After World War 2 (WW2), many countries and communities were still recovering from the devastation they had suffered during the war. Millions of people have been killed and many societies are trying to rebuild what they lost. Yet, only 5 years later after this devastating war had ended, another one occurs. It was the Korean War and the USA had requested that Australia was to send to troops to assist in the effort.
To many Australians they felt alienated in this country but it didn’t stop them. From the 25th June, 1950 to 27th July, 1953 a total of 17,000 Australian troops assisted in the fight against communist forces of North Korea. These troops ranged from the army to the navy to the Air Force. After the War ended in 1953, Australia remained in Korea for an additional 4 years as military observers. To this day, Australia has remained as a presence in Korea. ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ |
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The involvement of Australia in the Korean War, got the attention of many nations. Many awards and decorations were to given to Australians from a range of nations totalling a maximum of 153 awards. Australia itself gifted many troops with awards and decorations and that reached a total of 615. To this day, Australia still receives many political and security benefits including the signing of the ANZUS treaty with the USA and New Zealand. It is regarded as the most important signing in Australian History
Reginald Saunders
Reginald Walter "Reg" Saunders was the first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army. He fought in many wars including World War 2 and the Korean War. In the Korean War, Reginald Saunders served as a Captain in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and fought at Kapyong. My Great Grandfather served in the 3rd Battalion when Reginald Saunders was Captain and spoke very highly of him. Reginald Saunders was the first Aboriginal Australian to be awarded the MBE award (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) which is an award given by the Queen to an individual for outstanding service to the community or local 'hands on' service.