One Battle and Two Accounts: The Turkish Brigade at Kunu-ri in November 1950

Abstract

The recent revival of academic and popular interest in the Korean War in Turkey has played an important role in instigating the production of new books and documentaries. In Turkish accounts the Battle of Kunu-ri (November 1950) figures more prominently than any other event during the entire conflict. However the Turkish Brigade's performance at this battle remains controversial. This paper assesses the impact of U.S. military assistance on Turkish military's transformation compares and contrasts the official U.S. and Turkish accounts of the battle (known in U.S. sources as the Battle of Chongchon) and discusses why the official perspectives of the engagement diverge substantially.