We set out for our destination (located north of Osan) on a sunny day in July. The flags of the United Nations were waving proudly in the wind. The static display of military aircraft, vehicles, and artillery machinery excitedly welcomed visitors. The Republic of Korea’s 1947 F-86F Sabre Fighter Jet and the 1966 United States M48A2C Patton Tank caught our attention immediately. The teeth on the tank along with an unexpected number ofy wheels on the vehicle, held my fascination for quite a while. Seeing all the military equipment surrounded by the bustling city life and tall buildings was striking. While looking at the vehicles, you can see the United Nations flags surrounding a monument that set the tone for the entire complex. 

The New United Nations First Battle Memorial stands proudly on a hill surrounded by the United Nations flags and a beautiful garden filled with mugunghwa flowers, the national flower of South Korea. The blooming gardens evoked a sense of Korean national pride and enhanced the immense feeling of international support and respect. The 64 ft. monument is made of bronze and was completed in 1982 to honor the brave service members who lost their lives fighting for peace in Task Force Smith. 

On July 5, 1950, at Jukmiryeong Hill, Task Force Smith, led by United States Lieutenant Colonel Smith, would fight the first battle between the United States and North Korea. This became the first joint operation between Korea and the United Nations. 

Here history would be made and set a precedence of international cooperation on the peninsulas for years to come.

Outnumbered 10 to 1, the Korean and United Nations forces worked valiantly to protect Korea at the Jukmi Pass, trying to fend off an invasion from the north.  The Allied Forces’ howitzers were of little use against the armored Soviet-made T-34 tanks operated by North Korea, and soon our forces were surrounded. Many soldiers were dead, wounded, or missing, while the North Koreans’ advance continued for weeks. Although this battle may not be widely known, its lessons and outcomes have often been used in the decades since to inform service members of the importance of preparedness and evaluating the strengths of both sides. The members of Task Force Smith fought courageously, with unwavering vigilance, for the peace they strongly believed everyone should have. This monument honors their sacrifice, featuring soldiers whose faces reflect focused determination in holding back North Korean forces. Witnessing their sacrifice through this memorial left a lasting impact on my heart. 

Wartime is painful and full of too many lives who make the ultimate sacrifice, making us realize that peace is a priceless endeavor in our world. 

As we explored the rest of the complex we found the UN Forces First Battle Memorial Museum. Here there were recordings of live footage from the battle, artifacts, weapons, and uniforms worn by the soldiers of  Task Force Smith. The memorial inside honored 540 Veterans of Task Force Smith with a nameplate telling a bit about each Veteran who served. There were stories from Veterans about their time during the battle. Tears came to our eyes ass we listened to the Veterans’ stories. Hearing their words made the pain and anguish feel like fresh wounds that time had not yet healed. One Veteran shared that looking upon South Korea flourishing in the present day, made the fight for peace worth it to him, reflecting that peace and prosperity sometimes come at a personal cost, one he was content to have paid.

After an emotional tour through the Veterans exhibit, we continued on to the Charles B. Smith Peace Hall, which features the journey from the beginning of the war to the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. You can participate in an interactive exhibit with short films, a simulation of a train ride from Daejeon to Osan, visuals of wartime across the peninsula, virtual reality experiences inside a transport aircraft, and so many more educational exhibits. Each floor also has specially designed areas for small children. The cafe, kids' rooms, and experience rooms help provide play and education through creativity! 

There is also a huge outdoor park behind the complex with outdoor exhibits related to the July 5, 1950 battle. Climb the observatory to look out at Hwaseong-si and Suwon-si. Play on the large playground with slides or in the gate that looks like a Douglas C-45! The Old United Nations Forces Battle Monument is also located in this park section. Here 540 stones build the monument, symbolizing the 540 soldiers of Task Force Smith. 

At the end of our day, we were delighted to discover a special event for visitors where attendees are given a special coin to commemorate the battle. Each year these are given out as part of the Smith Unit's Fallen Soldiers Memorial Project. The heavy coin features the likenesses, names, affiliations, and ranks of Cpl. Jake W. Bailey and Sgt. Harvey N. Bailey, both from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. The opposite side features the New and Old United Nations First Battle Memorial. We left having learned so much and with an amazing gift to help us remember all those who sacrificed their lives in the defense of freedom. 

It has been over 74 years since Task Force Smith fought on the Jukmiryeong Hill, but each day since we are grateful for the peace brought to the peninsula. I highly encourage servicemembers and their families to visit the Osan Jukmiryeong Peace Park. There is also a special exhibition of the Korean War and Participating Units now until November 24th. We, as a society, will never know how important kindness and love are if we don’t understand the sacrifices made for peace. Peace is a fragile thing. It depends on people learning about these battles, hearing the stories, and making conscious decisions to practice collaboration, tolerance, positive communication, and respect daily. The Osan Jukmiryeong Peace Park reminds us of these important lessons while encouraging us to continue finding a way forward, together. 

Visit Osan Jukmiryeong Peace Park and see what unravels in your heart as you learn about the courageous Task Force Smith troops. 

As you make your plans to go, know there is parking at the location and accessibility features such as ramps and elevators are present throughout the complex. Most of the museum exhibitions are in Hangul. The video exhibits are in English with Korean translations or in Korean with English translations. Admission is free. While the outdoor memorials are a must-see, this location also has much to see and experience indoors, so it can be enjoyed when the weather isn’t so great too. 

[NAVER Map]

Osan Jungmiryeong Peace Park

경기도 오산시 외삼미동 600-1

https://naver.me/FW69RfxC

About the Author

Jetta Allen is the Editor in Chief of United on the RoK. Over the past few years, she has worn many hats; writer, poet, photographer, and editor. She loves nature, travel, and culture, but most of all, making memories with her family. As a military spouse, Jetta knows the importance of community and how being connected can help one find the resources and networks that help them thrive. 

Information and Sources

1. The UN Forces First Battle Memorial Brochure by the Osan Jukmiryeong Peace Park

2. Park Website: https://www.osan.go.kr/osanunm/main.do

3. Park Facebook: 유엔군 초전기념관: https://www.facebook.com/osanunm0705/photos

4. CHAPTER VI. (n.d.). https://history.army.mil/books/korea/20-2-1/Sn06.htm

5. McLeod, C. (2022). Lesson from the Past: Death on the Road to Osan: Task Force Smith. Infantry Magazine, Spring.

6. Task Force Smith The Lesson Never Learned. (n.d.). Defense Tactical Information Center. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA381834.pdf

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.