Belgium. A United Nations Korea Medal

Belgium; Bronze gilt, 38 mm, "COREE - KOREA" clasp on its original ribbon, scattered gilt wear, surface wear, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Belgium Government offered and had excepted an infantry battalion, composed entirely of volunteers, reinforcements and air transport. The forces provided by Belgium (with which was amalgamated a 44 person contingent from Luxembourg) formed the Groupe de Liaison pour la Belgique et la Luxembourg. This group was certified as directly supporting military operations in Korea. Initially the Belgium government sent several contingents to Korea totalling more than 3,500 men. The 1st Belgian Battalion (Bataillon Belge) departed Antwerp on the December 18, 1950 aboard the troop ship Kamina (AP907), comprising a Headquarters, HQ company, and heavy weapons company (all mixed Walloon/Flemish); A and B [rifle] Companies (Walloon), and C Company (Flemish), which arrived at Pusan on the January 31, 1951. The battalion fought magnificently at the Imjin River, supporting British 29th Brigade; it was relieved on August 21st by the 2nd Battalion, which was then assigned to the US 7th Infantry Regiment (3rd Division). In October, this unit defended a forward position at Haktang-ni for three days against a heavy Chinese attack. In April 1953, the unit fought off Chinese attacks at Chatkol.