The Eighth Army G3 (Operations) PSYWAR Unit

Do not inflict any hazard upon the Partisans who come back to the Republic of Korea with this safe conduct pass.

Give warm clothes and food to Partisans who have come back to the Republic of Korea.

Report to headquarters at once those Partisans who have returned to the Republic of Korea and take them to the returnees camp immediately…

Leaflet 8251

This leaflet depicts a USAF F-84 fighter attacking workers repairing the North Korean railways. The artwork was requested and approved by the 5th Air Force. The leaflets were dropped in 100-pound leaflet bombs by B-26 light bombers. The text on the front is:

A Warning to North Korean Civilians

The back is all text and says in part:

PEOPLE OF NORTH KOREA

For many months, UN aircraft have been attacking railroads, bridges and other military installations in the terrible war which was provoked by your Communist leaders.

UN aircraft shall remain in the skies, seeking out such targets and destroying them until the Communists have had enough. You air force has not protected you from these attacks and cannot do so in the future. Is this not so? The UN does not make war on civilians!

You must save yourselves. Flee to the hills. Do not work on the repair of the railroads because UN aircraft will attack them again and again…

Leaflet 8261

A while back an Australian soldier wrote asking me about a leaflet that mentioned Napalm in Vietnam. It did not; it simply told the enemy to escape. This leaflet is entitled Napalm strike, but it never actually mentions napalm. It depicts a napalm strike on the 90th North Korean Infantry regiment. We see an enemy soldier being burned alive. This leaflet was requested by the X Corps. The text on the front is:

WARRIORS OF THE 90th NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE'S ARMY REGIMENT!

FOR WHOM DO YOU FACE A FIERY DEATH?

The text on the back says in part:

Again you have tasted the power and destruction of United Nations aircraft and fire bombs! Again fire rains from the sky and may soon kill you!

For whom must you face this horrible death without defense against it? Your leaders fill the air with false promises while the United Nations fills the skies with aircraft and fire bombs!

Your bravery is in vain. You die a dog’s death for the Russian masters of you leaders. Are there Russian soldiers fighting with you? Why must a one-blooded race destroy itself while communists reap the profits…?

Leaflet 7060

I depict this leaflet only because we see the mention of napalm in the above leaflet. This one was printed in Chinese and coded 7060. It was also printed in Korean coded 1076. One side of the leaflet, we see the explosion of a napalm bomb. On the other we see four wounded Chinese soldiers being tended to by a medic. The title of this leaflet was “Enemy casualties.” And some of the text is:

In the space of barely six days Chinese and
Korean Communist forces dead and wounded has already surpassed 75,000!

I would not show this leaflet except that an American soldier who found this one on the ground after sent it home after writing on the top:

This is what we call the NAPALM BOMB. We drop them on the Chinks all the time.

Leaflet 7065

This is an interesting leaflet. On the front it shows a Chinese Communist Commissar lecturing his troops in front of a blackboard. The troops are all depicted as skeletons so apparently the UN is implying, they are now, or will soon all be dead. The Commissar’s body blocks part of the blackboard so on the back it is shown in full along with additional text. When I first saw this leaflet a few decades ago I made a note, “Commissar lectures a room full of skeletons / the back show a blackboard and text. “First anniversary of Communist June Offensive,” (GHQ), FEC, PWB, Chinese.” The text on the front is:

Korean War – One-Year Anniversary

The information on the front is identical to that on the back. The same blackboard is depicted, but this time there is no commissar blocking the view. The text is:

One year ago, the communist armies invaded South Korea. One year later, the communist armies were pushed back to the positions from which they launched their invasion. In one year, 1,176,750 Communist soldiers were needlessly sacrificed for no gains whatsoever.

Another day of fighting, and it may be you next! Wake up! Only by honorably defecting to the side of the Allied Forces, can you save your lives and end this war!

Following is Blackboard Contents

The Results of One Year of the Korean War June 1950 to June 1951: Gains of the Communist Armies: None

Losses of the Communist Armies:

Casualties: 1,176,750
Prisoners of War: 162,398
Material Losses: Unknown.

[Translator’s note]: (I translated this literally to ‘Unknown,’ but if the writers were being sarcastic as I think they are, it can be interpreted as implying something along the lines of ‘unknown because there’s so many, we literally can’t keep count’

Leaflet 8164

This leaflet depicts two North Korean soldiers at the left freezing in the long cold Korean winter. At the right, the same two North Korean soldiers warm themselves near a stove in a United Nations prisoner of war camp. The text on the front is:

Hunger, cold and inevitable death

Safety, warmth, and good treatment.

The back is a long text message which says in part:

TO THE SOLDIERS, SERGEANTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE PEOPLE’S ARMY

Cold weather is coming. Not long from now there will be freezing winter and snowstorms. The day is coming when you will be shivering from the cold and hunger. What are you suffering from the cold when you do not have to? Why should you give up your precious life for the imperialistic Soviet Union? Change your mind. Do not die foolishly. Freeze to death or come over to the U.N. side and enjoy warmth and happiness? Pick one of these two choices.

Leaflet 8167

This small leaflet (6 x 2.5-inches) has the number “13933” on the front. Several such leaflets were prepared as the Communist dead and wounded toll climbed higher. The text on the front of the leaflet is:

13933

What is this number?

The short text on the back is:

Look!

13933 of your comrades are dead or wounded in the last six days from the 6th to the 10th.

Did you know that?

Your turn will be next!

Leaflet 8211

This is a large 8 x 10-inch leaflet that depicts a North Korean prisoner-of-war writing letters home from camp. This leaflet was tactical and targeted the 27th North Korean Division. It was the first of four leaflets showing actual letters. The text on the front is:

This letter was sent to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Regiment of the 27th Division.

It says that when you survive you live to reconstruct the Fatherland.

This is a photocopy of a soldier’s letter who was in the 2nd Battalion, 14th Regiment of the 27th Division.

For the safety of the men who come over to the U.N. side and for the safety of their family, the names of the People’s Army Comrades were erased. Follow these comrades of the People’s Army! The decided to reconstruct their beloved Fatherland after the Red Chinese left their country.

The back of the leaflet is a long message with 10 promises to North Koreans who come over to the Republic’s side. I will just translate five:

All POWs will be transferred from the battlefield and taken to an air raid shelter.

You will be fed as much food as you need, and it will vary according to your tastes.

We will treat you equally despite differences of race, nationality, religion, or creed.

We will only ask for your name, rank, birth date, and serial number.

We will provide all the warn clothes you need.

Leaflet 8267

The Republic of Korea was forced to spend a lot of time and money fighting Communist Guerrillas who were either left behind during retreats or infiltrated into the South. This large 26-panel cartoon leaflet was written and drawn by members of the Korean Army and tells the story of a young man who helped defeat the Communist invaders. The title is “Chulsoo’s Victory.” The story tells of a Communist group that has taken a South Korean civilian prisoner. Young Chulsoo learns of the Communists and hides and watches them. The Communists are bearded and look like a band of pirates. The leave one man behind to watch their hostage as they go off to blow up a railway. Chulsoo captures the guard and heads off to tell local troops. The troops find the saboteurs and throw a grenade at them. All are captured and the officer of the ROK troops tells Chulsoo that he is very brave. He ends by saying:

Brothers! Be as brave as Chulsoo. Inform the nearest Republic of Korea Army and Police when you see Communist bandits. Peace will not be restored in our villages until the bandits are eliminated.

Leaflet 8286

During the Vietnam War, the American PSYOP unit produced dozens of leaflets using poems as their theme. The Vietnamese loved poems and they were considered very powerful and one, a poem from a dead soldier to his mother, was considered very effective. The Koreans do not to seem as enthralled by poems and thus we find very few leaflets that use them. Leaflet 8286 was dropped on 19 May 1952 and depicts a hungry mother and child. Republic of Korea Psywar staff did the text and artwork, and it was printed by G3 of the Eighth Army. The target is the North Korean soldier, and the theme is that the Chinese are not to be trusted. The text on the front is:

Your dear baby is crying for milk.
The mother also cries when the baby cries.

The text on the back is in part:

1. Baby, don't cry my baby.
If your father, who was taken away.
hears you crying in his dream,
his heart will be broken.

2. Baby, don’t cry my baby.
The ugly policeman may come in,
carrying his rifle and
may take our millet away.

3. Baby, don’t cry my baby.
The devilish Chinese may intrude into our house,
crossing over the fence and
may violate your mother.

4. Baby, don’t cry my baby.
No milk because of my empty stomach.
If you cry hard, your throat will dry up.
If you cry, it makes me cry too.

Leaflet 8292

I decided to add this American propaganda leaflet used during the Korean War because it depicts loudspeakers. The front of the leaflet features leaflets dropping from aircraft and a loudspeaker broadcasting at the bottom right. The leaflet was printed by the Psychological Warfare Division of the U.S. Eighth Army G3 (Operations Section) on 1 June 1952. The text and image were provided by Republic of Korea Army Psywar troops. We translate the heading on the front and the comments on some of the 12 leaflets:

COMRADES OF THE NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE’S ARMY

Come over! Come back!

