Australian prisoners

Thirty Australians were captured during the Korean War...

Six were Royal Australian Air Force aircrew who survived being shot down over enemy territory. The other twenty-four were taken prisoner on the battlefield while serving with the Australian Army.

Three Australian soldiers were released on 9 February 1951, soon after having been captured. Three more were released in Operation Little Switch, the first exchange of prisoners, in April 1953. The remainder, with the exception of Private Horace W Madden, were released at the end of the war in a general exchange of prisoners of war. Madden was the only Australian to die while in captivity. For his courage while a prisoner of war he was posthumously awarded the George Cross. The citation states:

Testimonials have been provided by officers and men from many units of the Commonwealth and allied forces which showed that the heroism he displayed was outstanding. Despite repeated beatings and many other forms of ill-treatment inflicted because of his defiance to his captors, Private Madden remained cheerful and optimistic. Although deprived of food because of his behaviour, resulting in malnutrition, he was known to share his meagre supplies purchased from Koreans with other prisoners who were sick. This did not deter him and for six months, although becoming progressively weaker, he remained undaunted in his resistance. He would in no way co-operate with the enemy. This gallant soldier's outstanding heroism was an inspiration to all his fellow prisoners.