A “Timeless” Tribute to the Korean War
In one of the most unlikely events of holiday primetime television, the writers of “Timeless,” a science fiction drama series with a following of millions, showcased the Korean War’s Hungnam Evacuation.
The show’s final episode, which aired on December 20 and highlighted the little-known military and humanitarian operation, became the talk of the town on social media sites and news outlets across the country. It was even reviewed in Smithsonian magazine.
A Christmas Miracle
The NBC program, which was in its second season, depicts people going back in time to to prevent the show’s bad guys from changing history. In the finale, the characters are transported (via time machine, of course) to the North Korean port city of Hungnam, where tens of thousands of American GI’s and North Korean refugees are boarding ships for the South. The Chinese army has surrounded Hungnam and will soon enter the city. Anyone left behind will be at the mercy of the communists, who are determined to make an example of civilians who have “collaborated” with the Americans.
In a testament to the Timeless writers’ research and attention to detail, the Hungnam scene is remarkably accurate. With little time to cover specifics of the withdrawal or tell the story of the Marine Corps’ epic breakout from Chosin, the viewers are at least given a glimpse into the importance of the evacuation and the suffering taking place there.
Servicemen watch as refugees board a ship at Hungnam. One hundred thousand refugees and 105,000 military personnel, with their equipment, supplies, and vehicles, were withdrawn from the port. (PC: US Navy)
A Dedicated Team
The writers also pay tribute to the team of Marine Corps and Navy amphibious experts who orchestrated the complex and unprecedented operation. Marine Colonel Edward H. Forney, the officer responsible for the land side logistics and loading, makes an appearance.
Portrayed in a sharp, professional, and no-nonsense manner (exactly the way he’s depicted in history books), Forney represents the thousands of US military personnel on the ground, in the air, and at sea who played a role in the two-week long evacuation.
Hyun Bong-hak, a Korean doctor attached to the US Army as an interpreter and civil affairs officer, is also portrayed in the episode. Born in Hamhung, a town just ten miles from Hungnam, Dr. Hyun had tirelessly advocated for the refugees, ensuring that thousands were rescued.
Refugees waiting at Hungnam (PC: National Archives)
"Everybody is Important"
In a tribute to the real essence of the evacuation, Lucy, one of the show’s main characters, is asked why they should risk their lives to help rescue a pregnant North Korean woman who has been separated from her family. She responds, “What’s the point of saving history if we don’t save the people in it?”
And that really is what the entire Hungnam Evacuation is about: saving people. People who at the time were “unimportant,” a logistical headache, even a danger to the safety of our fighting men. But despite the inconveniences and the dangers involved, the men at Hungnam did what was right. As Lucy points out, "Everybody is important."
Today there are a million descendants of those rescued at Hungnam who are living in freedom. And they’re grateful. If the US servicemen at Hungnam hadn’t saved their families, they would almost certainly be living under North Korea’s totalitarian regime.
A scene from "The Miracle of Christmas," the season finale of Timeless.
3.22 Million Viewers!
Thank you to the writers, producers, actors, and entire team at Timeless for showing millions of people the importance of the sacrifices made by so many at the Hungnam Evacuation. Viewers and critics alike hailed the episode as a huge success. The show’s hashtag, #Timeless, was the number one trending hashtag in America - and number four in the world - during the broadcast.
The Hungnam Evacuation, the largest amphibious evacuation of civilians, under combat conditions, in US military history, became a household word, albeit briefly, for over 3.22 million viewers on December 20. If you missed it, you can watch it on NBC. (The Miracle of Christmas, episode 2, begins at approximately the 38-minute mark).
Top picture: Marines arriving in Hungnam after fighting their way from the Chosin Reservoir (PC: USMC).
It’s because of Timeless I have been led to this page. My husband is Korean American and I know I would certainly not have met nor married him without the sacrifice of UN forces during the Korean War. He too has served 30 years now in the US Military and we are now living(serving) here in Korea. I so appreciate your work and have become more aware of all these amazing efforts and stories of the noble deeds and sacrifices of so many that enabled a free South Korea. Thank you for sharing them, my kids watched this episode today and it made a large impact. Grateful for people who retell these important events that shouldn’t be forgotten. Now…on to read Mr Wells book.
