| Korean War Hero of the Month: Senior Inspector Nam Je-pyeong, Who Led Victories with Exceptional Intelligence Skills | |
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The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister Kang
Jung-ai) announced that Senior Inspector Nam Je-pyeong (then Inspector), who played a crucial role in the Amnok Battle on July 29, 1950, in Gokseong County, Jeollanam-do, will be honored as the "Korean War Hero of October 2024." His outstanding intelligence skills and ambush tactics led to a decisive victory against North Korean forces. Nam Je-pyeong was born on October 25, 1918, in Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, and was appointed as an inspector on November 15, 1948. After the outbreak of the Korean War, the Gokseong region was occupied by North Korean forces within a month. Despite the dire circumstances, Nam, serving as an intelligence officer at Gokseong Police Station, along with 300 officers, vowed to defend the area. They relocated their command post to Taeansa Temple to organize their defense. On July 29, 1950, Nam Je-pyeong received intelligence that North Korean forces were planning to cross the Amnok Bridge in Gokseong on their way from Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, to Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. He led an ambush operation that resulted in a successful surprise attack on the enemy. After four hours of intense fighting, the police killed 52 enemy soldiers, captured 3, and seized over 70 pieces of equipment, including 4 trucks. This operation significantly delayed the North Korean army’s movements, aiding South Korean defensive efforts. In retaliation for their losses at the Amnok Battle, the North Korean forces surrounded and attacked the police headquarters at Taeansa Temple on August 6. Despite being heavily outnumbered by a regiment-sized enemy, Nam Je-pyeong and 47 police officers fought to the end, dying heroically in their defense of the country. Page 2 / 2 In recognition of his bravery, the South Korean government posthumously promoted Nam to the rank of senior inspector in December 1950. In 1985, the Jeollanam-do Police Department erected the Police Memorial Tower in Gokseong’s Jugok-myeon to honor the 48 police officers who died in the battle at Taeansa Temple. The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency also holds an annual memorial service at the Police Memorial Tower in early August to commemorate their sacrifice. |
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| date | 2024-10-01 |
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