History
From the Archives: 50,000 ROK Troops deployed in combat test
Stars and Stripes
July 27, 2024
ROK troops cross a river during Operation Killing Zone. (Unknown)
This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Oct. 31, 1959. It is republished unedited in its original form.
SEOUL, (S&S) — Operation Killing Zone, largest military field exercise since the founding of the First Republic of Korea Army, recently deployed 50,000 troops in a maneuver conducted under simulated atomic conditions.
The exercise held 50 miles north of Seoul, was a test of combat effectiveness during a chemical, biological and radiological war. The operation included mobile, attach and defense operations.
Republic of Korea House Speaker Ki Poong Lee is briefed by Lt. Gen. Jae Hung Yu, First Republic of Korea Army commander on Operation Killing Zone. The exercise deployed 50,000 troops in a maneuver conducted under simulated atomic conditions. Elements of the ROK Air Force and U.S. Army’s 4th Missile Command acted as supporting units. (Kim Ki Sam/Stars and Stripes)
Advancing Infantrymen march along a road on their way to reinforce main battle positions during Operation Killing Zone. The exercise was a test of combat effectiveness during a chemical, biological and radiological war. (Unknown)
Camouflaged tanks roll along during Operation Killing Zone, the largest military field exercise since the founding of the First Republic of Korea Army in 1948. Elements of the ROK Air Force and U.S. Army’s 4th Missile Command acted as supporting units. (Unknown)
Elements of the ROK Air Force and the U.S. Army’s 4th Missile Command acted as supporting units.
Operation Killing Zone was observed by President Syngman Rhee. Also viewing the activities were Defense Minister Chung Yui Kim; Army Lt. Gen. John Coulter (ret.), now serving as U.S. Economic Adviser to Korea and other ranking civilians and military officials.