Greek Expeditionary Force in Korea
| Greek Expeditionary Force in Korea Εκστρατευτικόν Σώμα Ελλάδος στην Κορέα |
|
|---|---|
Shoulder patch of the GEF
|
|
| Active | November 1950 – May 1958 |
| Country |
 Greece
|
| Allegiance |
 United Nations
|
| Branch | 355th Transport Squadron, 15th Infantry Regiment |
| Type | Reinforced Infantry battalion, later regiment Transport aircraft flight |
| Part of |
US 1st Cavalry Division US 3rd Infantry Division |
| Engagements | Korean War |
| Decorations |
|
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Col. Ioannis Dascalopoulos Lt. Col. Dionysios Arbouzis 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 seven transport planes. Greece was the fifth largest troop contributor to U.N. Forces in Korea.
The seven C-47s of 13th Flight, with 67 Air Force officers and personnel, departed from Elefsis air base at 0830 on November 11, 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, being veterans of the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre of World War II and the Greek Civil War.
On December 3, 1950, the first Greek aircraft landed on Korean soil. The Greek flight was immediately attached to the 21st Troop Carrier Sqn. (later renamed 6461 TC Sqn.) of the 374th Wing, United States Air Force, based initially at Daegu. From May 14, 1951, the flight was based at Kimpo air base where it remained until May 23, 1955. During its time in Korea, the Greek Flight carried out 2,916 missions, comprising air evacuations, the transport of personnel and prisoners, drops of supplies and ammunition, the replenishment of allied bases and the 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 two C-47s.
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