Turkish Brigade
The Turkish Brigade (code name North Star; Turkish: Şimal Yıldızı or Kutup Yıldızı) was an infantry brigade of the Turkish Army that served under United Nations Command during the Korean War (1950–1953).
| Turkish Brigade | |
|---|---|
Turkish Brigade commander General Tahsin Yazıcı receiving the Silver Star from Lieutenant General Walton Walker (December 15, 1950). | |
| Active | 1950–1960 |
| Disbanded | 1960 |
| Country | Turkey |
| Allegiance | United Nations |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry Brigade |
| Size | 14,936 (over duration of the conflict) |
| Part of | US 25th Infantry Division |
| Nickname(s) | North Star |
| Engagements | Korean War |
| Decorations | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Brigadier General Tahsin Yazıcı (1950 – November 16, 1951) Assistant: Celâl Dora Chief of Operations: Faik Türün Namık Arguç (– August 20, 1952) Assistant: Nuri Pamir (June 5, 1952 †.) Sırrı Acar (July 6, 1953) |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol | |
Turkey was one of 22 countries to contribute manpower to U.N. forces, and one of sixteen to provide military personnel. The first 5,000 troops of the Turkish Brigade arrived on 19 October 1950, shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in June, and remained in varying strengths until the summer of 1954. Attached to the U.S. 25th Infantry Division, the Turkish Brigade was the only U.N. unit of its size permanently attached to a U.S. division throughout the Korean War.
The Turkish Brigade took part in several actions, most notably in the Battle of Kunuri, where their fierce resistance was decisive in delaying the enemy's advance. Its actions earned the brigade Unit Citations from Korea and the U.S., and it subsequently developed a reputation for its fighting ability, stubborn defense, commitment to mission, and bravery.