James Alward Van Fleet (March 19, 1892 – September 23, 1992) was an American military officer who played a significant role during the Korean War. Van Fleet served in the United States Army and participated in both World War II and the Korean War, serving as the commander of the Eighth Army during the Korean War. He made substantial contributions to the defense of South Korea and the war effort during this period.
Rhee Syng-man was a Korean independence activist and the first President of South Korea, playing a crucial role in the founding and development of the Republic of Korea. The meeting between Rhee and Van Fleet symbolizes an important moment of cooperation between South Korea and the United States during the Korean War.
Even after the Korean War, Van Fleet maintained strong ties with South Korea and continued to strengthen the relationship by establishing the Van Fleet Award to support the development of military education in South Korea.
