ON Tuesday just passed, I attended commemorations for the Battle of Maryang San - one of several battles in which 3RAR distinguished itself in the Korean War (1950-53). 
It's incredible to think next year will be the 65th anniversary of this important battle.
There is a strong connection between 3RAR and South Australia. The battalion was based at Woodside from 1965 to 1981 except for two deployments to Vietnam in 1967-68 and 1971. Consequently many soldiers married South Australian girls and after service, settled throughout the state.
When the Korean War broke out on   June 25, 1950, 3RAR, previously known as the 67th Battalion, was brought up to strength, arriving in Korea on   September 28, 1950. The next seven months were spent on continuous operations including The Battle of Kapyong for which 3RAR was awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation.
The battalion suffered 28 KIA, four died of wounds, three were taken prisoner and 59 wounded.
The Battle of Maryang San (Hill 317) took place over the period   October 2-7, 1951 and 3RAR was not only involved in the capture of the division's first objective, Hill 355, but went on to capture Hill 317 after a series of company and platoon attacks orchestrated by our brilliant CO, then Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hassett, who was decorated with the Distinguished Service Order immediately after the battle concluded.
Casualties suffered were 21 killed, five of whom had already survived the Battle of Kapyong, and 104 wounded.
As Intelligence Officer for 3RAR during this operation, I think the statement written by Australia's official historian for the Korean War, Robert O'Neill, says it all: "In this action 3RAR had one of the most impressive victories achieved by any Australian battalion. In five days of heavy fighting 3RAR dislodged a numerically superior enemy from a position of great strength. The Australians were successful in achieving surprise on   October 3 and 5, the company and platoon commanders responded skilfully to Hassett's direction, and the individual soldiers showed high courage, tenacity and morale despite some very difficult situations, such as D Company when the mist rose on   October 5 and those of B and C Companies when the weight of enemy fire threatened their isolation of Hill 317 on   October 7. The Victory of Maryang San is probably the greatest single feat of the Australian Army during the Korean War."During this Anzac Centenary we recall those who gave their lives in Korea with that uneasy mixture of pride and sorrow; the inevitable cost of all conflicts where Australian men and women are called upon to serve.