Along the Nakdong River Korean War Memorials in Chilgok-Gun County

If you have ever lived at or visited Camp Carroll, then you have most likely heard of “Hill 303”. To most, this is just a popular hiking spot. But the history behind this hill is so much more. It was atop this hill on August 15, 1950, that a small U.S. Army platoon, who was waiting for reinforcement from South Korean troops, fell prisoner to the North Korean forces after mistaking them for allies. The North Korean soldiers assured the U.S. soldiers that they would be sent to the prisoner camp in Seoul. However,  that turned out not to be true at all. At the bottom of Hill 303 is a memorial that lists the 41 American heroes who were lost during this unfortunate event as well as the five soldiers who miraculously survived. At the top of Hill 303 sits the Chilgok Peace Observatory which illuminates at sundown in the shape of a flame so that people, even from miles away, will always be reminded of  the sacrifices made during the Korean War.

Dabu-dong is another small town that sits near the Nakdong River, about ten miles north of Waegwan. This location also played a crucial role in the protection of the Pusan Perimeter. The most notable difference at the Dabu-Dong Memorial is the monument built to remember the over 200 police officers who were killed while defending Dabu-dong along with R.O.K. and U.N. soldiers, and ultimately saved South Korea from a full North Korean occupation.

 In honor of Korean Memorial Day on June 6, please take a moment to remember those who fought with full devotion and selflessness. Remember those who were lost to ensure that freedom in South Korea would prevail. 

About the Author

Ashley Courts is the Area IV Coordinator for United on the RoK as well as an author for the publication. As an Army spouse, Ashley is very involved in her community. She believes that a strong community increases the quality of life in overseas military installations. For fun Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and hiking with friends, and making new experiences to last a lifetime.