One blooded descendants of Tan Goon

True news; Aggressors will decay; UN leaflets; news without Falsehoods; The Free World is stronger than slavery; Free Korea grows day by day; Come Over, come back; Justice will win at last; Aggressors are destroyed by the sea of fire: United Nation’s Forces of Justice will gain victory; Come to the Republic of Korea, the country of hope, freedom, and peace; and Freedom itself is our own power.

The back is all text:

Do not be deceived by the Communist’s falsehoods. The truth cannot be concealed.

You have your ears, but you cannot hear.

You have your eyes, but you cannot see.

You have you mouth, but you cannot speak.

You have no freedom but death, is it not a dog’s death to die for the Communists?

Slavery! Darkness! Death!

Note: The “Tan Goon” mentioned in the text above, (sometimes spelled Tangun or Dangun) was the first Emperor of Korea, the legendary founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom.

 

Leaflet 8301

This leaflet really exploits the Communist vulnerabilities by pointing out that damage caused by UN air attacks after two years of Warfare. The leaflet was printed on 10 June 1952 upon the request of the United States Ninth Air Force. It depicts UN aircraft attacking various targets on the front. The aircraft chosen is the F-80 Shooting Star. The text to the right of the images is:

THESE ARE THE RESULTS OF COMMUNIST AGRESSION

The back is all text and a long list of targets attacked and destroyed. There are eleven categories of destruction listed. Some of the text is:

WARRIORS OF THE NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE’S ARMY

Two years ago your Communist leaders launched an attack on you brothers and sisters in the Republic of Korea. The attack was cowardly and unprovoked.

What are the results after two years of war? What has happened to your beloved country? Read these figures and you shall know what UN aircraft alone have done in answer to Communist aggression:
                                                            Destroyed                                 Damaged

Buildings                               127,769                                    109,186
Vehicles                                   56,230                                         4,409 
Supply Dumps                          1,346                                            593
Bridges                                     2,100                                         5,233…

This is the UN answer to Communist aggression. UN aircraft fly in your skies unchallenged. Have you not seen this with your own eyes?
 
Your Communist leaders have caused your country to be destroyed and have placed the chains of slavery on your people. 

Leaflet 8302

In general, it is never a good idea to attack the leader of another country. In WWII, the Emperor of Japan was never attacked because he was held in awe by his people. In this 17 June 1952 leaflet, the artwork and text were written by the South Korean Army and they apparently did not love Kim Il Sung. They depict him as a beast standing on a pile of skulls. The G3 printed it as 8302 but notice that the South Koreans gave it their own code number IE 150. 500,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text says in part:

KIM IL SUNG, THE GREATEST TRAITOR IN OUR HISTORY HAS COVERED

OUR BEAUTIFUL FATHERLAND WITH A PILE OF SKULLS

REMEMBER THE TRAGEDY OF 25 JUNE!

Kim Il Sung started the tragedy of 25 June. Kim Il Sung has ruined our country and people. Kim Il Sung has turned our beautiful country into a pile of ashes…Turn your heart against Kim Il Sung, puppet of Russia and the greatest traitor in our history!

Some problems.

Mark R. Jacobson tells us more about the problems in his PhD dissertation Minds then hearts: U.S. Political and Psychological Warfare during the Korean War, the Ohio State University, 2005:

For at least the first year of the war, the PSYWAR specialists lacked basic cultural information needed to develop effective propaganda for both Korean and Chinese audiences: what songs were widely known and sung, favorite foods, recreational activities, the role of women in society, superstitions, etc. Psychological warfare personnel were poorly informed on the customs, religions, superstitions, prejudices, taboos, political history, and geography of Korea and China but were still expected to churn out vast quantities of leaflets and broadcasts. Leaflets often did not appeal to the average foot-soldier as they were written in a complicated manner that went far beyond the soldiers’ ability to comprehend them. Many of the anti-morale and surrender leaflets simply missed the mark and not until the middle of 1951 did the Psychological Warfare Branch finally reach out to the range of Koreans and Westerners residing in Korea and seek their services and advice in building psychological warfare programs.

Few experts in Chinese or Korean culture existed in the entire U.S. military, much less Far East Command or EUSAK. The lack of knowledge about either PSYWAR or Asian cultures made for some interesting bureaucratic situations during the production and approval of psychological warfare materials, notably when American officers thought the English language translations of the leaflets sounded “too Chinesey.” As one veteran recalled, a lack of cultural expertise did not prevent operations officers from editing and changing the PSYWAR leaflets as in one incident when the PSYWAR writers approached a colonel in the operations shop and asked him about a change on the leaflet:

“One of our writers, mystified by this Colonel’s peculiar editing of a particular leaflet, had the hardihood to approach him and ask for elucidation. The Colonel replied: ‘I made the change because I thought it should be that way. Maybe it was better before I edited it, I don’t know. I don’t know anything about the Chinese, and I don’t know anything about psychological warfare. I’m here because the Army put me here.”

The technical memorandum Eighth Army Psychological Warfare in the Korean War was printed in December 1951. The mention some of the problems with Korean Psywar:

The psywar intelligence process in EUSAK, adequate for situational data, is essentially unreliable as a means of determining the crucially Important cultural and psychological peculiarities of the target audiences. EUSAK Psywar does not have, either within its own ranks or at its disposal, a qualified area expert on China or Korea or even any American who knows the language of either of the two countries. The dependence upon native translators of varying degrees of bilingual expertise is a weak link in the chain of preparing psywar output and deprives the psywar organization of any sure means of controlling from moment to moment what it is saying to the enemy.

EUSAK Psywar dropped an average of more than 14,000,000 leaflets per week during the months of June, July, and August 1951. Approximately 15 percent of the leaflets dropped were prepared and produced at Eighth Army Itself; the remaining 85 percent by the Psywar Section, General Headquarters, in Tokyo.

Leaflet Bundles being Dropped on Enemy

How the Leaflet Bundle Worked

EUSAK Psywar at no time had at its disposal even the leaflet bomb used in World War II Psywar operations. The leaflet dissemination procedure currently in use was Improvised early in EUSAK Psywar history by the present Air-Ground Liaison Officer and is a further instance of the organization’s successful adjustment to the equipment shortages characteristic of the entire Korean campaign. Leaflets have normally been delivered to the airstrip in bundles of about 2,500 held together with twine. They are initially loaded in the forward area of the C-47, In such fashion that there is a separate pile for each type of leaflet to be "mixed” in the drop. Once the plane is airborne, the personnel who perform the actual dissemination (late teen-age Korean boys) shift the piles to the platform in front and on either side of the rear cargo door (which always remains open during air-drop flights) Meanwhile, the Air-Ground Liaison Officer is in constant consultation with the pilot and copilot: the plane must be cleared to enter the target area; details of the actual strike, the width and depth of the sector to be hit, the direction of flight during the strike, the speed at which the plane is to fly, etcetera, must be worked out with them. When the plane is over the target, a red light beside the cargo door flashes, and the disseminators begin the drop: the bundles, taken from different piles in a specified ratio (to provide the right mix all along the course) are tossed through the open door at specified intervals (equal to the number of seconds the plane is to remain over the target divided by the number of leaflet bundles to be dropped). Approximately ten percent of the bundles are Immediately torn apart by the slipstream and are carried by the wind every which way over the area. The remainder hold together until they hit the ground, where they can be seen billowing up like small artillery bursts; the wind then picks them up and scatters them over a relatively small area.

The drops are known to have been highly inaccurate through an early period of experimentation, leaflets often missing their targets by as much as ten miles. Now, however, the operators claim, based on both observation during actual leaflet drops and of tests conducted in friendly territory, that the drops are about 90 percent accurate. In the present phase of the war, at least, air dissemination of leaflets is not regarded as posing any considerable unsolved problems. 

The G3 did try to get up to speed quickly. A two page letter was prepared by the Commander on the subject of Essential Elements of Information. It attempted to determine the attitude and beliefs of the enemy to help make the propaganda message on the leaflets more meaningful. Some of those questions are:

Determine the enemy's attitude toward the following, and the reasons therefore: Tangible factors, including: Food; Clothing; Weapons; Shelter; Medical attention; Logistics; Casualties - Combat and non-Combat; Supporting Weapons.

Training and Experience, including: Veterans; Recruits; Combat training; Condition and training of replacements; Specialist training; Command.

Discipline, including: Rewards; Self-criticism; Punishment.

Homesickness, including: Length of Combat duty; Length of time away from family; Furloughs and leaves; Mail; Traditional holidays.

Jacobson adds:

Republic of Korea propaganda operations primarily focused on South Korean civilians. Interestingly, the ROK “information and education” battalion conducted PSYWAR focused on enemy forces while the ROK “psychological warfare battalion” conducted troop indoctrination and education missions – the nomenclature being exactly the reverse of that of US military units.

