Remains of Four Turkish Soldiers Who Fell in the Korean War Returned to Korea

Remains Presumed to Be Turkish Soldiers Handed Over by the U.S. DPAA
Further Analysis Planned in Korea Before Possible Repatriation or Burial at UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea

The South Korean military has received the remains of four presumed Turkish soldiers who fell while defending Korea during the Korean War, far from their homeland.

The Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) announced on August 21 that a handover ceremony for the presumed Turkish soldiers' remains was held at an outdoor event space in front of the MAKRI Identification Center, with representatives from the United Nations Command in attendance. The event was attended by Salih Murat Tamer, the Turkish Ambassador to Korea, as well as Lee Geunwon, head of MAKRI.

The U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conducted a detailed analysis of the Turkish remains on August 14 and transported them by military aircraft from Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii to Osan Air Base, where they were handed over to the United Nations Command. The remains were then temporarily stored at the U.S. 8th Army Mortuary located within Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

In the case of Turkey, the sentiment regarding the treatment of fallen soldiers differs from that of South Korea or the United States. There is a symbolic belief that "the place where one falls in battle becomes sacred ground," so being buried at the site of death is considered an honor, even if it is in a foreign country. Taking this into account, MAKRI plans to conduct further detailed analysis in Korea and, after consultations with the Turkish Embassy in Korea, will pursue either repatriation to Turkey or burial at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) in Busan.

The four Turkish remains consist of three recovered by the U.S. DPAA from North Korea between 1996 and 2005, and one identified during the ongoing reopening of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Hawaii, a process that began in 1984.

Director Lee stated, "It is our duty to remember and honor the sacrifice of the United Nations soldiers who fought and died bravely for Korea during the Korean War. Today, we have received the remains of four presumed Turkish veterans, and after final detailed analysis, we will work closely with the Turkish Embassy in Korea to determine the best way to provide the highest level of honor and respect."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.