The Code Of Conduct - Part 1

The Korean War, also known as the Forgotten War, was fought on the Korean peninsula from June 25th, 1950 to July 27th, 1953. 

The Korean War was an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies.

As one consequence of World War II, Korea was divided and controlled by two separate governments.

The 38th parallel was the dividing line between these two territories.

North Korea, with the help of the Soviets, set up a communist government controlled by Kim II-sung.

A democratic government, helped by the United States, was set up in South Korea, with Syngman Rhee elected President.

Neither government recognized the other and this created a conflict that lead to war.

A map showing the division of the Korean peninsula at the end of World War II.

Prisoners of War

During the Korean War a total of 4,428 U.S. Soldiers, Airman, Sailors and Marines were taken prisoner and held in POW camps.

North Korea had approximately 20 known POW camps located throughout the country where servicemen underwent some of the most brutal conditions any human could endure.

The techniques used to exploit POWs were unprecedented from previous U.S. war involvement. Propaganda was used as a method to manipulate the truth, and it proved to be effective in swaying world opinion as to the treatment of captured Americans and allies.

One of the most elaborate propaganda efforts was the 1952 POW Olympics held in Pyuktong, North Korea.

For 12 days in November, approximately 500 prison athletes from Britain, South Korea, Australia, Turkey, and the U.S. competed against other camps in events mirroring the World Olympics such as baseball, boxing, and track and field.

This effort was publicized to show the world just how well the prisoners were treated.

Of course, this was not the reality.

This is a Korean War Prisoner of War Exhibit case showing the hat, shirt, and pants were worn by A2C Eugene Evers while he was a prisoner of war for more than a year during the Korean War. (U.S. Air Force photo).

A Prisoner's Odyssey

Evers was a reconnaissance camera repairman stationed in Japan.

To check out a camera that had been malfunctioning in flight, he went on a mission with an RB-29 flight crew of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in July 1952.

The plane was shot down northwest of Pyongyang, North Korea, and Evers was taken prisoner.

His captors did not believe that Evers--an extra man in a crew of twelve--was a repairman, and beat him severely.

He was kept in solitary confinement in a hole outside a house, and eventually taken into China for interrogation and tried as a "war criminal." Evers was not released until September 1953.

He was given a single uniform that he wore for over a year, then given the new clothing on display and a shower right before his release. This uniform was only worn briefly, for one or two days.

The Korean War Legacy Foundation includes an interview with Eugene Evers which includes a number of video interviews with Evers regarding his experiences.

A photograph of A2C Eugene Evers, Korean War Prisoner of War.

The prisoners throughout communist Korea faced brutal torture, random genocide, lack of food, absence of medical aid, and inhuman treatment, which became a familiar daily struggle of survival. 

The majority of the 235 airmen captured during the Korean War were held in solitary confinement for a large part of their captivity.

Prisoners suffered from bitter cold and inadequate food, clothing, and medical care. Airmen, especially pilots, were considered potential sources of intelligence and were subjected to frequent psychological and physical torture.

Under these conditions men committed acts inconsistent with their character. Everyone was forced to deal with the external and internal pressures of confinement for which they were not adequately trained.

They claim they had been "Brainwashed"!

Repatriation

The hostilities of the Korean War drew to their conclusion with the signing of the Armistice July 27, 1953.

During the two months leading up to the signing of the agreement, Operation Little Switch returned the first 149 U.S. prisoners of war back to friendly control.

Three months later, Operation Big Switch took place repatriating nearly 3,597 U.S. Soldiers, Airman, Sailors and Marines. Twenty-one of these Americans refused repatriation, and took residence in China.

During both operations, the horrors of the inhuman treatment and the misconduct of our own men surfaced. What made Korea different than previous wars?

Why was it that one out of three POWs collaborated with the enemy? 

The answer to the question may be as easy as we were not prepared. 

Washington was perplexed at the number of men who participated in collaborating with the enemy or conducted acts against fellow POWs. 

An investigation took place to these alleged accusations and became validated. A plan was needed to prevent this from reoccurring in future conflicts.

The Code Of Conduct

The Code of Conduct gave these prisoners of war the confidence and skills they needed to bear and perservere. 

The resulting return of these POWs showed just how effective this Code of Conduct was.

I hope you enjoyed this trip through some of the history of aviation. If you enjoyed this trip, and if you are new to this newsletter, sign up to receive your own weekly newsletter here: Subscribe here!

Until next time, keep your eyes safe and focused on what's ahead of you, Hersch!