Leaflet 8303

This is a bomb-warning leaflet to railroad workers dated 19 June 1952. It was requested by the 5th Air Force and depicts the bridge at Sinhung-dong. It is a follow-up to leaflet 8298 when the railroad workers were first warned that the bridge they were building would be bombed. It was designed to be dropped immediately after the bridge was bombed. The text on the front is:

RAILROAD BUILDERS IN THE SINHUNG-DONG AREA!

UN FLYING TIGERS HAVE KEPT THEIR PROMISE!

The back is all text except for the image of a falling bomb with a skull and crossed bones and the text: A Second Warning. The text on the back is:

Railroad workers:

Not long ago you were warned that the UN flying tigers had observed your by-pass and new bridge work in the Sinhung-dong area! You were given a friendly warning and told that the work you were doing was worthless and would be destroyed! Now the UN Flying Tigers have carried out their threat and have destroyed your work! Do not continue such work for your evil Communist leaders because the UN Flying Tigers will return repeatedly to destroy your work!

Head this warning and escape to save your lives!

Leaflet 8306

This is a rather oversized leaflet at 5.25 x 11-inches. I suspect it did not spread well when dropped from UN aircraft. It depicts a Communist fist squeezing the life out of North Koreans over a pile of skulls. We have seen leaflets in this article that had the artwork and text done by the South Korean Army; this 28 June 1952 leaflet was designed by the U.S. X Corps. It targets the North Korean 1st Division on the 2nd anniversary of the war. 200,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text on the front is:

THE THIRD YEAR BEGINS THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LIFE BLOOD OF KOREA!

HOW LONG WILL THE MANHOOD OF KOREA CONTINUE TO BE TURNED INTO BLOOD AND BONES ON THE TESTING GROUND OF COMMUNIST AGGRESSION?

The text on the back says in part:

Officers, Sergeants and Privates of the North Korean 1st Division:

Your division has been in this war for two long years now. There have been many casualties, many replacements…Officers! How many of you have replaced fallen comrades? Do you remember Colonel Kim Kyong Mo and Colonel Kang Chong Su? They never lived to see the elusive victory promised so often by the Communists…Demand peace for Korea now. Save your life so you can return to your loved ones…

8312

Two generals signed this leaflet. Lee Chong Chan is most famous for refusing to let the Army interfere in politics in 1952. I could find nothing on Lee Yong Moon. This 19 July 1952 Eighth Army G3 leaflet depicts a family eating a meal together and the wife thinking of her husband in the mountains. The artwork and text is by the ROKA and their code for this leaflet is K-125. 200,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. Some of the text is:

GO BACK TO YOUR HOME AT ONCE!

YOUR PARENT AND BROTHERS SHED TEARS, FOR THEY WORRY
ABOUT YOU IN THE MOUNTAINS WHENEVER THEY EAT GOOD FOOD

SAFE CONDUCT PASS

The bearer of this leaflet is determined to become a true citizen of the Republic of Korea again, and Army and Police are ordered to guarantee his life and treat him well.

LEE CHONG CHAN           LEE YONG MOON
LT. GENERAL K.A.        BRIG. GENERAL K.A.
CHIEF OF STAFF        ASST CHIEF OF STAFF

Leaflet 8319

Patriotic music leaflets were used by the United States Psychological Warfare Division of the Eight U.S. Army during the Korean War. Leaflet 8319 dated 8 August 1952 targeted South Koreans living in occupied areas. Its purpose was to commemorate Liberation Day, 15 August. It depicted a liberty bell on one side and the Song of Liberation Day on the other. The leaflet was designed and prepared by the Republic of Korea Army. The Eighth Army G3 printed and distributed it. Because it asks the South Koreans to come together and support their nation in the fight against Communism it is considered a "Consolidation" leaflet. The first stanza of the lyrics is:

Let us touch the soil of our Fatherland once more.
Even the sea foams on this glorious occasion.
Our ancestors and patriots longed to see this day.
But alas, they are gone!
For this day we have fought with blood for forty years.
Let us preserve this precious day forever!
Let us preserve this precious day forever! 

Some of the text on the back is:

Patriotic Brethren!

This is the seventh anniversary of our Liberation Day. We remember that seven years ago we were deeply impressed and danced with joy and yelled “Hurrah.” There are still communist bandits around you, are there not? We should sweep them out as soon as we can. Otherwise, the woes will torment us, and we will have a sad and gloomy time on this deeply affected occasion. Brethren! Let us spring up and annihilate the Communist bandits!

 

Newspaper 8320 – Free World Digest Supplement

Whenever the United States goes to war there are certain psychological warfare weapons that you expect to see. There will be leaflets and posters of course, radio broadcasts, loudspeaker broadcasts and newspapers. In some wars there are so many newspapers that I give them their own section. All through the war the Strategic 1st Radio Broadcasting and Leaflet Group was distributing four UN Newspapers to the North Koreans and Chinese. The Eighth Army G3 on produced one that I know about and it was a supplement to the Free World Digest that was being printed and distributed by the 1st Group.

This 11 August 1952 issue was written and designed by the Republic of Korea Army and printed by the Eighth Army G3. The main story is title:

FREEDOM? SLAVERY? TAKE YOUR CHOICE!

The story points out that free world nations are fighting Russia and the forces of Communism on all fronts. The Premier of India said that “Communism is out of date.” The nations of the world have donated $450,000,000 for the rehabilitation of the Republic of Korea.

There are 14 articles in all covering various themes such as: General Ridgway visits Normandy [photo]; no borders exist among humanity; a monument to admiral Lee Sun Shin has been built [photo]; marriage in a POW camp; a Doctor of Literature in Korea; and 100 sorties flown by a South Korean pilot.

 

Leaflet 8365

This 2 November 1952 leaflet is rather attractive with flowery and decorative borders while in the center a former North Korean high ranking political commissar speaks to a Republic of Korea Officer. The text and photograph were taken by Republic of Korea Army staff. Besides the American code number 8365, the leaflet also bears a Korean code number, K-147. The text on the front is:

COMRADE CHA IL PYONG WHO IS AWAITING YOUR QUICK RETURN.

COMRADE CHA IL PYONG IS TALKING WITH A REPUBLIC OF KOREA OFFICER.

Some of the text on the back is:

I AM AWAITING YOUR QUICK RETURN.

Dear Former Comrades,

I appeal to you with my whole heart to you who are leading a miserable mountain life – being driven from the mountains to the valleys.

Come back as soon as possible and start a new life! Comrades! I was one of your high-ranking officers. I am very sorry that I could not bring you with me to the bosom of the Republic of Korea at that time. I regret leaving you alone in the deep mountains.

I am impressed and inspired with the leniency of compassion of the Republic of Korea. I have started a new life for the reconstruction of our fatherland.

Comrades! Come back at once! Do not suffer from the Cold weather! Come back to the flag of the Republic of Korea.

Comrade Cha Il       

                                                                                                    
   Former Vice Political Commissar                                                                               
 Former Professor, Kim Il-sung University                                                                  

YOU CAN USE THIS LEAFLET AS A SAFE CONDUCT PASS

Leaflet 8383

I don’t have complete information on this 19 December 1952 leaflet. Although a paper leaflet, it is in the form of a postcard. It contains no wartime propaganda but is meant to build credibility for future leaflets to be dropped on North Korean troops. It bears a fake postal stamp and the text, "To the People’s Army from the Republic of Korea’s Army." The back shows pine trees and Korean symbols of long life and the text. "Happy New Year, 1 January 1953."

Leaflet 8399

This leaflet has two photographs on the front that depict a prisoner of war receiving good treatment. The leaflet targets the North Korean 45th Division. I have seen many such leaflets so the 45th seems to be a favorite target of the Americans and South Koreans. On the back of the leaflet is a long letter from a North Korean soldier that defected. He explains why he did so. The text on the front is:

COMRADES OF THE 45TH DIVISION, NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE’S ARMY

This is a message from Kim I Ku, another of your brave comrades who decided to except the oppression, cruelty, suspicion, and discrimination that ex-Republic of Korea soldiers are subject to in the Army of Death.

The text on the back says in part:

GREETINGS EX-ROK SOLDIERS NOW IN THE NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE’S ARMY

My name is Kim I Ku. A few days ago, I was a comrade of yours. I served with the heavy machine gun platoon of the 2nd Company of the 1st Battalion of the 90th Regiment of the 45th Division. Before I was captured and forced to fight for the Communists, I served in the Republic of Korea Army and fought for my country. Like all of you that are ex-ROKA, I suffered hardships and discrimination in the NKPA because I had fought for my country against the Communist invaders. I was always watched and spied upon by the Political Officer of my company, Pak Chau Lim and his spies Kang Tong Su and Kim Tong Chun. Because we have fought for our beloved country, we ex-ROKA are not trusted by the Communists.

