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Greek Expeditionary Force (Korea)
Encyclopedia
The Greek Expeditionary Force (GEF) in Korea was formed in response to the United Nations
appeal for assistance
in the Korean War
. It comprised a reinforced Hellenic Army
infantry battalion and a Royal Hellenic Air Force (RHAF)
flight of 7 transport planes.
of 13th Flight, with 67 Air Force officers and personnel, departed from Elefsis air base at 08.30 of 11 November 1950. They belonged to the 355 Transport Squadron, known for its participation in the recent civil war
. The majority of the officers and NCOs of this first mission were experienced airmen, veterans of the Middle East campaigns of WWII
and the Greek Civil War
.
On 3 December 1950, the first Greek aircraft landed on Korean soil. Immediately the Greek flight was attached to the 21st Troop Carrier Sq. (later renamed 6461 TC Sq.) of 374th Wing of the USAF, based initially at Daegu
. From 14 May 1951, the flight was based at Kimpo air base
where it remained until 23 May 1955. During its time in Korea, the Greek Flight carried out 2,916 missions, comprising air evacuations, transports of personnel, prisoners drops of supplies and ammunition, replenishment of allied bases and collection of operational information. In total, its planes carried 70,568 passengers, including 9,243 wounded. It logged 13,777 flight hours. Losses included 12 officers and NCOs, and 2 C-47s.
to Korea, but with the quick UN victories in autumn 1950, the expeditionary force was downgraded to a battalion. The army unit, called Sparta Battalion, was sent in November 1950 under Lt Colonel George Koumanakos, was composed of 849 men and 6 vehicles in an HQ company and three rifle companies with one MG/mortar platoon and three rifle platoons each. The men were all volunteers from the 1st, 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions.
From 23 August 1951, the component was expanded to 1,063 men, at which strength it remained until the December 1953 armistice. It was subsequently increased to the level of 2,163 men until April 1955. After the anti-Greek Istanbul Pogrom
, in September 1955, relations with NATO ally, Turkey, deteriorated and Greece decided to recall its units stationed in Korea. As a result only 191 men were remaining by December 1955. A representative section of one officer and 9 men remained further until May 1958.
Fifteen officers and 168 men were killed in action, while 33 officers and 577 men were wounded.
for its participation in the evacuation of US Marines at Hagaru-ri
in December 1950. The GEF battalion received its first U.S. Presidential Unit Citation in February 1952 for the capture of Scotch Hill.
The Greek infantry company involved in the defense of Outpost Harry received the following Presidential Unit Citation:
"DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Washington D. C., 10 March 1955
GENERAL ORDERS 18
DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION
Company P Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion (Second Award) is cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Surang-Ni, Korea during the period 17 June to 18 June 1953. Assigned the defense of a vital outpost position (Harry), the company encountered a major enemy assault on the evening of June 17. After an intense concentration of enemy Mortar and artillery fire, the hostile forces, which had taken up an attack position on the northeast and northwest side of the outpost, moved rapidly through their own and friendly artillery fire to gain a foothold on the northern slope of the position. Refusing to withdraw, Company P closed in and met the attackers in a furious hand to hand struggle in which many of the enemy were driven off. The aggressors regrouped, quickly attacked a second time, and again gained the friendly trenches. Immediately, the Greek Forces launched a series of counterattacks, simultaneously dispatching a diversionary force to the east of the outpost which successfully channeled the enemy thrusts. After 2 hours of close in fighting, the aggressors were again routed and the friendly positions restored. The outstanding conduct and exemplary courage exhibited by members of Company P, Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion, reflects great credit on themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and the Kingdom of Greece."
Individual Greeks received 6 U.S. Distinguished Service Crosses
, 32 Silver Star
s, 110 Bronze Star
s. 19 members of 13th Flight received the U.S. Air Force Air Medal
for the Hagaru-ri evacuation operation in December 1950. The Greek battalion's war flag also received the highest Greek military decoration, the Commander's Cross of the Cross of Valour
, in 1954.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
appeal for assistance
United Nations Security Council Resolution 82
United Nations Security Council Resolution 82 was a measure adopted by the United Nations Security Council on June 25, 1950. The resolution demanded North Korea immediately end its invasion of South Korea, the catalyst for the beginning of the Korean War...
in the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
. It comprised a reinforced Hellenic Army
Hellenic Army
The Hellenic Army , formed in 1828, is the land force of Greece.The motto of the Hellenic Army is , "Freedom Stems from Valor", from Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War...
infantry battalion and a Royal Hellenic Air Force (RHAF)
Hellenic Air Force
The Hellenic Air Force, abbreviated to HAF is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the...
flight of 7 transport planes.
