3rd Infantry Division - "White Skull"
The 3rd Infantry Division was originally activated as the 3rd Brigade on December 1, 1947 at Pusan under Col. Lee Ung Jun. The Korean Insititute of Military History indicates that the unit was originally comprised of the 5th, 6th, and 9th Regiments, which had all been activated roughly one year earlier, but the 9th Regiment is also thought by KIMH to have been attached to the 7th and/or 9th Brigades. On May 12, 1949 the 3rd Brigade was reorganized and reactivated as the 3rd Division commanded by now Major General Lee Ung Jun. The Division was located at Taegu and consisted of the 22nd and 23rd Regiments.
In the past, it was said that soldiers engraved the image of the white skull on the side of their helmets. The mark meant an oath, "To protect their land even at death"; turning into white skulls themselves. Hence, the nickname, which has become the division's official logo. During the Korean War, the 'White Skull' officials were the first to fight on the front lines of the 38th Parallel. Soldiers stationed at 'White Skull' are also taught to shout a fierce slogan before heading out to the battlefield. Number 3 reads, "Kim Jong Un is a crazy dog. A whip is the cure!!!" Known as the 'skull cut', military officials emphasize a unique haircut starting from 9mm at the top to 1mm on the side. If soldiers were to break this rule, they must stylize their hair again, even if they are days away from being discharged.
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