Fought from 1950 to 1953, the Korean War was a harrowing conflict marked by immense suffering — but known for many acts of extraordinary heroism. Among the most remarkable stories to emerge from that war is the rescue of 14,000 Korean refugees by the SS Meredith Victory in December 1950. This miraculous undertaking not only saved thousands of lives but also demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for compassion even amid chaos.
The Hungnam Evacuation
By late 1950, the Korean War had escalated into a full-blown international conflict. After Chinese forces entered the war in support of North Korea, United Nations (UN) troops, led by the United States, found themselves retreating from the Chosin Reservoir in the face of overwhelming enemy numbers. The port city of Hungnam became a critical evacuation point for tens of thousands of troops and civilians desperate to escape the advancing communist forces.
The evacuation of Hungnam was a massive operation, involving hundreds of ships that carried more than 100,000 soldiers, 17,500 vehicles, and tens of thousands of tons of supplies. However, as the military prioritized evacuating troops and equipment, thousands of Korean civilians who had fled to Hungnam seeking safety faced the grim reality of being left behind.
Enter the SS Meredith Victory
The SS Meredith Victory, a U.S. Merchant Marine Victory-class cargo ship, arrived in Hungnam on December 20, 1950. Commanded by Captain Leonard LaRue, the ship was built for transporting goods, not passengers. Its crew of 47 was unprepared for the staggering humanitarian crisis they encountered: tens of thousands of civilians, many of them women and children, huddled on the docks in freezing temperatures, pleading for rescue.
Faced with this dire situation, Captain LaRue made an extraordinary decision to have his crew unload all cargo and prepare the ship to carry as many refugees as possible. The Meredith Victory, designed to hold only 12 passengers in its accommodations, would take on an unimaginable number of people.
A Perilous Rescue
Over the course of several frantic hours, the Meredith Victory took aboard approximately 14,000 refugees — more than any other single ship evacuation in history. The refugees, many of whom had little more than the clothes on their backs, crammed into every available space on the ship, including the cargo holds and deck. There were no lifeboats; food and medical supplies were scarce; and freezing temperatures were relentless. It was a perilous situation indeed.
On December 23, the Meredith Victory departed Hungnam under the cover of darkness, escorted by warships to guard against potential enemy attacks. The 450-mile journey to Geoje Island in the Sea of Japan, was fraught with challenges. The overcrowded conditions created immense strain on passengers and crew, and the risk of disease and starvation loomed. Yet, the crew maintained order, distributed what limited resources they had, and tended to the refugees as best they could.
Christmas Arrives with New Life
After three grueling days at sea, the Meredith Victory reached Geoje Island on December 26 without a single loss of life. The perilous Christmas journey had, in fact, been blessed with the birth of five new passengers.
Not only did the rescue symbolize hope and renewal in the midst of despair — it continues to be a testament to the skill, bravery, and compassion of the crew. The operation also underscores the often-overlooked role of the Merchant Marine during wartime.
While military forces received much of the attention, civilian mariners like those aboard the Meredith Victory played a vital role in supporting war efforts and saving lives. The SS Meredith Victory may have been a humble cargo ship, but its service during the Korean War secured its place in history as a symbol of humanity’s capacity for greatness.
For the refugees, the Meredith Victory was more than a ship — it was a lifeline and a miracle. The story of the Meredith Victory reminds us of what is possible when individuals and nations act with empathy and resolve. It’s a story not just of survival, but of hope — a beacon for all those who seek to make a difference in the darkest of times.
