West German Red Cross Hospital
# West German Red Cross Hospital

The West German Red Cross Hospital was the hospital for the postwar rehabilitation after Korean War.

German Red Cross operated this hospital.

## History

On 7 April 1953, When Chancellor of Germany Adenauer visited Unites States and met President Eisenhower, he proposed the medical support.

On 28 January 1954, advance party of medical personnel arrived South Korea.

On 8 February 1954, main party of medical personnelleft Germany for South Korea.

On 17 May 1954, hospital was opened

On 14 March 1959, hospital was closed.

On 13 April 1959, director of hospital left South Korea.

For 5 years, West German Red Cross Hospital treated about 2400,000 civilians.

After closing of Hospital, contributions of West German Hospital was quickly forgotten.

Because West German Hospital was operated after Korean Armistice Agreement, so South Korean Government didn't include West German in the list of countries which provided medical support for South Korea during Korean War and didn't commemorate West German Hospital in contrast with 5 countries which provided medical support: Swedish Red Cross Field Hospital, Indian Army 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, Danish Red Cross Hospital Ship 'MS Jutlandia', Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (NORMASH), Italian Red Cross Hospital 68.

Also, West Germany was not interested in the contributions of West German Red Cross Hospital.

## Revaluation of contributions

When President Moon Jae-in visited Germany in July 2017, he met the medical personnel and their descendants. Moon Jae-in appreciated contributions and awarded Republic of Korea Presidential Citation to only survivor of medical personnel "Karl Hauser"

Hospital staff and their descendants visited South Korea in November 2017.

As of this meeting, South Korean Government reevaluate the contributions of hospital.

Considering that West Germany decided to provide medical support in May 1953 and other issues. South Korean Government finally included Germany in June 2018.

## Award and commendations

Some personnel of West German Red Cross Hospital received commendations.

* United States Medal of Freedom: 'Günther Huwer' - Director of Hospital (1956-09-28)
* Republic of Korea Presidential Citation: 'Karl Hauser' - Engineer of hospital and only survivor (2017-07-05)

## Summary

* Arrival: 28 January 1954 (advance party) / February 1954 (main party)
* Departure: April 1959
* Hospital / Unit operations: 17 May 1954 – 14 March 1959
* Based in: Busan
* Personnel: 80 (quota) / 200 (total)

## Memorials

There is a memorial in Seo District, Busan

