Korean American Pioneer Council - 80 Years of Korean Independence

Honoring Colonel Young Oak Kim Korean American Pioneer Council | 80th Anniversary Series As part of our 80th anniversary celebration of Korean independence, the Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC) is proud to honor the legacy of one of our own—the late Colonel Y oung Oak Kim. Colonel Kim was not only a decorated war hero and tireless public servant, but also a devoted member of the Korean American community. A second-generation Korean American born in Los Angeles in 1919, Y oung Oak Kim defied discrimination and expectations throughout his life. He served with distinction in World War II and the Korean War, becoming one of the first Asian American officers to lead U.S. combat troops. But his service extended far beyond the battlefield. After retiring from the military, Colonel Kim dedicated his life to serving the community—mentoring youth, promoting civil rights, and supporting Korean American organizations like the KAPC. He believed in the power of education, identity, and service, and he remained a passionate advocate for Korean American causes until his passing in 2005. In his honor, KAPC is releasing a limited-edition commemorative T-shirt featuring a pre-World War II map of Y oung Oak Kim’s Los Angeles Koreatown —a tribute to the roots he never forgot and the community he helped uplift. ⬇ Y oung Oak Kim Commemorative T-Shirt is available on the KAPC Website: https://www.officialkapc.org