This article is to unveil the achievements of the subordinates of Admiral Yi Sun-shin and to categorize their remarkable actions in the naval battles which occurred during the Japanese invasion of 1592-1598(Imjin-Waeran).
With the Jeonra Left Naval Station, Admiral Yi and his group of five town leaders and 5 naval post(5官 5浦) leaders built a strong defence system and developed new artillery and ships including the panok vessels(板屋船) and the famous turtle ships(龜船); therefore, it was the navy of the Jeonra-do area that played an important part even before the Imjin-Waeran When the navy of Kyongsang-do area asked for help, those who had high spirits were dispatched as reinforcements and played a key role in the success.
In 1592, the navy of the Chosun Dynasty won 4 victories at Ok-po, Dang-po, Han-san and Busan-po over the Japanese forces, destroying 320 enemy vessels Commanding officers Eo Young-Dam, Jung Oon, Kwon June and general Song Hee-Reep and Lee Un-Rahyng served the country along with oarsmen, gunners and archers.
During the Peace Talks, the food supplies were very important; Jung, Sah-Jun followed the army and provided the manpower, rations and the material to manufacture new arms that surpassed the enemies'. Civil servant Jung Kyong-Dahl helped Admiral Yi to execute his duties as Commander by securing provisions and managing Doon-Jeon(屯田), rice paddy fields cultivated by the civilians and naval soldiers to secure provisions. The navy of the Chosun Dynasty concentrated on building 180 vessels in the year 1597.
After the Chosun navy was defeated by the Japanese at the Battle of Chilcheonryang during the Jungyu-Jaeran, Admiral Yi was reappointed naval commander. His last subordinates, a number of community leaders and villagers, asked him to fight against the enemy with them. They became responsible for winning several major battles, such as the battles of Myeongryang and Noryang.
If it had not been for those who volunteered, the Chosun navy could not have won at the battle of Myeongryang on Sept. 16, 1597. Those loyal troops attacked the enemy in the rear, guerrilla warfare style, and also earned rations and uniforms to the battle areas, helping waise the morale of the navy.
Lee Eo-On, Admiral Yi's advisor, made an effort to strengthen the navy forces which had become extremely weak after the battle of Myeongryang. He distinguished himself by suggesting Doon-Jeon and helping to actualize the waterway pass system.
From September 20, 1598 up to the battle of Noryang, Yoo Hyong, Cho E-Reep and Im Hwan played key roles in the battles between the allied forces of the Chosun and Ming Dynasties and the Japanese forces occupying Yeahkyo Castle(曳橋城) in Sooncheon.
During the last battle of Noryang, at dawn November 19th, 1598, Yoo Hyeong proposed an ambush of the enemy by seizing an opportunity to move along the wind with fire attacks which Jin Mu-Sung had suggested. There were many people who led the attack against the Japanese, such as Kim Duk-Bahng, Lee Choong-Shil, Jeong Eung, Yoo Hyeong, Song Hee-Reep and so on.
The Chosun navy brought the 7-year Japanese invasion (Imjin-Waeran) to an end. However, it was the subordinates of Admiral Yi who sacrificed themselves and made victory possible.