Greek Expeditionary Force (Korea)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please discuss this issue on the talk page or replace this tag with a more specific message. This article has been tagged since March 2007. |
| Greek Expeditionary Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | |
In response to the United Nations appeal for assistance on the Korean Peninsula, Greece responded with the dispatch of a reinforced Army infantry battalion and a RHAF flight of transport planes which would thereafter be called the Greek Expeditionary Force (GEF). Altogether, the GEF comprised 1,263 personnel.
Contents |
[edit] Composition
The seven C-47s of 13th Flight departed from Eleusis air base at 08.30 of November 11, 1950.They belonged to the 355 Transport Squadron, known for its participation in the 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.
At noon of the 3rd of 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.
"In November 1950, after the end of the operations of the Civil War, Greece, wishing to assist the United Nations, sent, to South Korea, the 13th Transport Aircraft Flight consisting of seven Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft as well as 67 officers and soldiers.
Until May 1955 the Greek flight, which distinguished itself for the boldness and determination of its crews, carried out 2916 war missions under exceptionally ufavorable conditions, comprising air evacuations, transports of personnel, prisoners and every kind of material, drops of supplies and ammunition, replenishment of allied bases and collection of operational information.
12 officers and NCO's as well as 2 C-47s did not return home"
[edit] Timeline
Battalion Chronological Events
November 1 The 13th transportation moves to Japan, attached to the US 5th Air Force.
December 4 The Greek battalion arrives in Busan.
December 4 The 13th transportation fleet deployed at Yeonpo airbase, patients evacuation operation at Hagalu-ri.
December 16 The Greek battalion moves to Suwon, attached to the 1st Cavalry Division (United States).
January 16 Remnants sweeping operation at Wolaksan, Haseoksan, Munsusan and Sinseol summit.
January 29 Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 489, west of Icheon.
February 8 Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 489, north of Gonjiam-ri.
March 7 Attack Hill 326, east of Yongdu-ri.
April 7 Advance to Geumhaksan, north of Hongchen.
April 27 Defend Hongje-dong area of Seoul.
May 14 The 13th transportation fleet deployed at Kimpo air base.
May 26 Advance to Imjingang via Nogosan and Gamaksan.
June 9 Advance to Wyoming line, north of Yeoncheon.
August 4 Battle with the Chinese Army near Churadong area.
October 3 Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 313.
December 30 Deployed at Imjingang S-curved area.
March 17 Battle over Kelly, Nori, Betty outposts.
May 23 The 1st company guards Geoje 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 corps, move to Cheolwon area.
December 14 Entice and destroy 1 Chinese company at Yujeong-ri.
December 27 14 soldiers die due to a transportation craft crash in Jinhae.
March 11 Battle between reconnaissance fleets at Hill 438.
May 16 Deployed at Junggasan, north eastern sides of Cheolwon.
June 17 Battle with the Chinese Army at Hill 420 (Outpost Harry).
July 16 Battle with the Chinese Army at [[Hill 495, south of Bukjeongryeong.
July 25 Battle with the Chinese Army at [[Hill 492, north of Seungam-ri.
[edit] Awards and Recognition
Greek forces involved in the conflict received the following U.S. Presidential 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."
19 members of the Royal Hellenic Air Force (RHAF) received the U.S. Air Force Air Medal.
