Greek Contribution to Korean War

Introduction

Greece was the fifth largest troop contributor, and the eighth to commit support to UNC during the
Korean War. The Greek (or Hellenic) Expeditionary Force included nine transport aircraft and a reinforced infantry battalion. The Greek ground forces were originally comprised of 851members but increased in August 1951 to 1,063 members. After the Armistice Agreement was signed the Greeks increased their troops to 2,163. From December 1955 to August 1958, the Greeks had a section of 10 members. Their total contribution from December 1950 to August 1956 was 4,992 personnel during the Korean War and 5,589 after the Armistice was signed.

The Greek Battalion received two U.S. Presidential Unit Citations and a ROK Presidential Unit Citation. The Greek air contribution known as the 13th Hellenic Air Force Flight, operated from Daegu as part of the U.S.A.F. 21st Troop Carrier Squadron from December 1950 to May 1951. From May 1951 until April 1955 they operated from Gimpo air base. In total they flew close to 14,000 hours in almost 3,000 missions, evacuated over 9,000 wounded, provided supply drops, and collected intelligence. The flight received a U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for evacuating 1,000 wounded Marines from the Chosin Reservoir in December 1950 and also received the ROK Presidential Unit Citation.

A total of 4,992 Greeks fought in the Korean War. Greek casualties included, 196 killed in action, 610
wounded, and the loss of four C-47 aircraft. The final Greek unit departed the Korean peninsula in 1955 with the stabilization of the Demilitarized Zone. In August 1956 Greece ended its commitment but rejoined the UNC in 2000.

Page Contents:

• Introduction
• Greek Fatalities
• Individual Honors
• Unit Citations

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Greek Fatalities
 

Individual Honors

Individual members of the Greek Expeditionary Force received numerous USA awards during the Korean War, including six Distinguished Service Crosses, 32 Silver Stars, and 110 Bronze Stars.  Thirteen members of the Greek Air Force (Flight 13) received a United States Air Medal for their heroism in the evacuation operation at Hagaru-ri in December 1950.  The Korean War Educator continues to search for the text of all of these individual awards.

Bronze Star (USA award) Recipients

• Broumas, MAJ Nick T. - General Orders No. 12 - 22 January 1953
   
• Gorgolis, PVT Asterios U. (attached to 1CAV)
   
• Tsikoudis, CPL George T. (attached to 1CAV)

Silver Star (USA award) Recipients

• Anemoyannis, Chahalambos
  
  Headquarters, IX Corps, General Orders No. 121 (1951)
   
• Bekiaris, Fotios Vassilios (posthumous)

Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - 20 January 1954

First Lieutenant Fotios Vassilios Bekiaris, Greek Expeditionary Forces, distinguished himself by gallantry in action against the enemy near Song-Yiong-Si, Korea, on 28 September 1952.  The 2d Company, Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion, had the mission of seizing and securing hill "Big Nori".  Lieutenant Bekiaris, a platoon leader spearheading the attack, courageously led his platoon through intense artillery and mortar fire and quickly secured the objective.  Hostile forces immediately shelled the newly won position with mortar and artillery fire.  Following closely behind, hostile forces launched a determined counterattack in an attempt to drive friendly forces off the hill.  Although wounded, Lieutenant Bekiaris moved about the shell-torn terrain giving instructions to his men as they repulsed the enemy and inflicted heavy casualties.  He so inspired his men that they successfully repulsed two hostile counterattacks.  He was preparing his platoon to meet a third attack when he was mortally wounded by mortar fire.  Lieutenant Bekiaris' gallantry, aggressive action, and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

• Spilioupolous, Kyriakos
  
  Lt. Colonel Spilioupolous was CO of the Greek UN Battalion, attached to the 65th.
   
• Stathias, Apostolos E. (posthumous)

Department of the Army
General Orders No. 12 - 22 January 1953

Second Lieutenant Apostolos E. Stathias, 5104, Greek Expeditionary Forces, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Ichon, Korea, on 30 January 1951.  Under cover of darkness, a numerically superior enemy force attacked Greek positions on a steep ridge and subjected his platoon to intense mortar, grenade, and small-arms fire.  Despite the suddenness of the attack, Lieutenant Stathias rapidly reorganized his unit and moved from position to position, encouraging his men and directing their fire against assaulting troops.  His courageous action and complete disregard for his safety so inspired his men that they successfully repelled the initial attempt by the enemy to break through their perimeter.  Lieutenant Stathias then fearlessly proceeded to the command post to obtain further orders from the company commander and, while returning to his platoon, was mortally wounded by hostile fire.  The singular bravery, consummate devotion to duty, and aggressive leadership shown by Lieutenant Stathias reflect great credit on himself and the Greek Expeditionary Forces of the United Nations Command.

