republic of Korea stands today as a strong, free, and prosperous democracy. This is why gatherings like this matter,” Maloy said in a copy of her speech, which was obtained by the Deseret News. “The Korean conflict is known as the forgotten war. It is important that we remember.”
During the Chinese spring offensive mission on May 26, 1951, more than 200 Utah soldiers were left unprotected on the frontlines near Gapyeong, South Korea. During the night, the battalion faced surprise attacks from Chinese and North Korean soldiers, but managed to fend them off.
The successful battle was lauded as both a military triumph as well as a spiritual miracle for the Utah soldiers who credited their faith, discipline and unity for the victory.
Those members of the 213th Battalion became a symbol of courage and faith within the U.S. Army and Utah National Guard, while veterans later compared their faith to the story of the 2,000 young men known as stripling warriors from the Book of Mormon.
“The Miracle of Gapyeong is more than a military victory remembered in history books,” Maloy said. “It represents courage under impossible circumstances, sacrifice for others, and the enduring bond between allies who stood together in defense of freedom.”
Maloy honored the anniversary on Tuesday local time, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday back home — which the Utah lawmaker invoked as a way to ensure the Korean War is remembered in the same way as the annual U.S. federal holiday.
“To our veterans: America and Korea owe you a debt that can never be fully repaid,” Maloy said. “Your service protected freedom, defended democracy, and helped build one of the strongest alliances in the world today. The story of the Miracle at Gapyeong reminds us that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. That heroism should be remembered, honored, and passed down.”
“As we honor your legacy,” she added, “may we recommit ourselves to the values for which you fought: freedom, sacrifice, service, and peace.”