| Greek Expeditionary Force in Korea Εκστρατευτικόν Σώμα Ελλάδος στην Κορέα |
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|---|---|
Shoulder patch of the GEF |
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| Active | November 1950 – May 1958 |
| Country | Greece |
| Allegiance | United Nations |
| Branch | 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, 15th Infantry Regiment |
| Size | Reinforced battalion, later regiment Transport aircraft flight |
| Battle honours | Presidential Unit Citation (US) Commander's Cross of the Cross of Valour |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Lt. Col. Dionysios Arbouzis[1] Lt. COl. Georgios Koumanakos |
The Greek Expeditionary Force (GEF) in Korea (Greek: Εκστρατευτικόν Σώμα Ελλάδος, abbreviated ΕΚΣΕ) 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.
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The seven C-47s 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.
Originally, the Greek government intended to send a brigade to Korea, but with the quick UN victories in autumn 1950, the expeditionary force was downgraded to a battalion.[2] The army unit, called Sparta Battalion, was sent in November 1950 under Lt Colonel Georgios 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.[3]
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.[4] 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.
The 13th Flight received a U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for its participation in the evacuation of US Marines at Hagaru-ri in December 1950.[2] 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 Stars, 110 Bronze Stars. 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.