The African Soldiers, in the Heart of Korea: The Kagnew Battalion
Another nation which most people didn’t even know fought in Korea, Kagnew Battalion were a number of military units from the then Imperial Ethiopian Army. As part of the United Nations Command, the first units arrived in the country in 1951 and were attached to the US 7th Infantry Division.
The Imperial Bodyguard Division
An interesting fact about the Kagnew Battalion is that most of the men who served were drawn from the Imperial Bodyguard Division of the Ethiopian Army. Also known as the Kebur Zabagna or Zebenya (Honorable Guard), these guys were the elite forces and were normally tasked with providing security for the Emperor of Ethiopia.
Distinguished Service in Combat
During the war, the Kagnew distinguished themselves in combat, most notably during the battle of Pork Chop Hill. It was reported that 8 Ethiopian soldiers walked 800 meters across enemy lines and up T-Bone Hill, only to return with 2 Chinese POWs they had snatched from enemy trenches. The Ethiopians would remain in Korea until 1965 and would remain part of the United Nations Command until 1975.
Awards and Recognition
For their actions during the war, at least nine Silver Star Medals and dozens of Bronze Star Medals were awarded by the United States, as well as a Presidential Unit Citation. Two members in particular, Lieutenant Colonel Teshome Irgetu and 2nd Lt. Haptewold Mamo, were awarded the highest Ethiopian gallantry award and became “Knights of the Order of Emperor Menelik II” for their service during the Korean War.
~NC