Cease fighting for the Communists against Korea. Escape to the UN lines like many others have done. The United Nations forces have given me excellent treatment and they will treat you well also. Do not believe the lies of the Political Officers who say that ex-ROKA are treated as traitors by the Republic of Korea Government. Join the thousands of other ROKA, who like me, have escaped from the NKPA. Join us and live for the day of freedom and unification of our beloved Korea.

Kim I Ku

Leaflet 8409

This 6 March 1951 leaflet was based on the discovery that many of the North Korean soldiers hesitated to join the Communist Party because they were then expected to be role models and prove themselves by acts of bravery which can lead to injury or death. The artwork shows a fat, smug, rear echelon Communist Party member who has never put himself at risk showing and his Party card. I had to smile at the official description because in the U.S. Army we have a term “REMF.” Don’t ask. The text on the front is:

NON-PARTY MEMBERS OF THE NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE’S ARMY

DON’T YOU WANT TO BE A COMMUNIST PARTY MEMBER?

The back is all text and very long. I will only translate a few lines of it:

NON-PARTY MEMBERS OF THE NORTH KOREAN PEOPLE’S ARMY

You can also be a Communist party member!

Are you ambitious? Don’t you want leaves, promotions and decorations that only Party members are entitled to receive?

Volunteer yourself for dangerous patrols, raids, and other missions. Be very careful to avoid UN airplanes and artillery because many applicants for Party Membership are killed while on such missions. After you have performed many more dangerous missions you will either be dead, or your squad leader will give you many sly excuses to deny your Party membership. Your Communist masters cheat you into death while taking privileges for themselves. Would it not be better to remain a non-Party member?

Leaflet 8412

This 7 March 1953 very colorful and traditional leaflet for the North Korean Army seeks to cause nostalgia among their soldiers who have been away from home for a long time. It is part of “Plan Divide” and depicts a Korean man and women in a romantic setting. Perhaps in an attempt to make the image more romantic, a female Korean artist painted the courtship scene. The theme is “No courtship and love for the North Korean People’s Army.” The back of the leaflet is blank. The text on the front is:

COMRADES!

When will you meet your loved one again?

Leaflet 8425

I like this 23 April 1953 leaflet because it almost looks like an American advertisement. We see a really attractive Korean man and woman and they would seem not to have a trouble in the world. On the back of the leaflet we see female Korean Army soldiers marching and manning an anti-aircraft gun. Instead of telling the female that she is about to lose her boyfriend which is what we might expect, this may be the only leaflet I have ever seen that implies the male may lose his girlfriend. The artwork and text was done by the ROKA. 750,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text on the front is:

YOU CAN’T ENJOY A HAPPY HOME LIFE – BLAME KIM IL SUNG!

The text on the back is:

SUFFERING UNDER UNHAPPY CONDITIONS OF TRAINING AND WORK
BLAME KIM IL SUNG FOR DENYING YOU A HAPPY HOME LIFE.

Leaflet 8444

This 3 July 1953 leaflet depicts a North Korean defector and a U.S. Officer on the front. It is a surrender appeal requested by the U.S. 45th Infantry Division. The text is:

A MESSAGE TO MY COMRADES IN THE 37TH NORTH KOREAN DIVISION.

The back is a letter from the defector to his former division.

To my comrades in the 37th Division. Yesterday morning, 2 July 1953, I came over to the United Nations side, I am enjoying good treatment and I no longer fear the brutality of our officers, the overwork, and the deadly fire power of the United Nations forces.

I urge you now comrades to join me on the United Nations side.

Private Lee Hyong Jun
2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, 6th Company
2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 37th Division.

Leaflet 8526

This leaflet depicts bombed trucks and dead enemy Chinese soldiers with F-80 fighter-bombers overhead. The back all text. The language is Chinese. The text on the front is:

Moving military vehicles are targets for United Nations bombing.

The text on the back is:

Moving military vehicles are good targets.

Moving military vehicles are good targets. Every day, dozens of military vehicles and their drivers are destroyed by the coalition forces. The United Nations Air Force goes deep into your rear and prevents you from transporting food and arms to the front. Your situation is becoming hopeless day by day. This is you. One of the reasons why you should surrender is to follow the example of the thousands of comrades who have come here! Not only are their lives safe here, but they also enjoy preferential treatment.

Leaflet 8528

This leaflet depicts a happy Chinese soldier approaching the UN lines with his hands up, then being greeted by UN troops accepting his surrender. The text is:

Come to us with your hands up.

We have many people who can speak Chinese.

The back is all text:

Officers and soldiers of the Chinese Communist Party

Stop being half-hearted and come here now!

You don't have to worry about language difficulties. Not only do we have translators to talk to you, but we also treat you as a friend.

Why use your body to fight against airplanes, tanks, and artillery? There are two roads, life and death, and there is only one way to go.

Come here, wise friend!

Leaflet 8531

This leaflet depicts a map addressed to the 125th Chinese Division troops opposite the 8th U.S. Army telling them how and where to surrender. These maps were very popular, and we see them used in just about every modern war, where one side tells the other exactly how to go about surrendering. The leaflet warns the Chinese not to be a target for U.S. artillery and bombing and to come over to the UN side quickly. We do not have the complete translation, but some of the text is:

Come over to the UN lines and safety.

Leave your unit at the first opportunity.

Come over to the UN lines by following the road or railroad as shown on the map.

Come to the UN lines with your hands over your head.

Many of your comrades have come to the UN lines and are receiving food and good treatment.

Follow these directions.

Move south to the UN lines and good treatment.

Leaflet 8561

As I say elsewhere in this article, I like leaflets that use leaflets as a theme. This is a perfect example. A Chinese soldier has found a UN leaflet and has sat down to read it. A political officer, knowing that the message might open the soldier’s eyes and cause him to defect covers his eyes and grabs the leaflet. The text on the front of the leaflet is:

The hands that keep you from safety

The text the back says in part:

Why are you not allowed to discuss the contents of UN leaflets?

Is it because the Communists fear that you will learn the truth and realize that thousands and thousands of your comrades have died in a foreign land for the Russian Communists?

Is it because the Communists fear that you will learn and realize that thousands of your comrades have come to UN lines and that they ate all receiving good treatment?

Suppression of leaflets is an unmistakable sign of guilt.

Do not be oppressed any longer. Come over to UN lines and safety

Major Albert C. Brauer mentioned this leaflet in an article titled Psychological Warfare Korea 1951:

Intelligence reports indicated Communist officers and cadre were continuously forbidding men to read UN leaflets. This leaflet was designed to counter this. It was considered such a good leaflet by me and others that it was not tested on POWs prior to dropping. Later a survey was conducted and to the question: What does this leaflet mean to you, a large percentage of POWs answered, “If you read leaflets your officers will punish you.” Needless to say, we stopped dropping it.

Leaflet 8579

This is a rather dull leaflet but there is an interesting back story. In WWI we told the Germans that 1 million fresh young Yanks were coming to fight them, then 2 million, then 3 million, etc. During the Vietnam War the Communists printed postage stamps claiming that they had shot down 3,000, 3,500, 4,000 U.S. aircraft. Everyone knew it was fake news but it was interesting to see them inflate the numbers. As the war went on they claimed to have shot down more aircraft than the Air Force had. This earlier Korea War leaflet shows that the Americans were using the same general theme. A number of these leaflets were printed, each giving the latest count of Communist killed or wounded. Hopefully the leaflet is more accurate with its numbers.

 

The text on front and back is:

Do you know – 11,646 – what this number means?

LOOK!

11,646 of your comrades are dead and wounded in the last five days, October 4 – 8

THINK! Will you be next?

Leaflet 8586

This leaflet features a common theme used in almost every war. Soldiers are away from home and they miss their families. Quite often we find leaflets where a loved one, a wife or mother, cry for the son far away in mortal danger. Here a mother weeps as she thinks of her son and he weeps on the battlefield. The Chinese text says in part:

Come back, my son!

How much longer are you going to be away from home? My eyes fill with tears when I think of what is happening to our beloved China. Thousands and thousands of peaceful Chinese are killed every day by the murderous Communists. The Communists took your father away days ago and we have not seen him since…My son, only you, the young generation, can save us –you and the others must come back and save us from these brutal Communists.

I, your mother, who has never said an unkind word, nor quarreled with anyone, could hardly tolerate the Communist's atrocities. We have to avenge. The Communists are mad dogs - they are murderers: I shall die hating them: Oh, my son, my son, come back:

Your Mother

Major Albert C. Brauer mentioned this leaflet in Psychological Warfare Korea 1951:

This Chinese anti-morale leaflet was, in my estimation, the most effective leaflet prepared in the Korean War. All the emotional ties between mother and son are stressed to create maximum home sickness. A survey of this leaflet with five other leaflets was conducted on one hundred POWs. 90 picked this leaflet as the most effective. It was easily understood by both literate and illiterate and was so effective that some cases POWs burst into tears as they discussed the leaflet. “Everyone has a mother,” was the comment made time after time.

