27 June 2000

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR: CRYPTOLOGIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WAR EFFORT

June 25, 2000 marks the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. Ceremonies in Washington, DC and Seoul, Republic of Korea were conducted in observance of this historic event and, throughout the next three years, numerous other ceremonies and commemorative events will take place at several locations in the United States and Korea. The purpose of such events is to thank and honor Korean War veterans and their families, especially those who lost loved ones in a war waged in the "Land of the Morning Calm."

The National Security Agency is in the process of planning and organizing its own series of events that will serve to remind us all of our proud and illustrious heritage, and the important role played by signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cryptology during the Korean War.

In the coming weeks and months you can expect to see releases of newly-declassified materials relating to SIGINT operations in Korea during 1950, published articles detailing intelligence gathering activities, and information regarding exhibits of Korean War vintage memorabilia and communications equipment on display at NSA's National Cryptologic Museum.

NSA has been given status as a "Commemorative Agency" and will sponsor symposia and activities, including a significant event in September to observe the United Nations Forces' defense of, and breakout from, the Pusan Perimeter, focusing on cryptologic contributions to that successful effort.

Continue to check our site for new information and details regarding these and many other observances, published documents, exhibits, and events as NSA pays tribute to the thousands of men and women who served their country during the Korean War.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL V. HAYDEN
Lieutenant General, USAF
Director, NSA/Chief, CSS

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