Gracias Colombia
Take a look at Colombia's participation in the Korean War, which helped defend South Korea
Colombian soldiers moving to the front line (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Colombia's participation in the Korean War
Colombia is the only UN member in Latin America that officially participated in the Korean War. About 5,000 soldiers from the Colombian Army and Navy took part around the world in over three separate deployments to protect the seas and frontlines of Korea until the end of the war. Learn about the story of Colombia, which contributed to restoring peace on the Korean Peninsula by participating as part of the UN Forces.
The frigate Almirante Padilla in California and the handwritten signatures of the officers and crew (1951-03)War Memorial of Korea
Only Latin American country that participated in the war
Colombia was the only Latin American country in the UN Forces. Colombia's involvement in the war began as its naval frigate, the Almirante Padilla, arrived in Korea in May 1951.
Officers and Sailors guarding at the gangway in the frigate Almirante Padilla (1951)War Memorial of Korea
First Colombian Navy deployment, Almirante Padilla
The first deployment of the Colombian Navy that arrived in Korea was the ship Almirante Padilla and 189 naval seamen. After conducting joint training in Pearl Harbor, they arrived in Korea and took part in missions as part of the UN Navy.
Navy Non-commissioned officers on the frigate Almirante Brion (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Deployment of the Colombian Navy on three separate occasions
Following the Almirante Padilla, the Colombian Navy sent the Capitan Tono in April 1952, and the Almirante Brown in June 1953, to Korea to support the maritime operations of the UN Navy.
Officers on the frigate Almirante Padilla discussing their sea route to the Korea (1951)War Memorial of Korea
Operations of the Colombian Navy
As soon as it arrived in Korea in May 1951, the Colombian Navy started patrolling the waters of the West Coast and completed missions going back and forth between the East Coast and West Coast until the ceasefire was signed.
The frigate Almirante Padilla firing depth charges for the mission in Korea sea (1951)War Memorial of Korea
The Colombian Navy protects the seas of the Korean Peninsula
As a member of the United Nations Navy, the Colombian Navy contributed to protecting the sea by conducting various operations in Korean waters, such as escorting supply fleets, coastal patrols, and gun support to help protect the seas.
Colombian soldiers on a frigate to set sail for the Korea (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Participation from the Colombian Army
In addition to its navy, Colombia also dispatched its army to Korea. The Colombian Army that shipped off in May of 1951 arrived in Busan in June of the same year.
A battalion flag in front of the Colombian army camp's entrance (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Dispatch of a Colombian Army battalion
The Colombian army that was sent to Korea was called the 'Colombian Infantry Battalion', and it was founded in December of 1950 to respond to the UN's request for soldiers.
Soldiers from 2nd platoon, A company, Colombian Battalion (1953)War Memorial of Korea
The scale of the Colombian Battalion
Upon arrival in Korea, the Colombian Battalion had 1,089 soldiers. Since then, Colombia sent reinforcements three times to maintain the battalion and a total of about 5,000 soldiers fought in the war.
Colombian soldiers moving to the front line (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Colombian Battalion assigned to the US military
In 1951, when fierce battles were being fought to draw the final truce line, the Columbian Battalion fought their first battle in Gangwon Province under the US military, which accounted for the majority of the UN Forces.
Colombian soldiers fleeing into the position (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Spending the bitter winter of Korea
The Colombian Battalion not only had to fight in bloody battles with the Chinese Communists but also had to withstand the harsh winter. The Colombian Battery had to stand the severe cold in Korea two times.
Colombian soldiers repairing a 60mm mortar (1951)Original Source: NARA / National Institute of Korean History
Experiencing position warfare on the frontlines
Up until the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the Colombian Battalion took part in fierce position warfare to finalize the truce lines. Due to the ongoing battles, the Colombian Battalion had to adapt to the frequently changing situation.
Colombian soldiers training to manoeuvre a M24 Chaffee (1953)War Memorial of Korea
Training for offense and defense
In 1953, as there were signs that the Chinese Communist Army would begin their offensive, the Colombian Battalion conducted military drill to prepare for this.
Colombian soldiers performing a close-defensive operation (1951)Original Source: NARA / National Institute of Korean History
Colombian Battalion defends against the Chinese offensive
During their deployment, the Colombian Battalion carried out defense missions against the massive onslaught of the Chinese Communist Army at the hills on the frontlines such as Gimhwa and Yeoncheon.
Colombian soldiers training in M1 rifles with bayonets (1951)Original Source: NARA / National Institute of Korean History
Fierce position warfare
In fierce position warfare to decide where the truce line should be located, the Colombian Battalion not only defended against the Chinese offensives but also actively took part in counterattacks and reconnaissance against enemy positions. As a result of such battles, the Colombian military suffered 163 deaths and 448 injuries. In addition, 60 soldiers went missing and 30 were captured as prisoners of war.
Colombian machine gunners in an anti-aircraft machine gun emplacement (1951)Original Source: NARA / National Institute of Korean History
The Colombian Battalion defends the frontline hills
Just as the Colombian Navy protected the seas of Korea, the Colombian Battalion shed sweat and blood to protect the major hills on the frontlines. Up until the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the Colombian Battalion guarded the frontlines by overcoming two bitter winters and intense position warfare battles.
Planning: Jin Young-gi
Editing/Host: Jung Seo-hee
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