Thank you for sharing this, Sarah. I’m so glad you were introduced to the Hungnam story through Timeless. It was great working with their crew to pay tribute to this historic event, and we’ve been so impressed by the dedication of the Timeless fans. Also good hearing that your children liked the show!
As you rightly say, so many sacrifices were made that enabled a free Korea, and we’ve gained a different perspective living here. I invite you to look at other stories on my website and FB page; I think you’ll enjoy them.
I salute your husband for his many years of service, and I hope you’re enjoying your time in Korea. We love it here.
Again, thanks for reading and commenting.
I was at Casey from 12/68-2/70. My brother-in-law joined me for the last two months at the beginning of his tour. He and my sister adopted three Korean orphans First a girl who he chose before coming home and then two years later when he was home twin sisters all from the 7th ID orphanage. Another sister adopted a boy. They are all wonderful American adults. Our entire family loves Korea and the Korean people. I am so happy to have helped in maintaining their independence.
Thanks for reading the blog and sharing this touching story, Ralph. What a lasting impact you and your family have made on Korea.
We also love Korea and its people and are glad for the opportunity to spend time in this beautiful country.
Thank you also for your service to Korea. The Korea Defense Veterans have played and continue to play such an important role here.
I WAS IN KOREA 53 KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN LOVED IT BUT THE STINK CPL MARINES SEMPER FI
Appreciate your reading the blog, Ray. Korea has definitely changed a lot since you were here.
Thanks to you and all the men who served and the hard-working Korean people, Korea is now a great place to live.
Thanks for your service and sacrifices to country and Corps. Semper Fi!
Funny story about Hungnam. My Squadron (MGCIS-1) had trucks for hauling our Radar equipment. We were drafted to haul bombs and Fuel for the Marine Corsairs. On one trip, when we got to the pier, I saw a guy eating a box of Vanilla wafers, when I asked where he got them, he pointed to a warehouse. I checked and yes it was a warehouse full of Vanilla Wafers. I picked up several cases for the Squadron, and thought no more about it until years later. It seems that when the North Koreans attacked and were working the Army over pretty good on the way to Pusan, the Army went out with an emergency plain language message for an emergency supply for 155 mm ammo. Guess what the code word was for 155 ammo? yep, Vanilla Wafers! Some bureaucrat not recognizing “plain Language” decoded the message and immediately got a ship load of Vanilla Wafers on the way to the front. They must have run short on the load out as there were several cases of ginger snaps included.
What a story, James! It sounds similar to the “Tootsie Roll” story from Chosin.
We appreciate your reading the blog and commenting, and I salute you for your service. I know you must have seen a lot during your time in Korea. It’s a wonderful country because of the sacrifices of our KW veterans. Thank you!
Awesome story. I think the Korean people are very good-hard working people and deserve our support. I was doing my tour of duty there in 76-77 and was involved in our “show of fource” the day after the “tree incident” where 3 of our troopers were beaten to death with ax handles by N Korean guards….
We appreciate your reading the blog and commenting, Garry. I agree with you- the Korean people are very hard-working and good people. We have a lot of respect for them.
I salute you for your service; you were here at a tough time! I’d like to know more about that period and will send you a private message.
We go together!
Mr Daniels
I had just gotten into country, at Camp Stanley. I was assigned as a chief of section on a 102 105 mm howitzer. 1976-1977 was a year I will always remember. We were also at fire base 4papaone for 29 days. Saw a lot of firefights between the south and North Koreans . We were ordered inside the stone built barracks, not allowed to fire back. It was a great tour with my artillery unit. I was a corporal back then.
I salute you for your service on the DMZ, Maj. Nevarez. It’s so important that we keep the memory alive of what you and all the men who served in Korea did to preserve the ROK’s freedom.
Thanks for reading the blog and commenting.