Korean War Student Soldiers
While South Korea had an official army to defend its land, there was still a need for more manpower. South Korea had resorted to recruiting even its students to help defend the nation. One of the most famous battles exemplifying the use of student soldiers is seen through the Battle of P'ohang-dong. Due to severe manpower shortages, ROK commanders had assigned a company of student soldiers to defend P'ohang-dong Girl's Middle School to delay the NKPQ advance into the town. On August 11, the squad held their ground and confronted more numerous NK forces. Out of the initial 71 squad members 48 died in the 11 hour long battle. This part of the battle is depicted in the popular movie 71 : Into the Fire.
While South Korea had an official army to defend its land, there was still a need for more manpower. South Korea had resorted to recruiting even its students to help defend the nation. One of the most famous battles exemplifying the use of student soldiers is seen through the Battle of P'ohang-dong. Due to severe manpower shortages, ROK commanders had assigned a company of student soldiers to defend P'ohang-dong Girl's Middle School to delay the NKPQ advance into the town. On August 11, the squad held their ground and confronted more numerous NK forces. Out of the initial 71 squad members 48 died in the 11 hour long battle. This part of the battle is depicted in the popular movie 71 : Into the Fire.
The following picture above is one of the many letters written by the student-soldiers who did not think that they would make it through the war alive. This letter specifically was one to his mother.