In 1597, at the Battle of Myeongnyang Strait during the Imjim War,
the Korean, naval commander Yi Sun-Sin with 13 ships defeated a far numerically superior Japanese fleet of between 115 and 300 ships.
For one thing, Yi understood the unusual tides of the strait better than the Japanese commanders and used them to his advantage.
Many of the men under his command were fearful of the Japanese because they had recently been badly defeated by them while under another Korean commander. Most of them did not believe that Yi could possible defeat such a large enemy force.
At first, when Yi attacked, they would not follow. So, Yi attacked alone in his flagship and with brilliant maneuvering stopped the first line of Japanese ships. But it was clear he could not defeat the Japanese alone, with just one ship. When the other captains and their crews saw his bravery and brilliance, they rallied to Yi and joined in the battle.
Thus, with brilliant tactics, winning the support of his troops and understanding the tides and currents in the strait, Yi defeated the "more powerful" Japanese fleet. This is probably the most famous sea battle in Korean history.
………………
The life story of Yi is quite fascinating.
After several earlier victories over a larger Japanese fleet, and in spite of tremendous support from the populace, Yi was tortured and imprisoned by the Korean King Seonjo, an incompetent, failed leader who was jealous of Yi. All kinds of political intrigue ensued. But Seonjo finally released Yi at the insistence of Yi’s supporters to lead the fleet at Myeongnyang Strait.
About a year later, the Ming leaders realized that the Koreans, with their help, could in fact defeat the Japanese, bitter enemies of the Chinese. So, they sent ships to assist the Korean navy and the Koreans won with Chinese help at the Battle of Noryang. or the Battle of Sachon Bay.
Yi Sun-sin is highly revered by South Koreans not only as a national hero but as a man of impeccable honesty, fortitude, self-sacrifice, integrity and love for his country. He is compared as a naval commander to Lord Nelson, when I fact, if one considers the full histories of both men as well as the personal integrity, Yi comes out on top.
FROM: (The Imjin War, by Samuel Hawley, pg. 490)
“Admiral Togo regarded Admiral Yi as his superior. At a party held in his honor, Togo took exception to a speech comparing him to Lord Nelson and Yi Sun-sin.
‘It may be proper to compare me with Nelson, but not with Korea’s Yi Sun-sin, for he has no equal.’ “
While I prefer not to use Wiki links, Yi’s story is so fascinating, especially given today’s political environment, I will include one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_Sun-sin
GO BERNIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We’ve got your back !!!!
(Any mistakes or inaccuracies are my own.)
And for what it is worth, South Korea now has probably more great classical musicians per/capita than any other country on earth. :> )
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm going to be a bachelor for the next week, so you've just helped plan one of my nights... 
Enjoy it..
Thanks,
It's so apropos for Bernie's situation right now.
Let the naysayers grumble. He'll keep fighting the good fight and more and more of us will keep joining in!
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In spite of your heroic efforts to the contrary.. my wonderful, brilliant post, sank like a rock.
