Turkish Brigade

Turkish Brigade
Turkish Brigade commander General Tahsin Yazıcı receiving the Silver Star from Lieutenant General Walton Walker (December 15, 1950).
Active	1950–1960
Country	Turkey
Allegiance	United Nations
Branch	Army
Type	Infantry Brigade
Size	14,936 (over duration of the conflict)
Part of	US 25th Infantry Division
Nickname(s)	North Star
Engagements	Korean War
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation (United States) Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)
Disbanded	1960
Commanders
Notable commanders	Brigadier General Tahsin Yazıcı (1950-November 16, 1951) Assistant : Celâl Dora Chief of Operations: Faik Türün Namık Arguç (-August 20, 1952) Assistant: Nuri Pamir (June 5, 1952  †.) Sırrı Acar (July 6, 1953)

The Turkish Brigade (code name North Star, Turkish: Şimal Yıldızı or Kutup Yıldızı) was a Turkish Army Infantry Brigade that served with the United Nations Command during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. Attached to the U.S. 25th Infantry Division the Turkish Brigade fought in several actions, and was awarded Unit Citations from Korea and the United States after fighting in the Kunuri Battle. The Turkish Brigade developed a reputation for its fighting ability, stubborn defense, commitment to mission, and bravery.

On 29 June 1950 the government of the Republic of Turkey replied to the United Nations Resolution 83 requesting military aid to South Korea, following the attack initiated by North Korea on 25 June. The cable stated: "Turkey is ready to meet his responsibilities." On 25 July 1950 the Turkish government decided to send a brigade of 5,000 troops comprising three infantry battalions, an artillery battalion and auxiliary units, to fight under UN Command against North Korea and subsequently the People's Republic of China. Turkey was the second country to answer the UN call, after the United States.

Three different Turkish Brigades served in the Korean War. The core of the 1st Turkish Brigade was the 241st Infantry Regiment based at Ayaş which was supplemented with volunteers to raise it to brigade level. Brigadier General Tahsin Yazıcı, a veteran of the Gallipoli Campaign, commanded the 1st Brigade.