Historic tidbits about Ethiopia on this date on April 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------- --- On this date on April 16th 1951, the Ethiopian 1st Kagnew Battalion departed from Djibouti to join allied United Nation forces in the Korean War. This became a milestone in Ethiopias participation in the Korean War between 1951-1954. It was also the first time Ethiopia participated in military action outside of Ethiopia. An army of 931 soldiers, selected from the Imperial Guard, sailed on board the US transport General Macrae and arrived in Pusan, South Korea on May 7. In all, three Ethiopian Battalions with a total of 3,518 Ethiopians participated in the Korean conflict engaging in 253 battles, which left 121 Ethiopians killed in action, and 536 injured. It is also noted with honor that the Kagnew Battalions were the only contingents to serve in the Korea War where none of its soldiers were captured by North Korean forces as prisoners of war. It is suggested the name Kagnew is amharic for to bring order in chaos and was the name of Menelik IIs warhorse. A small continent of Ethiopian soldiers remained in South Korea until 1965. (Source: Korea War Order. f Battle, by Gordon L. Rottman; On Hallowed Ground: The Battle for Pork Chop Hill by Bill McWilliams)
Posted on: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 13:54:36 +0000
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