Original Cold War South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan Cased Ceremonial Katana Sword Presented to Major General James H. Johnson – Commander 2nd ID – Dated 1983 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. During the Korean War of 1950 to 1953, the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division was moved to the Far East Command and assigned to the Eighth United States Army. The division arrived in Korea, via Pusan on 23 July, becoming the first unit to reach Korea directly from the United States. It fought throughout the war, and following the Armistice returned home, and several different units bore the Flag and Name of the 2nd ID. It was slated for inactivation, however was instead reorganized, and moved to several different locations. It did not see any active combat during this period, and was deployed for the Vietnam War.

In 1965, the First Cavalry Division, stationed in South Korea was reorganized stateside, and, and the forces in Korea were redesignated as the 2nd Infantry Division. The unit would play an increasingly active role from 1966 onward, as there were increased border crossings from the north. The division was involved in the 1976 “Axe Murder Incident”, and continues to be stationed in South Korea to this day.

As an important part of South Korea’s defenses, the commanding Generals of the 2nd Infantry division were vital, and in this case one of them was presented with this lovely cased ceremonial katana sword by Chun Doo-hwan, President of the Republic of Korea from 1 September 1980 to 24 February 1988. The sword itself looks to be a “Hwando” type, reminiscent of a Katana, and has a gold highlighted engraving on one side of the blade, which reads:

PRESENTED BY
CHUN DOO HWAN
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The other side of the blade is also engraved, though it is not gold highlighted:

TO MG JAMES H. JOHNSON
CG 2d INFANTRY DIVISION
29 JUNE 1981- 22 JULY 1983

The sword comes with a belt and cross strap, and the belt buckle and many fittings of the sword are decorated with the Korean Taegeuk (태극 – “great polarity / duality”) blue and red symbol, similar in origin to the “Yin and Yang” symbol originating in China. This idea spread throughout Asia, and is seen throughout the area. The sword has gilt mountings on the handle and scabbard, and has what looks to be ray skin shagreen on the scabbard and handle. The sword, belt, and cross strap all come in a lovely presentation case measuring 44″L x 11 1/2″W x 5″D.

A lovely memento from service in South Korea, named to the Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 27 1/4″
Blade Style: Single Edged – curved
Overall length: 38 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 29 1/4″

James Harry Johnson (24 May 1929 – 27 June 2008) was a major general in the United States Army. His assignments included Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans at the US Army Headquarters. Johnson is an alumnus of the University of Maryland, where he earned a B.S. degree in physical education in 1950. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College in 1960.

Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal and six Air Medals for his actions in combat. He served with the 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam as a lieutenant colonel.

Commands held
– 2nd Infantry Division
– 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division
– 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade