Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, NORMASH
See the story about the dedicated medical relief activities of Norway during the Korean War
In the busiest periods, even guards, drivers and cooks had to assist during surgery (1953)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Medical support during the Korean War, NORMASH
'Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (NORMASH)' was the Norwegian field hospital that operated during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. NORMASH operated on the frontlines, dedicating themselves to protecting the lives of soldiers and life during the war. Korea remembers NORMASH, which contributed to protecting the lives of Koreans and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The UN Security Council called for the UN member states to assist the Republic of Korea (1950-06-27)Original Source: United Nations Photo
UN Security Council resolution and Norway
On June 27, 1950, the UN Security Council announced a resolution to denounce North Korea's invasion of South Korea and requested support for South Korea to achieve the goal of restoring peace. Norway supported and agreed to the adoption of this resolution.
King Haakon Ⅶ of Norway inspecting the Red Cross Hospital facilities prior to departure for Korea (1950)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Norway decides to provide medical support
In response to the UN's request for cooperation, Norway decided to send the 'Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (NORMASH)' through the Red Cross. In May of 1951, NORMASH departed for Korea with 83 medical and administrative officials and 60 beds.
The large NORMASH sign above the camp entrance (1951)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Opening in Korea
NORMASH officially opened at the camp in Uijeongbu in July of 1951 and began full-fledged medical support activities.
The field hospital site was situated among apple trees during its stay in Uijeongbu (1951)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Uijeongbu camp of NORMASH
The Uijeongbu camp, which was called 'Apple Tree Garden' because it was situated in a forest of apple trees, was equipped with facilities needed for medical treatment in the field such as X-ray and surgery rooms.
The field hospital soon moved closer to the front line, to Dongducheon (1952)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Move to Dongducheon
In July of 1952, NORMASH, which was stationed in Uijeongbu, moved its camp to the right side of the 38th parallel in Dongducheon.
The main gate and guard post of NORMASH at the Dongducheon camp (1952)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Emergency evacuation at the frontlines
While being stationed in Dongducheon, NORMASH served as a mobile army surgery hospital on the frontlines and was in charge of emergency evacuation of injured soldiers in the field.
The motor pool at NORMASH had a total of 23 vehicles of various types (1952)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Scope and missions of the NORMASH Transportation Unit
The NORMASH transportation unit possessed 23 vehicles including ambulances, transport trucks, jeeps, etc., and they used these to provide prompt medical activities for wounded soldiers.
Injured soldiers lying in the pre-operation tent (1952)Original Source: Municipal Archives of Trondheim
Caring for injured patients in the frontlines
There were countless wounded soldiers resulting from the fierce battles between 1951 and 1953, and NORMASH was in charge of treating injured soldiers through emergency evacuations at the frontlines.
Doctors of NORMASH performing surgery (1952)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Emergency treatment at the crossroads of life and death
Injuries during bloody battles were fatal threats that could lead to the death of wounded soldiers. NORMASH provided emergency treatment for evacuated soldiers who suffered injuries to help them stay alive.
98.8% of the patients who received treatment survived in NORMASH camp (1952)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Trauma center on the field
NORMASH not only provided emergency treatment for emergency evacuated soldiers with injuries but also helped revive wounded soldiers recover through treatment and procedures for severe injuries. Thanks to their medical activities, the survival rate of injured soldiers at NORMASH was 98.8%.
In the busiest periods, even guards, drivers and cooks had to assist during surgery (1953)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Medical activities both day and night
During the war, NORMASH treated over 90,000 patients. When there were large numbers of emergency evacuated soldiers with injuries due to intense combat, NORMASH mobilized guards, drivers, and even cooks to provide medical support activities both throughout the day and night.
Soldiers in the post-operation tent (1952)Original Source: Municipal Archives of Trondheim
Saving the lives of injured ally troops
Of all the patients treated by NORMASH, 14,755 were hospitalized and about 80% of the injured soldiers returned to their unit after treatment where they would resume their missions.
Patients resting (1953)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Humanitarian medical activities for both allies and enemies
NORMASH treated not only UN and South Korean soldiers but also enemy prisoners from North Korea and China. 172 enemy prisoners received treatment from NORMASH.
A convoy of military ambulances at the NORMASH camp (1954)Original Source: Norwegian Korean War Veteran Association, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul
Ceasefire and withdrawal of NORMASH
Even after the ceasefire agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, NORMASH continued to provide medical support and finally withdrew in October of 1954. During the war, a total of 623 medical and administrative personnel were deployed to NORMASH and suffered three deaths. In addition to wounded soldiers, they were dedicated to humanitarian medical support activities for Korea by also treating civilians.
The devoted medical support of NORMASH has become a symbol of friendship in which Norway contributed to restoring peace in Korea during the Korean War.
Planning: Jin Young-gi
Editing/Host: Jung Seo-hee
Photos: Norwegian Embassy in Korea
