Colombian Battalion

The election of President Laureano Gómez in 1950 sparked renewed interest in building up Colombian-American relations. Gómez wanted greater U.S. economic support in exchange for direct involvement as an ally, and a means to erase any lingering impressions caused among U.S. policy makers of his previous attitude of anti-U.S. and pro-Germany sentiment during the World Wars.[3] Gómez emphasized the importance of the United Nations security charter and the concept of collective security. As such, he pushed the Colombian military to form an expeditionary force that could be deployed on behalf of the United Nations. The overall strength of the battalion was 5100 infantry soldiers and 300 Navy sailors on board the frigates ARC Almirante Padilla, ARC Capitán Tono, and ARC Almirante Brión.[4]

Following the outbreak of the Korean War, the Colombian Battalion was deployed to Busan on 15 June 1951 under the command of Colonel Jaime Polanía Puyo.[1] The battalion participated in Operation Thunderbolt, the Battle of Old Baldy, the Battle of Triangle Hill and the recapture of Geumseong.[5][6] The Battle of Old Baldy was particularly notable for the battalion, as the unit lost (killed or wounded) 20% of its deployed strength in the engagement.[7]