RHAF Transport Flight
The seven C-47sC-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
of 13th Flight, with 67 Air Force officers and personnel, departed from Elefsis air base at 08.30 of 11 November 1950. They belonged to the 355 Transport Squadron, known for its participation in the recent civil war
Greek Civil War
The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania...
. The majority of the officers and NCOs of this first mission were experienced airmen, veterans of the Middle East campaigns of WWII
Middle East Theatre of World War II
The Middle East Theatre of World War II is defined largely by reference to the British Middle East Command, which controlled Allied forces in both Southwest Asia and eastern North Africa...
and the Greek Civil War
Greek Civil War
The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania...
.
On 3 December 1950, the first Greek aircraft landed on Korean soil. Immediately the Greek flight was attached to the 21st Troop Carrier Sq. (later renamed 6461 TC Sq.) of 374th Wing of the USAF, based initially at Daegu
Daegu
Daegu , also known as Taegu, and officially the Daegu Metropolitan City, is a city in South Korea, the fourth largest after Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, and the third largest metropolitan area in the country with over 2.5 million residents. The city is the capital and principal city of the...
. From 14 May 1951, the flight was based at Kimpo air base
Gimpo International Airport
Gimpo International Airport , commonly known as Gimpo Airport , is located in the far western end of Seoul and was the main international airport for Seoul and South Korea before it was replaced by Incheon International Airport in 2001...
where it remained until 23 May 1955. During its time in Korea, the Greek Flight carried out 2,916 missions, comprising air evacuations, transports of personnel, prisoners drops of supplies and ammunition, replenishment of allied bases and collection of operational information. In total, its planes carried 70,568 passengers, including 9,243 wounded. It logged 13,777 flight hours. Losses included 12 officers and NCOs, and 2 C-47s.
Sparta Battalion
Originally, the Greek government intended to send a brigadeBrigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
to Korea, but with the quick UN victories in autumn 1950, the expeditionary force was downgraded to a battalion. The army unit, called Sparta Battalion, was sent in November 1950 under Lt Colonel George Koumanakos, was composed of 849 men and 6 vehicles in an HQ company and three rifle companies with one MG/mortar platoon and three rifle platoons each. The men were all volunteers from the 1st, 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions.
From 23 August 1951, the component was expanded to 1,063 men, at which strength it remained until the December 1953 armistice. It was subsequently increased to the level of 2,163 men until April 1955. After the anti-Greek Istanbul Pogrom
Istanbul Pogrom
The Istanbul riots , were mob attacks directed primarily at Istanbul's Greek minority on 6–7 September 1955. The riots were orchestrated by the Turkish government under Adnan Menderes. The events were triggered by the false news that the Turkish consulate in Thessaloniki, north Greece—the...
, in September 1955, relations with NATO ally, Turkey, deteriorated and Greece decided to recall its units stationed in Korea. As a result only 191 men were remaining by December 1955. A representative section of one officer and 9 men remained further until May 1958.
Battalion events timeline
- 1950
- November 15: Embarkation at PiraeusPiraeusPiraeus is a city in the region of Attica, Greece. Piraeus is located within the Athens Urban Area, 12 km southwest from its city center , and lies along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf....
. - December 9: The Greek battalion arrives at BusanBusanBusan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
. - December 16: The Greek battalion moves to SuwonSuwonSuwon is the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. A major city of over a million inhabitants, Suwon lies approximately south of Seoul. It is traditionally known as "The City of Filial Piety"....
, attached to the US 1st Cavalry Division as the "4th Battalion (GEF), 7th Cavalry Regiment".
- November 15: Embarkation at Piraeus
- 1951
- January 16: Remnants sweeping operation at Wolaksan, Haseoksan, MunsusanMunsusanMunsusan is a mountain of Gyeongsangbuk-do, eastern South Korea. It has an altitude of 1205 metres....
and Sinseol summits. - January 29: Battle with 3,000 ChinesePeople's Volunteer ArmyThe Chinese People's Volunteer Army was the armed forces deployed by the People's Republic of China during the Korean War. Although all units in the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army belonged to the People's Liberation Army , the People's Volunteer Army was separately constituted in order to...
at Hill 381, west of IcheonIcheonIcheon is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It should not be confused with the much larger Incheon Metropolitan City. Neighboring districts include Yeoju County, Gwangju City, Yongin City, and Anseong City within Gyeonggi province, as well as Eumseong County in North Chungcheong...
. - February 8: Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 489, north of Gonjiam-ri.
- March 7: Attack on Hill 326, east of Yongdu-ri.
- April 7: Advance to GeumhaksanGeumhaksanGeumhaksan is a mountain in the county of Cheorwon, Gangwon-do, in South Korea. It has an elevation of ....