The artwork for the leaflet was prepared by an anonymous Chinese artist in South Korea. He gave the sketch to the Chinese Nationalist Embassy from where it found its way to my desk. It was almost not printed as our art section did not believe it would reproduce satisfactorily.

Leaflet 8592

In general, American PSYOP troops are told not to depict dead bodies on leaflets because it seems to indicate that they are bragging about those killed, and it has been found to anger the enemy and perhaps cause him to fight harder. Still, propagandists love these images and in this leaflet we see a dead Chinese soldier at the left and a live surrendering one at the right. This leaflet was printed after intelligence reports indicated that the Chinese forces consisted of young men under the age of 25. The text says in part:

You can live or you can die

Will you be a corpse before you are 25?

Recruits of the Chinese Army:

The dead Chinese soldier is only 17 years old. He was forced to leave his home and his parents. He was cheated and forced to come to Korea. He was untrained and frightened and did not want to be a soldier. Friends, your chances of living through this senseless foreign war become less each day. You can save your life by coming to the UN lines. The UN welcomes all who come in peace and guarantee good treatment.

Brauer adds:

This is a direct appeal to Chinese Communists under 25 years of age, stressing the choice of life or death. Intelligence reports had indicated that in some units a large percentage of the personnel were composed of individuals less than 25 years of age. The leaflet was tested on POWs and despite its similarity to similar previous leaflets proved to be very effective.

Both illiterate and literate were able to comprehend the theme, “Surrender or Die.” The leaflet was prepared some time later than the previous similar leaflets and the ease in which it was understood may in part be due to the educational effect our leaflets were having.

Leaflet 8600

I love leaflets that depict leaflets. I have always thought that I should write an article about this self-serving propaganda. This particular leaflet is even more interesting because it is designed for illiterates. The G3 called this a “Mute” because it bore images that could be read and understood without the use of a written word. It depicts a Chinese soldier in a flock of airdropped UN leaflets. He looks at it, like what he sees and comes over to the UN forces. There is a brief four stanza text on the back in the form of a jingle. It says in part:

You suffer more when it snows,
You have to hide yourself when you hear the sound of an airplane.
The strafing makes you shudder.
Friends, think it over!

You’ll find safety by coming over to the UN lines.
Decent food and good quarters are guaranteed.
Stoves are already installed here.

Leaflet 8607

This interesting leaflet depicts food, drinks, and cigarettes all around the border, with text in the center. It is an invitation to a "gift" feast, to the 31st Chinese Division. It was called “Come to the feast.” The purpose of the leaflet was an appeal to Chinese troops to give themselves up to UN troops, enticing them with food and comfort. The back is blank. The text is:

AN INVITATION FROM THE ALLIED FORCES

Soldiers of the 31st Division Peoples Volunteer Army:

We sympathize deeply with the fact that you within the ranks of the Chinese Communist forces are not well-fed or warmly dressed. Our Chinese friends who work with Allied Forces are particularly concerned. They have suggested that we extend hospitality to you at an appropriate opportunity. Now, we have decided to host a banquet on the 24th and 25th to welcome those Chinese brothers who are coming, as a gesture of the Allied forces' sincere welcome.

We have already prepared large quantities of turkey, fish, meat, vegetables, rice, as well as cigarettes, fresh fruits, pastries, cocoa, coffee, and more. Please come and enjoy to your heart's content.

Run on over to the Allied side on the 24th and 25th of December, and we guarantee you a special welcome!

Leaflet 8611

This leaflet depicts a Chinese Communist soldier hiding at night, then surrendering in daylight. The back is all text, The short text on the front is:

Get out of the dead end.
To survive by day.

The text on the back is:

Chinese Communist officers and soldiers.

A few weeks ago, I was suffering the same way you are now. During the day, I was in the air raid shelter and didn't dare to come out; at night, I was cold and hungry, so I felt like vomiting when I saw the food being cooked, and I couldn't eat anything.

One night, when I was enjoying an army march, I pretended to have a sore foot and dropped out of the team. At a hidden place, I took the opportunity to turn into a ditch on the side of the road, then climbed some distance and waited for dawn in a valley.

The next morning, I walked to the United Nations position with my hands raised. I was received very politely. Now it's a good morning for me and I enjoy excellent treatment. Friends, believe me, you can also find a chance to escape from misery like me.

The Communist Party is inhumane. Don't be a beast for the Russians! Don't be a ghost in a foreign land!

Comrades who have joined the United Nations forces are happy.

Leaflet 8612

This leaflet is like the one above, four panels telling a short story. It uses the frigid Korean weather for a theme. The text on the four panels is:

In the ice and snowy weather

You can hardly move on

Who has pity on you?

It is the UN forces.

Some of the text on the back is:

The ordeal you suffer becomes greater every day. Cold, hunger, and bodily exhaustion are haunting you. How can you, with your poor clothing, keep warm in this terrible winter? Even with tortured feet, you are required to make endless marches over the mountains with heavy loads. When your strength finally leaves you, you will be abandoned…

Leaflet 8622

This is a strange leaflet, but these were used in both Korea and Vietnam. Sometimes rather than propagandize the enemy, the US forces just send an interesting leaflet that is not propaganda; it is something to motivate the enemy to pick up the leaflet and look at it. The idea is to get them used to picking up and reading the leaflets. It would also confuse their Communist leaders who would expect it to be propaganda but find it quite neutral. This leaflet bears a colorful map of Korea and southern Manchuria with the major cities named, and interesting information such as the distance between those cities. This leaflet would be mixed in with regular propaganda leaflets and dropped together. The official information sheet says about this leaflet:

This is a brightly colored pictorial map of Korea and the Southeast portion of Manchuria showing principal ports and cities, industry, forestry, agriculture and fishing. Arrows show distances to principal Chinese cities.

Leaflet 8634

The “Cut sheet” for this leaflet says that there is a dragon in flight on the front. I guess there is but it is not very clear. The text on the back bleeds through the image on the front. The back depicts a dead Chinese soldier on the ground. This tactical leaflet was prepared for use against specific enemy units as selected by the I Corps Commanding General, and was requested by the U.S. Army I Corps. The text on the front and back is very short:

THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

WILL YOU BE SNATCHED AWAY BY THE CLAWS OF THE DRAGON?

Leaflet 8635

This leaflet attempts to divide the Chinese from the Russians. The front top shows U.N. war material being delivered to South Korea. We see long lines of vehicles, trucks, tanks, fighter aircraft and bombers. The front bottom contrasts the first picture by showing Chinese foot soldiers slogging through the snow on their way to battle. The image on the back shows a lonely Chinese family longing for the man of the house, now far away in Korea. The leaflet was requested by the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division to target the Chinese troops in the line directly opposite them. The text says in part:

COMPARE

Are Russian weapons equal to those of the United Nations? What is Russia providing for you? Is it equal to what the United Nations is providing South Korea? Do you have enough trucks? Are you able to ride or must you walk? Do you have enough artillery? Does it keep you from being killed by the United Nations artillery? Do you have enough aircraft? Do they keep United Nations aircraft from bombing you?

Text on the back continues to attack the Russians and the way the Chinese troops are treated by their own government and officers. It points out that the Chinese are being used by the Russians to fight a war of conquest that the Soviets wanted.

Leaflet 8401

On the front of this leaflet is a smiling Korean officer Captain Ro Too-soo, a political security officer of the 8th Division of the North Korean People’s Army who surrendered along with 31 of his men. The back of this oversized leaflet is blank. The text says in part:

A REAL PATRIOT

Captain Ro Too-soo, political security officer of the 8th Division of the North Korea’s People’s Army is a real patriot of the Republic of Korea. When he realized that the Koreans were being used like dogs by the Russian aggressors, he organized an anti-Communist group with his 31 subordinates and came over to the United Nation’s side. Now Captain Ro is enjoying a safe life and working toward the peaceful reunification and revival of the Fatherland. Koreans should give their loyalty to the Fatherland, not to Russia. For his former comrades to know that, this patriot voluntarily provided his picture and statement. Captain Ro Too-soo is a real patriot of the Republic of Korea.

Leaflet 8643

This leaflet uses the theme of poor leadership among the Communist Chinese forces. It was requested by the British 1st Commonwealth Division. They reported that the Chinese seem to be fighting among themselves due to confusion, poor leadership, or deliberate intent of the Communist Forces leaders. The leaflet depicts a firefight among the Chinese troops. The text on the front is:

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE CHINESE FORCES!

WHY DO YOU KILL EACH OTHER?

The text on the back is:

Chinese officers and men:

During the past few nights, United Nations soldiers have seen that you are fighting among yourselves. We have seen your own mortars fire at you. What does this mean?

