Yu Jae-hung

Yu Jae Hung (; 1921–2011) was a Republic of Korea (ROK) military officer who commanded the ROK II Corps and ROK III Corps in the Korean War.

Early life Yu Jae Hung was born in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, on August 3, 1921. He returned to Korea when he was five years old, and spent a short time as an infant in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, and then grew up in Gongju, Chūseinan-dō. He went to Sinuiju High School in North Pyongan Province and graduated from the Japanese Military Academy (55th), he was serving as a captain in the Japanese Army at the Pacific War. He was the second child of the Army general, Yu Seung Yeol (1891-1968) and his Japanese wife. He graduated from the Military Academy of Japan.

Career At the time of Japan's surrender, Yu Jae Hung had been a battalion commander in the Japanese Army. When the ROK Army was first formed, he served as a colonel. When the Jeju uprising occurred, he and his forces were sent to the island to restore order. There was heavy fighting on the island but he finally was able to pacify the situation by promising not to prosecute those who surrendered.

After organizing defenses at the river and receiving US aid, the ROK Army was reorganized and outfitted. By July 1950, Yu Jae Hung was commanding the ROK II Corps. By September 1950, The II Corps was in Hayang defending the Naktong Line.

Promotion to the Korean Army Deputy Chief of Staff There were reports of Chinese Army involvement and some Chinese soldiers were captured but US intelligence did not believe that China would be intervening.

In late October 1950, Maj. Gen. Yu was promoted to be Korean Army Deputy Chief of Staff and left for Seoul, leaving ROK II Corps to Brig. Gen. Paik Sun Yup. and Minister of National Defense between August 1971 and December 1973. He died November 26, 2011, at the age of 91 in Seoul, South Korea.

Awards Legion of Merit, 1st The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Officer to Brigadier General Yu Jae Hung, Korean Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 25 June to 31 August 1950.

Legion of Merit, 2nd The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit, In the Degree of Officer to Lieutenant General Yu Jae Hung, Republic of Korea Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 28 January to 8 May 1952 and from 23 July 1952 to 1 February 1953.