Скачать или смотреть A Hero’s Triumph The Christmas Miracle That Followed a Legendary Battle Burley Smith

In June 1950, H.J. Burley Smith graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, just as the Korean War was igniting. Little did he know, his first service trip would become part of one of the most extraordinary rescue missions in history. By December of that same year, Junior Third Mate Burley Smith found himself aboard the 7,600-ton SS Meredith Victory, a ship that would perform a humanitarian miracle during the chaos of war.

As American troops retreated from the brutal Battle of Chosin Reservoir, they were followed by thousands of desperate North Korean refugees heading towards the port of Hungnam. Facing imminent destruction, a daring decision was made: to evacuate as many refugees as possible. The Meredith Victory, originally built to carry only 12 passengers and 47 crew, was transformed into a lifeline. She would leave Hungnam carrying over 14,000 refugees—an unprecedented feat of courage and compassion.

The Meredith Victory became known as the “Ship of Miracles,” and during its voyage to freedom, five babies were born aboard. With the language barrier between the American crew and their passengers, the babies were humorously named "Kimchi 1-5." Despite the odds, the ship’s crew and passengers arrived safely in South Korea, creating what would be forever remembered as "The Christmas Miracle."

Join Burley Smith and the heroic crew of the SS Meredith Victory as they embarked on a journey of compassion, bravery, and miracles during one of the darkest times in history.