What terrible tragedy is happening in your army? Can your leaders not stop this? Is this not due to incompetence in their leadership? It is dangerous enough for you to be under the fire of U.N. weapons. Now, because of the incapability of your superior cadres, there has happened a case of mutual destruction. Are you still willing to become ghosts of those who have died without any cause or justification and to be killed by your own weapons?

Please think carefully. How foolish is it to die for Soviet Russia! You must save your life for the future of China. Cease this useless fighting! If you leaders insist on continuing this war, let Mao Tse-tung and the Russian fight it out by themselves.

Leaflet 8650

The leaflet was dated 15 June 1952 and was called "Three Confessions, one examination." It is aimed at the Communist Chinese fighting in Korea and an invasive movement currently being carried out in Chinese military units. The image on the front depicts a Chinese officer about to chop a Chinese soldier with a large sword. The sword is labeled, "Three Confessions, one examination," as is the giant blood stain over the soldier's head. The soldier is tied up with ropes labeled, “personal history," "personal relationships," and "political thinking and standing."  

The back depicts a North Korean walking quickly toward a United Nations flag and the text that says in part:

THREE CONFESSIONS AND ONE CRITICISM
KILLING YOU WITH A BORROWED KNIFE!

[Note]: "Killing you with a borrowed knife" is a Chinese idiom meaning to kill without proper reason.

Three Chiao and one ping – Kills you with a borrowed knife.

Three Chiao and one ping – Wants you to abuse your ancestors.

Three Chiao and one ping – Wants you to betray your relatives and friends.

Three Chiao and one ping – Wants you to get rid of your free thinking.

Three Chiao and one ping – Forces you to confess; those that are innocent are incriminated; those who are incriminated are not excused.

Three Chiao and one ping – Forces you to join the “revolution;” you must do hard labor and sacrifice your life….

   

Leaflet 8651

The front of this 15 June 1952 leaflet has three photographs that appear to show Chinese prisoners of war happy in a United Nations POW camp. The text is:

Soldiers of the Chinese Communist Party Look to them for freedom.

1: These are all people unwilling to be oppressed by the Communist Party and striving for freedom, getting on vehicles to get to the rear positions of the Allied Forces.

2: They were allies in the Second World War, and Communist propaganda cannot destroy the traditional friendship between China and the United States.

3: They are no longer under the surveillance of the political commissars, no longer oppressed by 'three submissions and one criticism.' They play sports, read newspapers, and live very happily.

If you come over, life will be just as enjoyable.

The back of the leaflet depicts a poor Chinese soldier with three Communist hands pointing at him. The text is:

Do not endure the 'three submissions and one criticism' anymore. Follow the instructions on the left and come quickly to the side of the Allied Forces!

(1): Find an appropriate hiding place in front of your positions close to the Allied Forces.

(2): Take the opportunity at night to slip away from the unit and hide at this location.

(3): Once hidden, remain still and wait for daybreak.

(4): Discard your weapons, come over to the side of the Allied forces at daybreak, and bring any injured comrades along.

(5): When approaching Allied positions, raise both hands high with fingers spread apart.

[Translator’s Note]: I am unsure of the words on the first page, which I have literally translated here as 'three submissions and one criticism.' Given the additional context of political commissars/officers I believe it to refer to some kind of mandatory Communist self-criticism session, where soldiers must ‘submit’ their ideological ‘mistakes’ and reaffirm their adherence to the party's principles.

[Author’s Note]: In both the Korean and Vietnam Wars the anti-Communist forces printed several leaflets that targeted the soldiers that were the victims of the embarrassing mandatory self-criticism sessions. The troops were told to defect and come and live in a place where there were no such criticism sessions.

Leaflet 8653

This is another leaflet that features death showing a group of Chinese soldiers being mowed down in battle. I show it because it is a perfect example of a tactical leaflet. These leaflets are sometimes requested by front line troops against an enemy they are fighting and will name the enemy unit. The propagandists make it personal. This 19 June 1952 leaflet is titled “Useless death” and targets the Chinese 113th and 117th Divisions. 500,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text says in part:

WARRIORS OF THE 113th AND 117th DIVISIONS!

WILL YOU LIVE OR DIE IN THE NEXT ATTACK?

Night after night your leaders have hurled you in futile attacks against UN positions! Soon you will be hurled into the jaws of death again! Next time – will you live or die? More than 2,000 of your brothers have been killed or wounded in attacking the same objectives, and still this horrible slaughter goes on…

FRIENDS! THE CHOICE IS YOURS! WILL YOU LIVE OR DIE?

Leaflet 8656

I added this 30 June 1952 leaflet because it is the only example of a triangular propaganda leaflet that I have ever seen. It is a very odd shape and one wonders how the flight characteristics of the leaflet were figured out by the propagandists who were assigned the task of dropping it on a target site with some accuracy. The leaflet was dropped on Chinese troops and depicts a Communist soldier being forced to confess to fellow troops on the front, and the same troops escaping from the dark to the light on the back. Leaflet 8650 used the exact same theme. There was a belief that pointing out the demeaning and embarrassing nature of these so-called “confessions” might motivate an enemy to desert the Communist forces. 1,500,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text is:

“THREE CONFESSIONS, ONE EXAMINATION” IS A CRUEL TRICK THE COMMUNISTS USE TO ENSLAVE YOU.

Come over to the United Nations and you won’t have to torture yourself.

Come over to the United Nations and be free of humiliation by the Communists.

Come over to the United Nations and you will not be “pressed” with three confessions and one examination.

I thought the readers might be interested in the Chinese Communist concept of confessions so pulled out my 1972 Peking copy of Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung (The “Little Red Book”) and found this passage:

We should not become complacent over any success. We should check our complacency and constantly criticize our short-comings, just as we should wash our faces or sweep the floor every day to remove the dirt and keep them clean.

Leaflet 8657

This 30 June 1952 anti-morale leaflet depicts a Chinese mother crying because her son is fighting in Korea and may never return. This is a common image seen often on both Korean and Vietnam War leaflets. The back is all text except for a small picture of the mother and the Fallen Soldiers monument. The text on the front is:

Tears in a mother's eyes.

A warrior never returns.

The tomb of the fallen soldiers of the Chinese Communist Party.

Officers and soldiers of the CCP, you have suffered 877,000 casualties!

The text on the back is:

Communist Party Commanders and Fighters

Since you came to Korea to join the fight, there have been many casualties. There are 877,000 people. Please think about whether the parents of the deceased will shed tears for losing their beloved son.

Tomb of the fallen soldiers of the Communist Party of China

Will our wives and children have to grieve for having no husband or father? Please look at the new recruits transferred from China. Which one is not a young boy? Which one's parents do not count on them, but they come to North Korea thousands of miles away to die.

Friends, who have parents, who have a wife or children? You are fighting in a foreign country and suffering. How many people in your family are worried about you? If you die unfortunately, who will they rely on? Stop being cannon fodder for the Communist invaders. If you continue to fight, you will only die. If you can't take it any longer, put down your arms and come to the Allied forces.

We will ensure your safety and make it easy for you to live happily. 

Leaflet 8667

I added this 6 August 1952 leaflet because it is the only one I have seen that was requested by the British forces, in this case the 1st Commonwealth Division. What Americans call “friendly fire” the British call “blue on blue.” British reconnaissance patrols apparently saw Chinese patrols firing at each other. The image depicts such a scene and the British point out that it occurs due to poor leadership. 75,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text on the front is:

YOUR CADRES’ INCOMPETENT LEADERSHIP MAKES YOU KILL EACH OTHER

The text on back says in part:

Night after night UN troops have seen the patrols of your units engaged in fire fights with one another. Because of incompetent and confused leadership on the part of your cadres, you rain a fiery death from rifles, machine-guns, mortars and grenades upon your own men.

As Soviet running dogs, the Chinese Communist cadres are not only militarily incompetent in causing you to fight each other, but also politically cruel in that your loved ones at home are plunged into an inhuman life like “being burned in a fire or drowned in water.”

Note: “Being burned in a fire or drowned in water” is a Chinese term meaning distress and misery.

Leaflet 8677

This 13 September 1952 leaflet is rather strange. The front show two images of a Chinese soldier fighting. On the right he is wounded, and you can see some blood from a head wound. There is a red "X" is over his image. At the left he raises his hands in surrender and we see two American medics rushing with a stretcher to save him.

On the back of the leaflet there are three photographs of American medics caring for a Chinese soldier. His head has been bandaged. There is no text on the back. The leaflet was called "Don't fight when wounded." The text on the front from right to left is:

Continuing to fight means death.

It doesn't matter if you are injured, the coalition forces will save your life.

Accepting medical treatment is life.

