Korean War History and Hungnam Evacuation

This presentation was as part of a seminar hosted by Nautical Institue for Merchant Marine veterans in Maryland on December 15, 2025. This seminar focused on the 75th anniversary of the Hungnam Evacuation of the Korean War and the heroic accomplishments of Capt. Leonard LaRue, skipper of the Merchant Marine Ship, SS Meredith Victory, in evacuating 14,000 North Koreans on this single ship and bringing them to safety and freedom in South Korea. Also, in the audience was Mr. Burley Smith, who was a crew member on the Meredith Victory during the Hungnam Evacuation.

In this presentation, Susan Kee presents a historical overview of the Korean War with a special focus on the role of the Merchant Marine ships in the Korean War including the Hungnam Evacuation. She discusses in detail, the Christmas miracle of 1950 where Capt. Leonard LaRue, the skipper of Merchant Marine Ship, SS Meredith Victory, evacuated 14,000 North Korean refugees who wanted to flee the evils of communist North Korea. Meredith Victory was designed for a crew of about 40 crew members and yet, Capt. LaRue and his crew was able to evacuate and rescue over 14,000 refugees and also 5 babies who were born during the evacuation. Capt. LaRue said that "God was surely are the helm of my ship". Susan also acknowledges the hand of God in sending so many heroes who came to fight against communism and save the Korean people during the Korean War.

This presentation is dedication with gratitude to Capt. LaRue and Mr. Burley Smith, and all the mariners of the Merchant Marines who served in the Korean War. Their great courage and service will always be remembered and honored.

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