The Korean War was an armed conflict based on the division of Korea between North Korea and South Korea. In 1950, Greece within the framework of implementing UN resolutions, contributed with troops and sent the Greek Expeditionary Force. One of the toughest battles took place at Outpost Harry.

The outpost was occupied from the beginning of June 1953 by the 2nd Battalion of the 15th US Infantry Regiment. Due to casualties and the criticalness of the situation, on June 13th it was decided to be replaced by the Greek battalion. The offensive against the outpost, being a strategic target, aimed at breaking up the defensive location and controlling the road network, given that it was the most direct route to Seoul.

The Greek battalion settled on the night of June 16th in the outpost and on the night from June 17th to June 18th, the Chinese tried to take it. The defenders were firing at will, throwing grenades at the same time. Before the last enemy assault, the Greeks moved forward with bayonets and hand-to-hand fighting ensued. The Chinese did not give up and attempted a massive attack. The Greek Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dionisios Arbouzis decided to assign his reserve force, which sideswiped the Chinese troops and made them abandon their positions with major casualties at dawn of June 18th.

For its involvement in the defense of Outpost Harry, the Greek Expeditionary Force in Korea received particular Greek and allied awards and recognitions. South Korea, in appreciation of its contribution, erected a dignified monument to commemorate the Greek fallen fighters at the Yeoju Yeongwol Park.

#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy