By Alain Burrese
Throughout history, there have been many great military leaders honored for their service to their countries. The great Korean commander, Admiral Yi Sun-shin, of the late sixteenth century, belongs with the best of the military leaders in any part of the world.
In 1592, Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave the order to invade Korea. His plan was to sweep through the peninsula and then conquer China. Hideyoshi's plans may have been accomplished if it weren't for the leadership of Admiral Yi of the Korean Navy. He alone was responsible for turning the tide of this important era of Asian history.
One cannot speak of Admiral Yi without mentioning the kobukson, or turtle ship that he designed. These were the first ironclad warships, and played a significant part in the war against the Japanese invaders. To illustrate the effectiveness of these ships and the brilliant tactics of Admiral Yi, we need only look at one of the many battles he won. On September 16, 1597, he led 12 turtle ships against 133 Japanese ships in the Myongnyang Straits. The Koreans sank 31 enemy ships and sent the others fleeing in this victory.
Unfortunately, Admiral Yi Sun-shin never got to see the rewards of his heroic efforts and brilliant strategy. On November 19, 1598, Admiral Yi was shot during the final battle of the war. He commanded that his body be hid by a shield so his enemies could not see that he had fallen. To his oldest son, he whispered, "Do not weep, do not announce my death. Beat the drum, blow the trumpet, wave the flag for advance. We are still fighting. Finish the enemy to the last one." He was 54 years old when he died.
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