• Tombras, Constantine Demetrios

Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 1953

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Constantine Demetrios Tombras, Foreign, for gallantry in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Koyangdae, Korea, on 2 March 1952. Leading a group of seven men in an attack against a series of heavily fortified enemy bunkers located on top of Kelly Hill, Lieutenant Tombras and his men were driven back by heavy small-arms, automatic weapons, and artillery fire. After rallying his small group, Lieutenant Tombras renewed the attack and again met a murderous hail of fire. Although five of his men were wounded, he led them to the top of the hill, forced the enemy from their position, and held the hill until ordered to withdraw. The outstanding heroism and leadership by Lieutenant Tombras are in accordance with the finest traditions of the military service. Entered Service From Greece.

• Vlases, George C.

Department of the Army
General Orders No. 53 - 8 September 1955

Brigadier General George C. Vlases, Greek Army, Chief of Greek Liaison Group, United Nations and Far East Commands, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Surang-ni, Korea, on 18 June 1953.  While inspecting the elements of the Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion in their most forward positions in defense of critical terrain, the enemy opened an intensive artillery and mortar barrage on outpost "Harry."  After a careful evaluation of the situation General Vlases coordinated the activities of his units and prepared for a probable enemy attack.  He moved throughout the impact area assisting unit commanders, steadying and encouraging the troops by his inspiring example and insuring proper and speedy evacuation of the wounded.  Without regard for his own safety, constantly exposed to heavy fire, he continued his visits from unit to unit stressing the importance of their mission and coordinating defensive measures.  After strong friendly artillery and mortar fire succeeded in silencing hostile fire and when he was convinced that the outpost was secure from attack he returned to the Battalion Command Post.  His presence in the forward area provided a strong, steadying influence which imbued the troops with indomitable resolution and determination.  General Vlases' courage, outstanding leadership and untiring devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the Greek Royal Armed Forces.

• Tombras, Constantine Demetrios

Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 9 June 1953

First Lieutenant Constantine Demetrios Tombras, Greek Expeditionary Forces, distinguished himself by gallantry in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Koyangdae, Korea, on 2 March 1952.  Leading a group of seven men in an attack against a series of heavily fortified enemy bunkers located on top of Kelly Hill, Lieutenant Tombras and his men were driven back by heavy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and artillery fire.  After rallying his small group, Lieutenant Tombras renewed the attack and again met a murderous hail of fire.  Although five of his men were wounded, he led them to the top of the hill, forced the enemy from their position, and held the hill until ordered to withdraw.  The outstanding heroism and leadership demonstrated by Lieutenant Tombras are in accordance with the finest traditions of the military service.

Air Medal

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces Combat Cargo Command
General Orders No. 18 - 14 January 1951

Award of the Air Medal - By direction of the Secretary of the Air Force, and pursuant to authority contained in Air Force Regulation 30-14, dated 7 August 1950, and USAF radio AFPMP 21495, dated 9 August 1950, and Far East Air Forces letter, dated 12 December 1950, the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights during the period 1 December 1950 to 10 December 1950 is awarded the following named personnel of the Royal Hellenic Air Force:

• Flight Lieutenant Tzovins Evagellos
• Flight Lieutenant John Papandreopolous
• Flight Officer Vlasios Dodes
• Pilot Officer Adam Agapakis
• Pilot Officer Ermes Byzantios
• Pilot Officer Dimitrios Kouris
• Pilot Officer Charis Paraskakis
• Pilot Officer Antonios Patrimolia
• Pilot Officer Anastasios Stabousos
• Warrant Officer Andreas Artaitas
• Warrant Officer Loukas Cypraos
• Warrant Officer Michael Elefthoriou
• Warrant Officer Anastasios Giannakouris
• Warrant Officer John Kapotopoulos
• Warrant Officer John Papantosoru
• Leading Aircraftsman Nikolacs Geranas
• Leading Aircraftsman Niko Lyritjia
• Leading Aircraftsman Alkis Panagiotoynakos
• Leading Aircraftsman Nikolacs Ronitos

Unit Citations

The Greek Expeditionary Forces received two U.S. Army Presidential Unit Citations-- one to the Sparta (infantry) Battalion for the capture of Scotch Hill in October 1951 and one for the defense of Outpost Harry June 17-18, 1953.  They also received one U.S. Navy Presidential Unit Citation.

Distinguished Unit Citation
General Orders #18
10 March 1955

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.

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