UNMCK - UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

In Honour of Their Service and Sacrifice in the Korean War
To the courageous men of 2 Squadron, South African Air Force,
We stand in solemn remembrance and proud gratitude as we pay tribute to your extraordinary service during the Korean War. As the only South African combat unit deployed to the Korean Peninsula from 1950 to 1953, your presence carried not only the hopes of a nation but the spirit of justice and international solidarity.
Known as the “Flying Cheetahs,” you flew thousands of sorties under the United Nations Command, delivering close air support and engaging in missions that demanded supreme skill, bravery, and sacrifice. In the skies over Korea, your aircraft bore the symbol of the cheetah—fast, focused, and fearless—and so too did your actions reflect those very qualities.
Yet, this tribute is not only for your courage in battle. It is also a moment to pause and honour those who did not return. Thirty-four South African pilots gave their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifice is etched into the fabric of our nation’s military history, and their memory continues to live in the hearts of a grateful people.
We salute your discipline, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to a cause far from home. You stood shoulder to shoulder with allies, proving that South Africa would answer the call for peace and justice wherever it may arise. Your service reminds us that the pursuit of peace often comes at a high price—and that price was paid by the brave souls of 2 Squadron.
Today, we cherish your legacy. We honour your names. And we carry forward the values for which you stood: courage, service, and sacrifice. May our nation never forget what you gave and what you defended. You are not just part of history—you are part of who we are.
With deepest respect and eternal gratitude,
We salute you.
Global Teens South Africa
LAIQA ALLIE