, north of Hongchen. - April 27: Defence of Hongje-dongHongje-dongHongje-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Seodaemun-gu in Seoul, South Korea.- External links :* *...
area of SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
. - May 26: Advance to Imjingang via Nogosan and GamaksanGamaksan (Chungcheongbuk-do/Gangwon-do)Gamaksan is a South Korean mountain that extends across the city of Wonju, Gangwon-do, and Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. It has an elevation of .-References:...
. - June 9: Advance to Wyoming line, north of Yeoncheon.
- August 4: Battle with the Chinese Army near Churadong area.
- October 3–10: Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 313 ("Scotch Hill"). The hill was captured on October 5, with 28 KIA.
- December 30: Deployed at Imjingang S-curved area.
- January 16: Remnants sweeping operation at Wolaksan, Haseoksan, Munsusan
- 1952
- January: patrol duties attached to the 15th Infantry Regiment, US 3rd Infantry Division.
- March 17: Battle over Kelly, Nori, Betty outposts.
- May 23: The 1st company guards Kohe-do island prisoner camp.
- July 23: Advance to Imjingang S-curved area again after improving the corps for 4 months.
- August 7: Surprise attack at Hill 167 near Imjingang.
- September 28: Battle with the Chinese Army near Nori Hill area.
- October 29: Return to the US 9th corpsU.S. IX CorpsIX Corps was a corps of the United States Army. For most of its operational history, IX Corps was headquartered in or around Japan and subordinate to US Army commands in the Far East....
, move to Cheolwon area. - December 14: Entice and destroy 1 Chinese company at Yujeong-ri.
- December 27: 14 soldiers are killed in a transport aircraft crash in JinhaeJinhaeJinhae is a district in Changwon City, South Korea. This region is served by the Korean National Railroad, and is famous for its annual cherry blossom festival every spring....
.
- 1953
- March 11: Battle between reconnaissance squads at Hill 438.
- May 16: Deployed at Junggasan, north eastern sides of Cheolwon.
- June 16: Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 420 (Outpost HarryOutpost HarryOutpost Harry was a remote Korean War station located on a tiny hilltop in what was commonly referred to as the "Iron Triangle" on the Korean Peninsula. This was an area approximately 60 miles north of Seoul and was the most direct route to the South Korean capital.More than 88,000 rounds of...
). - July 16: Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 495, south of Bukjeon-hyeon.
- July 25: Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 492, north of Seungam-ri.
Fifteen officers and 168 men were killed in action, while 33 officers and 577 men were wounded.
Awards and recognitions
The 13th Flight received a U.S. Presidential Unit CitationPresidential Unit Citation (US)
The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941...
for its participation in the evacuation of US Marines at Hagaru-ri
Battle of Chosin Reservoir
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign or the Changjin Lake Campaign ,Official Chinese sources refer to this battle as the Second Phase Campaign Eastern Sector . The Western Sector is the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. was a decisive battle in the Korean War...
in December 1950. The GEF battalion received its first U.S. Presidential Unit Citation in February 1952 for the capture of Scotch Hill.
The Greek infantry company involved in the defense of Outpost Harry received the following Presidential Unit Citation:
"DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Washington D. C., 10 March 1955
GENERAL ORDERS 18
DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION
Company P Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion (Second Award) is cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Surang-Ni, Korea during the period 17 June to 18 June 1953. Assigned the defense of a vital outpost position (Harry), the company encountered a major enemy assault on the evening of June 17. After an intense concentration of enemy Mortar and artillery fire, the hostile forces, which had taken up an attack position on the northeast and northwest side of the outpost, moved rapidly through their own and friendly artillery fire to gain a foothold on the northern slope of the position. Refusing to withdraw, Company P closed in and met the attackers in a furious hand to hand struggle in which many of the enemy were driven off. The aggressors regrouped, quickly attacked a second time, and again gained the friendly trenches. Immediately, the Greek Forces launched a series of counterattacks, simultaneously dispatching a diversionary force to the east of the outpost which successfully channeled the enemy thrusts. After 2 hours of close in fighting, the aggressors were again routed and the friendly positions restored. The outstanding conduct and exemplary courage exhibited by members of Company P, Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion, reflects great credit on themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and the Kingdom of Greece."
Individual Greeks received 6 U.S. Distinguished Service Crosses
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
, 32 Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
s, 110 Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
s. 19 members of 13th Flight received the U.S. Air Force Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
for the Hagaru-ri evacuation operation in December 1950. The Greek battalion's war flag also received the highest Greek military decoration, the Commander's Cross of the Cross of Valour
Cross of Valour (Greece)
The Cross of Valour is the second highest military decoration of the Greek state, awarded for acts of bravery or distinguished leadership on the field of battle...
, in 1954.