SEOUL, South Korea -- Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Commander of United Nations Command, U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command, presented a Republic of Korea civilian with a rare honor on Sept. 17 for his life-saving actions during the Korean War.
At the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation gala at the Westin Hotel, Brunson awarded Mr. Lim Chang Soo the U.S. Forces Korea Scroll of Appreciation, recognizing his extraordinary courage and dedication to the U.S.–ROK Alliance.
In July 1950, in the aftermath of the Battle of the Kum River, Lim risked his life to rescue and care for Sgt. Ralph L. Kilpatrick, a U.S. Army soldier missing in action from Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Kilpatrick survived 77 days behind enemy lines thanks to Lim’s aid, food, and protection, before reuniting safely with his battalion.
The scroll reads in part: “Through your compassion and bravery, Sgt. Kilpatrick survived … Your actions remain a powerful testament to the strength of individual heroism and the enduring bond between the people of Korea and the United States.”
Brunson praised Lim’s selflessness as embodying the enduring partnership between the two nations. “Mr. Lim’s actions more than seven decades ago reflect the resilience and quiet strength of the Korean people, who stood in solidarity during a time of great uncertainty,” he said.
In addition to the Scroll of Appreciation, Lim received a Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service signed by Gen. Ronald P. Clark, Commander of U.S. Army Pacific.
The dual honors highlighted not only an episode of wartime bravery but also the lasting human ties that underpin the U.S.–ROK Alliance.
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2025 21:43 |
| Story ID: | 548471 |
| Location: | SEOUL, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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