Leaflet 8679

I like this leaflet because it is an escape map. Going back as far as WWI propagandists used maps to show the enemy where to go to surrender safely. It is a large leaflet, about 8.5 x 11-inches. This 2 September 1952 map shows the Chinese how to go through their own lines and be welcomed by the Americans. It targets the 113th Chinese Division. 100,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text on the front says in part:

This “makes-the-rounds” paper [A Chinese term for leaflet] points to the escape road from Communist ghost hands [A Chinese term for “control”]. Communist Party members of the 113th Division’s 339th Regiment are not invited to look upon this makes-the-rounds paper. This makes-the-rounds paper is given only to those true, hot blooded descendants of Huangdi to look upon. [Huangdi: the “Yellow Emperor,” was the third of ancient China’s mythological emperors, a culture hero and patron saint of Daoism].

The back says in part:

Obstinate Communist Party members need not walk this road. True descendants of Huangdi, however, should clearly remember the map-pointed road. Walk along this road in the space of one night. The break of day will bring safety.

This leaflet is clearly a EUSAK G3 product, though it was drawn by artist Dick Zayac of the 1st Loudspeaker and Leaflet Company. I mention above that the 1st L&L was subordinate to the Eighth Army and that their G3 claimed authority for all of the leaflets printed under their command. The leaflet depicting a map and routes through the lines was actually reconnoitered by Zayac himself. He wanted to assure himself that the map depicted everything in its proper perspective.

Leaflet 8681

The front of this 14 September 1952 leaflet requested by U.S. 5th Air Force depicts an American F-80 “Shooting Star” bombing Chinese troops. The text is:

The Air Forces of the world show off their power.

The back of the leaflet depicts B-26 medium bombers dropping bombs. We know that this was meant to be a “Post air strike” leaflet to be dropped after bombings. For some reason the back of my specimen is so poor that the text on the left cannot be read. Some of the comments we can make out and guess at from the right side are:

You just had a taste of the United Air Force. The more we fight, the stronger we become. If your leaders give up the aggression, you will survive. You have few planes, and the Communist Party has none. You can see it with your own eyes.

Leaflet 8693

Leaflet 8693 was printed 8 November 1963 and attempts to frighten the Chinese “volunteers” with threat of death due to military action, starvation, and the cold. It depicts a long line of starving, dead, and wounded Chinese troops. It was designed to be used against Chinese military units that were known to have taken heavy casualties. The text on the front is:

CHINESE SOLDIERS!

Your unit suffers from many dead and wounded!

Will you too die a useless death?

The back is all text:

Warriors of the Chinese Forces

Hour after hour the number of dead and wounded increases around you. Your unit suffers bitterly from heavy casualties. See, many of your comrades now lie either dead or wounded. Your unit is almost destroyed. Must you, too, join your comrades in useless death?

Your situation is hopeless. You have done all you can. Now you must preserve your life to return to your family.

Your unit has suffered enough. It is useless for you to continue fighting. Come toward the United Nations troops without weapons and with your hands raised high above your head. You will be welcomed with respect and honor.

Leaflet 8701

This is another large leaflet about 8.5 x 11-inches. In the Vietnam War mathematical equations and experimental drops showed that the best sized leaflet for a wide controlled dispersion was 6 x 3-inches. These big pages probably blew all over the field with no real control. The images on front and back are very strong. The front depicts a map of Korea and the ships of the Allied navies, B-29 bombers, and F-80 shooting star fighters. The casualties for the Communist forces during the month of October 1952 are depicted on tombs. The back of the leaflet features a Chinese mother grieving over her dead son. 860,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. Some of the text is:

The Communist forces suffered especially heavy casualties in October 1952, a month of death.

These are the dead, wounded and captured soldiers of different units:

The 65th Chinese Army – 2,396; The 39th Chinese Army – 1,241; The 15th Chinese Army – 11,878; etc.…Your incompetent cadres sent you to the road of death.

The Chinese Army has suffered more than 990,000 casualties in the past two years in Korea. Just think how heartbroken their families must be. Who will take care of the widowed wives and fatherless children? Why must the Chinese be cannon-fodder for the Russians?

Leaflet 8706

This 7 December 1952 leaflet depicts four Chinese soldiers trying to keep warm over a tiny fire during a blizzard. The text on the front is:

The Communist Party is forcing you to endure another winter in Korea!

The back has a longer message and a drawing of a Chinese soldier dead in the snow with a skull for a face. The text is:

The Communist Party is forcing you to endure another winter in Korea! The Communist Party, utterly devoid of conscience and refusing to accept a fair peace, insists on forcing you to suffer and endure another winter in North Korea!

Already the gusts of icy wind cut like a blade upon your bodies. Soon, amidst the raging wind and snow, the battlefield will become a frozen wasteland. Then you will suffer even more!

Your trenches and dugouts are damp and chilly, with stagnant air. To live in them for long periods is intolerable. This winter, who knows how many of our Chinese brothers will succumb to the cold!

You are all proud Chinese men, forced to go abroad to fight for the Soviet Union, whilst the high-ranking officials of the Communist Party continue to enjoy luxurious and comfortable lives at home. Think about it, why do you endure such suffering?

Leaflet 8722

This 8 February 1953 colorful leaflet depicts Chinese soldiers performing hard labor. The Leaflet sheet explains that interrogation has shown that the Chinese troops fighting the U.S. Eighth Army bitterly resent the way they are treated by their officers and commissars. This leaflet was part of "Plan Divide," meant to drive a wedge between the troops and their leaders. The text on the front is:

IF YOUR HEALTH BECOME POOR BECAUSE OF CONSTANT HARD LABOR,
BLAME THE COMMUNISTS!

The text on the back is:

FOR ALL YOUR UNHAPPINESS – BLAME THE COMMUNISTS!

Leaflet 8728

This leaflet bears the title “Welcome to the Chinese 133rd Division.” It was requested by the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division as the story of a Chinese soldier who defected to the Allies and received good treatment. It is dated 7 March 1953. The leaflet depicts Assistant Squad Leader Hsaio Chih Li. The text on the front is:

WARRIORS OF THE 133rd CHINESE DIVISION

The United Nations welcomes Hsaio Chih Li, Assistant Squad Leader of the Weapons Company of the 2nd Battalion, 399th Regiment. After 25 days in the line Hsaio saw his chance and successfully escaped. Read his story and mark it well.

There is a long text on the back which I will edit for brevity:

To my friends in the 2nd Battalion of the 399th Regiment. My escape was not hard. I got by the guard after walking down from the 5th Company hill be telling him that I was going to urinate, and then lying still on “No-name hill” until it was light enough to see. Then I just walked into the United Nations Lines where I was welcomed, fed, and transported to the rear. I am warm and happy. You can join me if you will, and I assure you that you will be glad if you do.

Your friend and brother,

Haiso

Leaflet 8729

This leaflet simply shows a pretty woman. However, the communist Chinese were rather prudish about such things and I suspect that many troops carried this leaflet around as a sort of “pin-up.” It might be as close to a sexual leaflet as the Americans used against the Chinese. This leaflet was dated 8 March 1953. The leaflet was parted of Plan Divide and is designed to stimulate longing for normal human relationships and to create dissension against the government which denies them. The front depicts a photograph of Pretty Chinese woman in a formal silk dress. 500,000 of these leaflets were dropped on 14 May 1953, and they also were dropped on other earlier occasions. 500,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text is:

No man’s Life is Complete without a Wife and Sons.

The back is blank.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this leaflet is that it turned out that the pretty young woman was the very patriotic daughter of a South Korean Minister who had never given permission for its use. Allegedly, the minister came upon a copy of the leaflet and raised Hell with the American propagandists.

8735

The same propaganda theme was used in leaflet 8735. On this leaflet, USAF F-80 "Shooting Stars" are seen bombing a Red Chinese convoy. This leaflet was requested by the U.S. 5th Air Force. It was to be dropped immediately after a U.S. air attack to show the lack of Communist air support. One million copies of this leaflet were printed on 26 April 1950, but dropped in May. Once again, the title is:

WHERE IS THE COMMUNIST AIR FORCE?

TThe text on the back is the same as leaflet 8426 and says in part:

Day and night U.N military air power destroys military targets in North Korea without opposition. Your Communist leaders promise airplanes to protect you – BUT HAVE YOU SEEN THEM?

Leaflet 8737

Printed 5 May 1953, this anti-morale leaflet depicts rural home life in China and contrasts it to the wet and muddy front-line life in a bunker. Intelligence reports stated that life in the Chinese bunkers was miserable, especially since the coming of the spring thaw. The leaflet seeks to cause a nostalgic feeling of homesickness and lower the Chinese troop’s morale. The short text is:

PAST LIFE

PRESENT SITUATION

Leaflet 8739/p>

I love flags. Often countries will discover that the enemy does not recognize its flags or their own so will show them on a leaflet. There is no point in saying “come to this flag” if the enemy does not know what it is. Some propagandists think they are not good images because the enemy can cut the flag from the leaflet and it can raise his morale. In Vietnam, leaflets attacking Ho Chi Minh had the propaganda cut away and the enemy had a nice picture of Uncle Ho to put on the wall of his bunker. In this case, a full color flag of the People’s Republic of China was dropped. It was requested by the U.S. I Corps and targets the 67th Chinese Division. 350,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The leaflet was prepared on 21 May 1953 and says in part:

FIGHTERS OF THE 67TH DIVISION, 23RD CHINESE ARMY, ATTENTION!

