A family that has served in the Marine Corps for four generations has emerged. It is the story of Private Kim Jun-young, who recently completed recruit training, following in the footsteps of a great-grandfather who fought in the Incheon Landing Operation.
According to the Marine Corps Education and Training Group on the 2nd, Private Kim of the 1,327th recruit class completed training at the group that day.
With this, Private Kim's family will have served in the Marine Corps for four generations.
Private Kim's great-grandfather, elder Kim Jae-chan, joined as the 3rd class of Marines by volunteering in Jeju, distinguished himself in the 1950–53 Korean War, and was discharged as a staff sergeant. He earned merit in major battles, including the Incheon Landing Operation and the Dosolsan area battle.
Grandfather elder Kim Eun-il also followed, enlisting as the 173rd class of Marines and taking part in the Vietnam War, carrying out operations in battles such as the "Chu Lai area battle." Father Kim Cheol-min also enlisted as the 754th class and took on the mission of defending the western approaches to Seoul from the foremost line on the Gimpo Peninsula.
Private Kim said, "With the pride of being a fourth-generation Marine, I will become an invincible Marine who completes the missions given."
Grandfather elder Kim Eun-il, who attended the completion ceremony that day, encouraged his grandson, saying, "I feel proud and honored to think that our four generations have played a role in Marine Corps history."
The 1,319 recruits of the 1,327th class, who enlisted on Feb. 23, completed basic military training and Marine Corps specialized training and graduated that day.
Education and Training Group Commander Kim Su-yong said, "At this important moment when the Marine Corps is establishing its status in a quasi-four-branch system, I am confident the 1,327th recruit class will be at the forefront."