Recognising South African Volunteers Who Served Under The Banner of the United Nations in Korea<
Samsung Supports the Remembrance Tour to 2 Squadron in Limpopo/h2>

Samsung Electronics South Africa in partnership with The South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) will host the South African Korean War Veterans Association (SAKWVA) remembrance tour to 2 Squadron, at AFB in Makhado, Limpopo. The two day event will be held on the 24 – 26 June, 2014 and will see veterans take part in a series of activities, including a trip to the Combat Flying School.

“Samsung has supported the SAKWVA in its endavours to ensure the legacy of the association lives on and we are extremely honoured to be a part of this extraordinary and historical event,” said Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

This year marks the Republic of Korea’s celebration of the 61st anniversary of the ceasefire, since the end of the war in the Korean peninsula between North and South territories, in 1953.

Samsung offers the highest standards of integrated care programmes that focus on the medical as well as well-being components of the veterans. “We are inspired to memorialise the legacy of our heroes and their contributions to and on behalf of our country. Thus demonstrating our ongoing efforts to ensure we preserve history and share their stories for future generations.”

After the war broke out in Korea on 25 June 1950, the Union Government announced its intention to place an all-volunteer squadron at the disposal of the United Nations. Exactly three months later, the South African Government sent a volunteer force to assist in defending South Korea as part of a United Nations task force. The 2 Squadron (the Flying Cheetahs) which sailed for Japan, were converted onto the F-51D Mustang supplied by the USAF and proceeded to Korea. It served as one of the four squadrons of the USAF 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing and flew their first mission in Korea on 19 November 1950.

The war ended on 27 July 1953. Prior to the SAAF members returning to South Africa, the Sabres were returned to the USAF. Approximately 34 SAAF pilots had lost their lives and 8 were taken as prisoners of war, including the future Chief of the Air Force, Lt Gen Denis Earp. In total, 74 Mustangs and 4 Sabres were lost.

Lt Col Francois van Zyl, the SAAFA Chairperson: “The association is delighted to be in a position to host this tour of remembrance and is grateful to Samsung for making it possible. The men of 2 Squadron served with such pride and bravery that they distinguished themselves from all the other participating units. It is with great honour that we can commend the unit, after so many years.”

Currently there are 36 surviving troupers and 38 surviving widows, all octogenarians. The Association consists of +170 members including children and grandchildren of the Veterans.

“At Samsung, we believe that we can prosper only when the society within which we operate remains well and cared for and this is in accordance with our brand ethos as a responsible corporate citizen,” concludes Potgieter.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

About the South African Air Force Association

The SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION is an all-ranks meeting place, founded in 1945. This eminently worthy cause not only recreates in a light-hearted atmosphere the togetherness of its aviation-minded members, but also enjoins them to share responsibility for the needs of less fortunate ex-SAAF types and their spouses. Furthermore, the SAAFA actively promotes the image of the SAAF and its members. Indeed, the two-fold activity of having fun while raising funds continues to produce excellent results over the years. Funds raised thus are distributed via the Association’s Care of the Aged programme. For more information, please visit www.saafa.co.za