Korean forces’ Vietnam War commander Chae dies

Retired Lt. Gen. Chae Myung-shin, who served as first commander of the Republic of Korea forces in Vietnam (ROKFV) during the Vietnam War, died of chronic illness on Monday. He was 87.

He graduated from the Korea Military Academy in 1949 and entered the Korean War in 1950 as a second lieutenant.

Chae was appointed as the first ROKFV commanding officer in 1965 and led the Korean troops in the Vietnam War until 1969.

He is known for adopting tough tactics against Vietnamese guerrillas.

He retired as lieutenant general in 1972 after serving as commander of the Second Army.

Chae was honored with a number of orders of military merit for victories in battles during his service.

After retirement from the military, he took up a series of diplomatic posts, serving as ambassador to Sweden, Greece and Brazil.

He was the first president of the Korea Taekwondo Association and the honorary president of an association of Korea’s Vietnam War veterans.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)