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The special relationship forged in war between U.S. Soldiers and the Korean Service Corps (KSC) remains as strong today as it was more than 60 years ago. Just as it was before the forklift replaced the A-frame carrier, the KSC Battalion is an integral part of meeting critical needs on the Korean Peninsula.
The KSC Battalion consists of 2,185 paramilitary personnel who work to make it South Korea's premier organization for providing support to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and Eighth Army. Some of the hallmarks of the KSC Battalion are its flexibility, adaptability, and continual ability to meet new and emerging requirements.
The Birth of the A-Frame Army
Facing a severe fighting strength shortage along the Busan perimeter during the Korean War, Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, the Eighth Army commander, knew an infusion of Korean manpower could relieve his Soldiers of supply distribution duties and get them back into the fight.
Korean President Syngman Rhee responded to Walker's call for manpower by signing an emergency decree on July 25, 1950, that directed the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army to provide civilian carriers to haul supplies to the front line. The result was the creation of the Civilian Transportation Corps, which later was renamed the Korean Service Corps. Thus began a unique relationship between the Korean people and the Eighth Army.
For the duration of the Korean War, the KSC carried ammunition, fortification materials, food, and supplies to U.S. Soldiers and Marines fighting on the front line. Despite harsh weather and the threat of hostile action, KSC members (usually referred to as KSCs) traveled by foot through steep, rugged terrain that was inaccessible by vehicle.
KSCs served at Pork Chop Hill, Old Baldy, Carson, Vegas, and numerous other locations that are famous for the most intense fighting of the Korean War. They brought supplies and helped build bunkers during the day and evacuated the dead and wounded before nightfall.
U.S. Soldiers nicknamed the KSC the "A-frame Army" for its wooden backpacks. The KSC grew to more than 133,000 personnel at the height of the war.
The KSC Battalion Organization
Today the KSC Battalion, a...