Embassy of the United States

Political Incidents

(Cohen stresses remembering Koreans, U.S. soldiers)  (1010)

U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen discussed a report released by
the Department of the Army January 11 on the deaths of Korean
civilians in the vicinity of No Gun Ri, South Korea in July 1950.

"The passage of 50 years has reduced the possibility that all of the
facts can be known about the tragic incident that took place in the
vicinity of No Gun Ri in South Korea. We have determined, however,
that U.S. soldiers killed or injured an unconfirmed number of Korean
refugees in the last week of July 1950 during a withdrawal under
pressure in the vicinity of No Gun Ri," he said.

Cohen stressed that "while recollection of these events is painful,
neither Americans nor Koreans should bury the history."

"Innocent Korean civilians died as a result of the war forced upon our
two countries, and we should never forget them, as we should never
forget the brave soldiers who fought to defend freedom. At the same
time, we must keep in mind that our war effort protected, and
eventually preserved, the liberty of the people of the Republic of
Korea, laying the foundations for our now longstanding partnership and
for the prosperity and democracy that the Republic of Korea enjoys
today," he said.

Following is the text of Cohen's statement:

(begin text)

United States Department of Defense
News Release

No. 017-01
January 11, 2001

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE STATEMENT ON NO GUN RI

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen today released the following
statement:

"In September 1999, after press reports that Korean refugees were
killed by U.S. soldiers in the vicinity of No Gun Ri during the Korean
War, President Clinton directed an investigation be undertaken by the
Department of Defense to determine what occurred at No Gun Ri in 1950.
Over the last 15 months, the Department of the Army has conducted a
thorough and exhaustive review of the No Gun Ri incident, working
closely with the government of the Republic of Korea, interviewing
over 150 U.S. citizens and examining over one million documents. My
oversight of this exhaustive investigation was aided by eight
distinguished Americans --Ambassador Donald Gregg, retired Col. Young
Oak Kim, Dr. Ernest May, former Congressman Pete McCloskey, Mr. Don
Oberdorfer, former Gov. Mike O'Callaghan, retired Gen. Bob RisCassi,
and retired Gen. Mick Trainor -- whom I asked to participate as well.
Today, we are releasing the findings of the Army's investigation.

"The Korean War was fought for a just cause. After North Korea invaded
South Korea on June 25, 1950, U.S. forces were rushed into battle from
Japan, joined later by many thousands of Americans, 36,000 of whom
lost their lives in battles to defend freedom. In the early weeks of
the war, U.S. troops were young, under-trained, and unprepared for the
battle tactics of the North Korean forces. The sacrifices of the U.S.
and South Korean soldiers who lost their lives in this fight for
freedom on the Korean Peninsula can never be forgotten.

"The passage of 50 years has reduced the possibility that all of the
facts can be known about the tragic incident that took place in the
vicinity of No Gun Ri in South Korea. We have determined, however,
that U.S. soldiers killed or injured an unconfirmed number of Korean
refugees in the last week of July 1950 during a withdrawal under
pressure in the vicinity of No Gun Ri.

"Earlier today, the White House released a statement by President
Clinton that expresses the United States' deepest sorrow, regret, and
sympathy to the survivors and the victims' families for the events
that transpired at No Gun Ri, and for their anguish during their long
effort to gain acknowledgment of that tragedy.

"While recollection of these events is painful, neither Americans nor
Koreans should bury the history. Innocent Korean civilians died as a
result of the war forced upon our two countries, and we should never
forget them, as we should never forget the brave soldiers who fought
to defend freedom. At the same time, we must keep in mind that our war
effort protected, and eventually preserved, the liberty of the people
of the Republic of Korea, laying the foundations for our now
longstanding partnership and for the prosperity and democracy that the
Republic of Korea enjoys today.

"As a symbol of our deep regret over the tragedy, the United States
will erect a memorial in the vicinity of No Gun Ri, which will be
dedicated to the innocent Korean civilians who lost their lives during
the struggle to preserve the independence of their country.

"In addition, the United States will establish a scholarship fund,
which the U.S. and the Republic of Korea have agreed to name the
United States - Republic of Korea Commemorative Scholarship. This fund
will preserve the memory of those who died during the war. It will
also be used to offer South Korean youths the chance to further their
education in the Republic of Korea and in the United States to
strengthen the ties between our two countries.

"The Republic of Korea and the United States lost many lives during
the Korean War. Through these and many other sacrifices, the
independence of the Republic of Korea was preserved and flourishes
today. As we reflect with sorrow over the tragic loss of innocent life
in this war, we should not lose sight of the profound achievement of
freedom and democracy, nor can we forget the strong and enduring
relationship that has grown between the Republic of Korea and the
United States. Our shared sacrifice of half a century ago has forged
ties of mutual respect and cooperation that we should all be proud of
as the United States and the Republic of Korea begin a new century of
friendship."

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov