COLOMBIAN FORCES
The first of four Colombia Battalions 1st Batallon Colombia -- to serve in Korea during the war arrived in Jun 1951 and stayed until replaced by the 2nd Batallon Colombia July 1952. The 2nd Batallon Colombia was replaced by the 3rd Batallon Colombia in Nov 1952. It was replaced by the 4th Batallon Colombia in Jun 1953 and stayed in Korea until Oct 1954. Each of these units had a field strength of 1,000 men. The 1st Batallon Colombia was assigned to the U.S. 24th Infantry Division on arrival but transferred to the U.S. 7th Infantry Division Jan. 23, 1952 when the U.S. 24th Division returned to Japan. The 2nd & 3rd Batallon Colombia also fought as part of the U.S. 7th Infantry Division. It is worth noting the 3rd Batallon was severely mauled in March 1953 when Chinese forces overran "Old Baldy." In this battle Colombian forces fought well but were overwhelmed when a full Chinese division attacked. Thus the 3rd Batallon had the dubious distinction of suffering the most casualties of any Colombian unit.
(09/20/99 -- Patches and battle information will posted when received from the Colombian Korean War Veterans Association.)
Casualties 146 KIA 69 MIA 448 WIA