Ethiopia Military

After Communist North Korean forces invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, the war raged up and down the peninsula several times as the United States, the United Nations (U.N.) and finally Communist China sent ground forces there.

It was during this time that Ethiopia sent 1,271 - 3,518 troops as part of the United Nation Forces to aid South Korea. The troops were known as the Kagnew Battalion under the command of General Mulugueta Bulli.

Ethiopia furnished three 1,200-man battalions to the UN Command, beginning in June 1951 but only one battalion at a time. The first of these battalions — known as Kagnew (Conquerors) Battalions — arrived in May 1951 and was assigned to the U.S. 7th Infantry Division.

• 1st Kagnew Battalion Jun 51 — Apr 52
• 2nd Kagnew Battalion Apr 52 — Apr 53
• 3rd Kagnew Battalion Apr 53 — Apr 54

The Ethiopian army was attached to the American 7th Infantry Division, and fought in a number of engagements including the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. 121 were killed and 536 wounded during the conflict in Korea.

Keywords: United Nation Forces, South Korea, Kagnew Battalion, General Mulugueta Bulli,