Chae Byong-duk

South Korean general (1916–1950)

Chae Byong-duk (Korean: 채병덕; Hanja: 蔡秉德; 17 April 1916 – 27 June 1950) was a South Korean army general.

Early life

On 17 April 1916, he was born in Heian'nan-dō, Korea, Empire of Japan (now South Pyongan Province, North Korea). In 1933, he entered the Imperial Japanese Army Academy.^[1]

Military career

During World War II, he served as an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army.

After the liberation of Korea, he joined the Republic of Korea Army.

In April 1950, he started a second term as a Chief of Staff (Rank: Major general).

Following the outbreak of the Korean War, the Republic of Korea Army collapsed rapidly.

On 30 June 1950, Chae Byong-duk was dismissed and he transferred to South Gyeongsang Province Defence Command.

On 23 July, he was killed in action in the Battle of Hadong.^[2]

Awards and decorations

Eulji Order of Military Merit (1952-05-20)
Chungmu Order of Military Merit (1950-12-30)

Legacy

He is the only South Korean Army General who was in killed in action during the Korean War. (There are some South Korean Army and Air Force Generals who were killed by accident and during the Korean War.^[3])

There is a memorial in Hadong County.^[4]