SCR110

A Concurrent Resolution honoring the sacrifices and contributions of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War.

Whereas, In 1965, the first United States Marines entered Vietnam to prevent the Communist takeover of South Vietnam and by 1968 there were more than 500,000 United States military personnel stationed in Vietnam; and

Whereas, Among the United States military personnel stationed in Vietnam were members of the Republic of Korea (ROK), amassing the second largest foreign military contingent after the United States; and

Whereas, From September 1964 to March 1973, the ROK sent more than 300,000 troops to Vietnam in its effort to participate as an ally of the United States; and

Whereas, Korean troops proved effective in their areas of operations and were relied on by American war planners due to their ability to carry out missions with considerable success; and

Whereas, Korean personnel provided protection to the South Vietnamese in the central coastal area and prevented the North Vietnamese and Vietcong from dominating the areas, significantly aiding the pressure felt on US personnel; and

Whereas, The Korean involvement in Vietnam played a significant role in averting communist dominance in the South China Sea region; and

Whereas, 58,220 United States military personnel were killed, more than 300,000 wounded, and 2,000 personnel missing in action; and

Whereas, Over 5,000 ROK military personnel were killed and approximately 11,000 injured during the course of the war; and

Whereas, It is estimated that 20 percent of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War suffered injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder, total disability, and the effects of Agent Orange; and

Whereas, There are an estimated 3,000 naturalized Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War and fought alongside the United States; and

Whereas, Korean troops contributed their aid to the United States war in Vietnam and sacrificed their lives in the name of democracy and freedom; and

Whereas, The citizens of New Jersey and the United States owe their appreciation to all veterans who have fought to promote life and liberty, many paying the ultimate sacrifice; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

1. The Legislature of the State of New Jersey honors the sacrifices by Korean veterans in the Vietnam War and recognizes the contributions the Korean soldiers made in supporting the United States.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Korean Ambassador to the United States, the Korean Ambassador to the United Nations, and the United States Ambassador to Korea.

STATEMENT

This concurrent resolution honors the Korean veterans of the Vietnam War and recognizes the sacrifices of those who served alongside the United States during the conflict. The Republic of Korea amassed a military in Vietnam second only to the United States, with over 300,000 troops being deployed over the course of their involvement in the conflict. The Korean troops provided effective operations and were relied on by the American war planners to provide protection to the South Vietnamese and prevent the North Vietnamese and Vietcong from dominating the areas. These veterans played a significant role in averting communist dominance in the South China Sea region.

As a result of the sacrifices that come with promoting life and liberty, over 5,000 ROK military personnel were killed and over 11,000 injured in addition to the approximately 58,000 United State military personnel killed and over 300,000 wounded. After the war, it is estimated that roughly 3,000 Koreans who fought in Vietnam became naturalized in the United States. Of these citizens, it is estimated that roughly 20 percent suffer from long-term health effects that directly resulted from their participation in the war.

New Jersey appreciates the United States and Korean veterans who served in Vietnam and promoted life and liberty.