(Illustration by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)

After the Incheon Landing in September 1950, UN forces recaptured Seoul and USAF Chaplain Col. Russell Blaisdell started taking care of over 1,000 orphans. When North Korean and Chinese forces advanced toward Seoul again, he refused to leave them behind. Seeking help, he secured 16 U.S. transport planes at Gimpo, but he had no way to move the children until he spotted 14 Marine trucks and told the drivers to carry them there. On Dec. 20, 1,059 orphans were safely flown to Jeju Island to spend Christmas being cared for in peace. Though Blaisdell later faced a court-martial, he said he had no regrets. This mission is known as the Kiddy Car Airlift.

Ahi (child) (Image by Stripes Korea)