Greece's contribution to the Korean War (1950–1955)

Abstract

Greece during and after World War II successively tried to rid itself from foreign (Italian and German) and communist influence. In its fight for independence, it was aided by the United Kingdom and the United States, but after World War II the communist threat, Greece being on the border to the communist sphere of influence, remained eminent. Therefore, Greece had to demonstrate solidarity and had to militarily participate in the alliance against communism around the world, that is, in North Korea. Greece formed a “Special Expeditionary Force” (GEF), involving ground and air forces. A special branch of high commanding officers, under a senior officer, was formed to play the role of liaison officer to the UN General Command Headquarters (GCHQs) for the Far East based in Tokyo-Japan. The Greek participation in the Korean War was highly recognized by the South Koreans as well as by the allied forces and the United Nations. Participating allies acknowledge and appreciate the valor, bravery, self-sacrifice, and resourcefulness of the Greek soldiers and officers.

Citation

Smokovitis, D. (2009), "Greece's contribution to the Korean War (1950–1955)", Caforio, G. (Ed.) Advances in Military Sociology: Essays in Honor of Charles C. Moskos (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 12 Part 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 225-232. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2009)000012A015