Latvian Soldiers in the Korean War: A Hidden History

The Freedom and Peace Museum located at the entrance of Mount Soyosan in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, focuses on the Korean War. It showcases the contributions and sacrifices of 16 combat-support nations (including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, France, Turkey, Philippines, Greece, Thailand, South Africa, Belgium, Luxembourg, Colombia, and Ethiopia) and 6 medical-support nations (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and India) who fought under the UN flag. Flags of the combat-support nations are displayed outside the museum, and their names and flags can be seen throughout the exhibits.

In June, marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, a special exhibition titled 'Latvians in the Korea War' was held, focusing on a country not typically recognized among the combatant nations. Latvia, known to many Koreans as one of the Baltic States alongside Estonia and Lithuania, has a lesser-known history of participation in the Korean War. This exhibition aimed to inform Koreans about Latvia's involvement. It was organized by the Latvian Embassy in South Korea, the Latvian War Museum, and the South Korean Ministry of Veterans Affairs, with the Dongducheon city government providing the venue.

In the main exhibition hall on the second floor, panels detail the stories of young Latvians who immigrated to the United States and joined the U.S. military to fight in the Korean War under the UN flag. The design of the panels reflects the colors of the Latvian flag, featuring the names and actions of soldiers in military uniforms. One notable figure is Aivars Karlis Salenieks, who, at the age of 21 in 1952, distinguished himself in combat in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, known as 'Punchbowl.' He sacrificed his life by throwing himself on a grenade to save his comrades. Another soldier, Janis Krūmiņš, was 22 when he was injured in a battle at 'Pochap Hill' in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, and later volunteered for reconnaissance, where he ultimately lost his life.

The exhibition also honors other Latvian soldiers who died in the Korean War, including Rudolf Liepa and Bruno Glazers, as well as Leodīns Ozoliņš, Gunārs Stopnieks, and Vismandis Mangulis. A total of 14 confirmed Latvian soldiers served in the U.S. military during the Korean War, with four of them losing their lives. This exhibition also highlights Latvia's historical struggles, having endured half a century of Soviet occupation before declaring independence in May 1990 and joining the UN the following year. Similar histories are shared by the other Baltic states, Estonia and Lithuania. During the final stages of World War II, around 120,000 Latvians fled their homeland to escape Soviet oppression, with many settling in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

Latvians who settled in the U.S. were eager to integrate into their new society and many enlisted in the military. When the Korean War broke out, at least 14 young Latvians joined the U.S. forces, with four making the ultimate sacrifice. Many of these soldiers were recognized for their bravery and received various honors. The Latvian Embassy in South Korea expressed the desire to share the stories of these soldiers, stating, 'When Latvian soldiers found themselves unable to defend their homeland, they bravely fought for the ideals of freedom in another country's military.' They also noted that many Latvians likely saw reflections of their own homeland's struggles in Korea's situation.

On June 25, the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, Latvian Ambassador Janis Berzins visited the Freedom and Peace Museum and thanked Dongducheon Mayor Park Hyung-deok for hosting the exhibition. Ambassador Berzins remarked, 'Latvia fought for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in our homeland under Soviet occupation, and we are now part of the international solidarity supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Every nation deserves to enjoy freedom in peace, free from oppression and invasion.'