The Forgotten Fighting Irish of the Korean War
I always look forward to St. Patrick’s Day. My maternal grandfather, Patrick J. Sullivan, did too. His father had come to America from County Kerry, Ireland, at the turn of the 20th century and had settled in Holyoke, Massachusetts, home at that time to one of the largest Irish-American communities outside of Boston. He worked at a local paper mill, married, and had three children. Life was hard for him and his family, but at least he was an American and had opportunities. More importantly, his children had opportunities.
As a young boy, I enjoyed spending time with my grandfather, and I remember how proud he was of his Irish ancestry, his alma mater, The University of Notre Dame, and most importantly, his American citizenship. He loved the US and everything it stood for. From his humble beginnings as an Irish immigrant’s son to becoming a US Public Health Service doctor, traveling the world and learning four languages, he was a true American success story.
Thinking about my grandfather and upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations here in Seoul, my wife and I started researching the Irish in Korea, specifically those who fought and died in the Korean War. We discovered that 159 Irishmen sacrificed their lives from 1950-‘53. After digging a little deeper, we also found out that 28 of them were American GI’s.
In a little-known chapter of Korean War history, 27 US Army soldiers and one US Marine - all Irishmen - went to Korea and never came back. They fought and died as US servicemen, but in a strange twist to their tragic stories, they weren’t US citizens. They were Irish immigrants who had legally come to America just years, sometimes months, earlier in hopes of becoming US citizens. They were motivated and courageous and wanted to be Americans more than anything else. Now was their chance.
Along with hundreds of other Irish immigrants, they joined or were drafted into the American military. Fighting for America would bring them one step closer to citizenship, they believed.
But it wasn’t that easy.
The laws about becoming a citizen were unclear. Many who returned from the war were told they’d still have to wait five years, just like everyone else, before they could apply for citizenship. It wasn't fair. They weren't being recognized for their military service. By the war’s end, however, everything was beginning to change.
In late 1953, Congress passed a law stating that active duty members of the military who had served in a war, even a non-declared war like the “police action” in Korea, would be granted citizenship in 90 -180 days. But the law wasn’t retroactive. The 28 Irish-born men who had died didn’t qualify. They had sacrificed their lives for America, but their adopted country was refusing to recognize them as US citizens.
John Leahy, an Irishman who had fought in Korea and survived, was furious. In 1976 he began a campaign to bring awareness to his “forgotten” brothers in arms. Twenty-seven years later, in 2003, on a beautiful day in Brooklyn, the 28 men received their posthumous citizenship at the unveiling of an Irish Korean War Memorial at Green-Wood Cemetery. John’s dedication to his fallen comrades had finally paid off.
Before giving his eulogy for the fallen servicemen, Mr. Leahy told the audience, “Today is possibly the proudest day of my life. . . these 28 have crossed home plate are now in a beautiful clubhouse and have a monument of their own.”
As we enjoy a few pints of Guinness this weekend, I propose a toast to all the young men from Ireland, regardless of the country they served under, who gave their lives so that Korea could be free. Cheers and God Bless the Irish!
Marine Pfc. John Patrick White, born in County Kerry, Ireland, and residing in New York City at the outbreak of the Korean War, was taken prisoner by the Chinese in 1952. He died in captivity and his body was never recovered. (thewildgeese.irish)
US Army Corporal Patrick Sheahan, also born in County Kerry and from New York City, was killed in action in 1951. He received the Bronze and Silver Stars for heroism. (praoh.org)
A close-up of the Irish Korean War Memorial, with the names of the 28 Irishmen from the US who died and posthumously received their US citizenship. (picssr.com)
Ned at the Irish Korean War Memorial, Seoul (Photo credit: Ned Forney)
A recently placed wreath at the memorial by Pi Woo-jin, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Korea. (Photo Credit: Ned Forney)
Hi ned
A lovely tribute please let me interduce myself my name is David o Leary I am the chairman of the
2 infantry battalion veterans association Irish Defence forces Ireland 12 Irish army veterans and my self are traveling to Boston in 2019 for the st Patrick’s day parade we are hoping to make contact with some veterans on the off chance is there any veterans groups you could put us in touch with it would be well appreciated we have all served overseas during our careers mainly south Lebanon during the civil war in 1981-82 it would be nice if we could meet up with some veterans hope you
Can help
Kind regards
Dathie o Leari
Thanks for reading and commenting on the blog, David. I’ll send you a follow-up email soon.
Don’t forget the Irish who fought in Korea with the Commonwealth Brigade.
You’re right, Mr. Penman. I agree and am amazed at the contributions the Irish made – and not just fighting with the Americans. This topic deserves its own blog. Thanks for reading the article and commenting.
Being of Irish ancestry I thank you for your caring enough to put this post together. The Irish have fought for armies around the world. My father is a combat vet. They say the Irish are the only race born with rage. I imagine it’s because they were treated worse by the world than any other race ever. Happy Irish day!
Thank you for your kind comments, Cyn. It was an honor to write this story about these brave young men, and we’re happy to see that it’s been read by so many people. We are so inspired by these men that we plan to do further research on them.
It’s such a shame that so many veterans did not receive the recognition they deserve. I’m glad for the opportunity to help change this.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and yours!
I agree. A great tribute tom those Irishmen who fought for the USA, and never received their citizenship until John Leahy was successful in his long fight for them
Thanks so much for commenting. I’m honored to write a tribute in honor of these men and am happy that it has resonated with so many. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Great post and tribute to these Irish Americans Ned. Even though I never have more than one, this weekend I’ll have a couple or three.
Thank you, Travis. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and appreciate your commenting. We will be celebrating right along with you and look forward to seeing what the Irish Association of Korea puts on.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!