Australia committed all 3 armed services during the Korean War and post-armistice period.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) provided blockades, bombardments and aircraft carrier support. The RAN contributed to many actions in Korea, including support for the Inchon landings and the Chinnampo evacuation, HMAS Murchison’s Han River bombardments and over 2,000 operational flights launched from HMAS Sydney. The RAN remained in Korea until 1955.
The Australian Army served in early actions at Yongju, Chongju and Pakchon. In April 1951, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) earned a US Presidential Unit Citation at Kapyong. In October 1951, 3RAR captured Hill 317 at Maryang San. After Mayang San, Australian forces held the Jamestown Line for nearly 2 years. In July 1953, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) stopped a Chinese assault on the Samichon River. Australian forces monitored the ceasefire until 1957.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) contribution to Korea was under No 91 Composite Wing. Aircrews defended the Pusan Perimeter, striking ground targets and engaging in air combat. No 77 Squadron flew nearly 19,000 sorties from the peninsula, including the Sunchon air battle in 1951. The rest of No 91 Wing was based at Iwakuni in Japan. No 491 Squadron provided maintenance support, and No 36 Squadron completed medical evacuations between Korea and Japan. The RAAF ceased operations in Korea in 1956.
