BUNC facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belgian United Nations Command (BUNC) |
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A soldier from Luxembourg, part of B.U.N.C. in Korea, 1953
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| Active | 1950–1955 |
| Country |  Belgium Luxembourg South Korea |
| Allegiance |  United Nations |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry battalion |
| Size | 3,171 Belgians and 78 Luxembourgers (over duration of war) |
| Part of | British 29th Brigade US 1st Cavalry Division< US 3rd Infantry Division |
| Nickname(s) | "Brown Berets" |
| Engagements | Battle of the Imjin River Battle of Haktang-ni Battle of Chatkol |
| Decorations |  2 ROK Presidential Unit Citations US Presidential Unit CitationBelgian Order of Leopold |
| Battle honours | Imjin, Haktang-ni and Chatkol |
| Disbanded | 1955 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Lt. Col. A. Crahay (WIA) Lt. Col. G. Vivario Lt. Col. R. Gathy |
The Belgian United Nations Contingent (BUNC) was a group of brave soldiers. They came from Belgium and Luxembourg. These soldiers volunteered to fight in the Korean War. This war happened between 1950 and 1953.
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What Was the Korean War?
The Korean War was a big conflict. It started in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. The United Nations (UN) decided to help South Korea. Many countries sent soldiers to join the UN forces. Their goal was to protect South Korea's freedom. The BUNC was one of these groups.
Why Did Belgium and Luxembourg Join?
Both Belgium and Luxembourg are small countries. They wanted to show their support for the UN. They believed in helping countries that were attacked. So, they asked for volunteers to join the fight. These volunteers formed the BUNC.
Who Were the BUNC Soldiers?
Over the course of the war, 3,171 Belgians volunteered. Also, 78 soldiers from Luxembourg joined them. They were all part of the same unit. These soldiers were known for their courage. They were an Infantry battalion. This means they were soldiers who fought mostly on foot.
The "Brown Berets" Nickname
The BUNC soldiers had a special nickname. They were called the "Brown Berets". This name came from the color of the berets they wore. It helped them stand out. Their unofficial motto was "Belgians Can Do Too!". This showed their determination.
BUNC's Role in Battle
The BUNC fought alongside other UN forces. They were part of larger groups. These included the British 29th Brigade and US divisions. Their main job was to fight on the front lines. They faced many difficult battles.
Famous Battles
The BUNC took part in several important battles:
- Battle of the Imjin River: This was a very tough battle in April 1951. The BUNC fought bravely against a large enemy attack. They helped hold the line.
- Battle of Haktang-ni: In October 1951, the BUNC fought here. They helped secure important positions.
- Battle of Chatkol: This battle happened in April 1953. It was one of their last major fights. The BUNC showed great courage again.
Awards and Recognition
The BUNC soldiers were recognized for their bravery. They received several important awards:
- Two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations: These are high honors from South Korea. They recognize outstanding service by a military unit.
- US Presidential Unit Citation: This is a similar award from the United States. It shows their exceptional performance.
- Belgian Order of Leopold: This is a very prestigious award from Belgium. It honors their service to their home country.
After the War
The Korean War ended in 1953. However, the BUNC stayed in Korea for a bit longer. They helped with peacekeeping efforts. The unit was officially disbanded in 1955. The soldiers returned home as heroes. Their service helped protect freedom in South Korea.