TO SAVE YOUR LIVES IS MOST IMPORTANT

ESCAPE TO THE UN SIDE

Many of your comrades have needlessly died in futile attacks. Others such as Huang Shui-chaun and Chou Chich, both of your division, have followed the road to safety by escaping to the UN positions. You should follow their paths to escape from Communist control. Don’t sacrifice your lives needlessly. The UN welcomes you and assures you good treatment.

Leaflet 8740

This 23 May 1953 leaflet targets Chinese troops that have not heard from home in a long while. It is very artistic and depicts a lonesome Chinese mother and children. The back is blank. The text on the front is:

THERE IS NO ONE WHO CAN TAKE CARE OF YOUR WIFE AND CHILDREN

WHEN WILL YOU GO HOME?

Leaflet 8746

This 29 May 1953 leaflet is designed to cause nostalgia about his homeland in the Chinese soldier. It contrasts the need for men in China and dying in North Korea. The two panels show peaceful farming in China and a scene of battle. The text says in part:

CHINA NEEDS YOU.

WHY DIE FOR KOREA?

Leaflet 8747

This leaflet depicts the Chinese attacking and dying in a rain of fire. The theme is “Futile Chinese attacks” The text is:

Your selfish Communist Chieftains are wasting your lives in futile attacks against the United Nations Sea of Fire. Don’t be driven to a dog’s death for the benefit of Russia. Live for China.

Leaflet 8748

I mentioned earlier that we often see flags on leaflets and it may or may not be a good idea. This 6 June 1953 leaflet bears the flag of the United Nations. It is designed to let the enemy recognize the flag and come toward it if they care to surrender. It was requested by the U.S. I Corps and targets the reserve forces of the Chinese army and tells them to plan their escape. 800,000 copies of this leaflet were printed. The text on the front is:

CHINESE SOLDIERS IN RESERVE UNITS, ATTENTION!

The text on the back says in part:

You have all felt the power of UN aircraft or artillery and have seen your dead and wounded comrades brought to the rear. To those of you who desire to escape from the slavery of Communism and the horror of this war, the UN sends the following instructions:

While in the rear areas, plan your escape to the UN lines. When your unit is sent to the front lines there will be much confusion during the relief of the old unit. During such confusion, your leaders can’t watch you too closely. Therefore, take the opportunity and escape. Escape from your lines during the night, hide yourself, and at first light of day come into the UN lines…

Leaflet 9002

This leaflet depicts five North Korean prisoners walking in a United nations POW camp. The text is:

The Allied forces are providing food to North Korean prisoners of war in this manner.

The back is all text:

North Korean soldiers!

There is still a chance to survive! The Allied and South Korean forces have recaptured Seoul and cut off the North Korean army's escape routes. We are advancing on all fronts. It is futile for the enemy to resist any further. If you choose to surrender, you will receive plenty of food and prompt medical treatment. Moreover, after the war ends, you can return home. General MacArthur has ordered the proper treatment of North Korean prisoners of war. If you want to live, surrender now!

Leaflet 9013

This leaflet depicts a lone North Korean soldier being attacked by aircraft. He looks up in fear as one begins a strafing run at him. This same leaflet was prepared with a Chinese soldier and text coded 6007. The text on the back is:

Lightning [Strafing] strikes us from the United Nations aircraft in the sky. Then the communist leaders told us North Korean soldiers to fight on with rifles.

They did not give us weapons to block this Lightening. The United Nations forces' magnificent weapons are shaking the ground. However, our communist superiors told us North Korean soldiers to use rifles to fight the attacking aircraft.

The human body cannot stand against a tank or airplane. Why should we support a communist government who doesn't protect us?

Another 8th Army Safe Conduct Pass

This is one of the strangest leaflets I have seen. The code is all wrong; 615130 is not a standard U.N. code, all of which had a maximum of four digits. At the top, instead of an Eighth Army insignia, we see a red star which would seem to imply it is Communist. Blue doves of peace are at each upper corner. The text even sounds Communist. Who else uses a term like “warmongers?” The text is Korean on one side and English on the other. I suspect this was designed by the South Koreans and printed by EUSAK G3, then dropped by U.N. aircraft. Some of the text is:

Officers and Men of the CCF, NKPA, & Other foreign Forces!

What are your thoughts today?

Over a year of bitter warfare – How much longer this useless, futile fight…Death for me or crippled for life…Let the warmongers do their own dirty underhanded work…How can I help stop this death and destruction…Surrender…Go home?

SAFE CONDUCT PASS

I have not seen the official “cut sheet” for this leaflet, the sheet that explains its purpose and who printed it. Since the heading of the leaflet is “Eighth U.S. Army Korea” I am going to assume this is a product of EUSAK G3.

Leaflet E-3

This is another exotic Korean War leaflet. The problem is the war has ended and there are still American aircraft flying overhead. In this case what might be a Marine Skyraider has gone down and the people in the vicinity are offered a reward for the rescue of the pilot. The leaflet was prepared by the G3 PSYWAR Projects Branch on 21 May 1954 and the back is blank. The text is:

MISSING AMERTICAN AIRMAN AND PILOT

On 3 May an American airplane went down in this area and has not been found. It is a low-wing, one engine, blue plane with the number 127843 on it. “MARINES” is written on the body of the plane. The pilot is 2nd Lieutenant Maurice S. Hensler, serial number 059557 of the United States Marines. If you have information of the plane or pilot, take this paper to the nearest National Policeman or police station. A reward of 9000 won will be given to the first person who gives the location of the missing plane or pilot.

POSTERS

I have written about the Vietnam War and come across over 200 posters. There are far less from Korea, or at least less have been kept in wartime files. I have only seen about a dozen. 

Poster 8236

This poster was printed for the Republic of Korea and the target was young men who were of military age but were being told by the Communists to hide and not join the Army. The image shows a thoughtful young man considering his duty to his country. He thinks and behind him we see soldiers on the move and aircraft overhead. The text is:

LET US ACCOMPLISH OUR HOLY WAR OF ELIMINATING THE COMMUNISTS WITH OUR ANCESTOR’S COURAGE!

Leaflet 8242

This leaflet is called “The crimes of Kim Il-Sung. The artwork on the front is by PSYWAR, Republic of Korea. The artwork on the back is by PSYWAR 8th U.S. Army. The front has 8 cartoon panels. The back has what appears to be a dove of peace that is really a tank. The text on the front is:

He has killed many thousands of young men by driving them into the battlefield.
He has invited the Chinese Communists to kill our brothers.
He has enriched himself by stealing property from the patriotic brothers.
He has murdered many of your patriotic brothers.
He has exploited the blood for the farmers by taxes.
He has mistreated our eight million Korean brothers with compulsory labor.
He has killed thousands of our brothers by the blood liquidation.
He has sent our productive machines and materials to Russia.

The text on the back is:

The Communist dove of peace has brought suffering and death to the North Korean People.

Now that the reader is seen what the South thinks of Kim Il-Sung, here is a leaflet from North Korea that has a different opinion. This leaflet was found and translated by researcher Hollen Song. The front shows a North Korean wanting to buy a good book and after being offered several, decides that he needs the book by Kim Il-Sung. The back is a long text message. The text on the front is:

  

THE FRIEND FOR A TRUE LIFE

I want to buy books that light up life’s path.
- Lincoln? Hegel?
No.
-  Sartre? Montesquieu? 
Not them either.
-  The Collected Works of Kim Il-Sung?
Oh! That's it!

The back is all text:

The Collected Works ofKim Il-Sung

Let’s all read these books:
The writings of General Kim Il-Sung, Sun of the Nation.
-are a compass that points the way forward in the struggle of the workers for independence.
-are a treasured sword of victory that buries the wicked.
-are a lighthouse that leads the workers forward to be as the Master of History and the ages.
When they read these books and take the revolutionary ideas of the great General Kim Il-Sungas their motto, the Minjung who once cried at their fate can become maters of all and achieve a bright and joyful democratic society and unification of the fatherland.

[Note] The Collected Works of Kim Il-Sung comprises 50 volumes, while the Complete Works of Kim Il-Sung Kim Il-Sung has 100.

Poster 8245

This poster was designed by Korean Psywar and Eighth Army G3 was asked to print it. The sketch shows a hardy South Korean woman sowing seed on the land. Its purpose is to aid in civil assistance programs in the devastated areas where communist guerrillas still hide. The text is:

REBIRTH
Of a Devastated Country

This has been a very short look at a few of the more interesting leaflets from a group of hundreds. If any reader wishes to talk about or comment on the subject, they are encouraged to write to the author at sgmbert@hotmail.com.