ROK Repays the Debt

Nov. 11, 2019 - A welfare center for Ethiopian veterans of the Korean War was opened in Addis Ababa with both Ethiopian and South Korean officials in attendance. The 712.8-square-meter, two-story facility was sponsored by the Lotte Group, a South Korean multinational conglomerate. The first such facility was established in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2014, and the second in Bogota, Colombia, in 2017.

Both Colombia and Thailand contributed ground troops to fight under the United Nation during the Korean War. In fact, the Colombians were attached to the US 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. While the Ethiopians were attached to the US 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. The news agency reported about 150 Ethiopian veterans are still alive. They are grateful for the support they receive from the Korean people.

YONHAP NEWS: S. Korea builds welfare center for Korean War veterans in Ethiopia

Kagnew Battalion Honors

In addition to dozens of Ethiopian decorations, members of Kagnew Battalion earned various honors from the governments of the United States, Republic of Korea, and Belgium, including: at least four US Legions of Merit, nine Silver Star Medals, 42 Bronze Star Medals for Valor, 41 Bronze Star Medals for Meritorious Service; seven ROK Medals including the Eulji Cordon and Hwarang Cordon as well as the Belgian Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Couronne avec palme, Belgian Decoration Militaire 2me classe avec palme, and La Croix de Guere 1940 avec palm. Some of these medals were awarded posthumously.