December 2025: Cold Winters, Warm Alliances – Unity Through Adversity
December 2025’s installment of the UNC 75th anniversary blog focuses on the themes of perseverance and multinational camaraderie during the harsh winters of the Korean War. December 1950 was one of the most challenging periods for UNC forces, yet it also showcased the incredible solidarity among UNC nations – enduring extreme cold and adversity together. This month, as winter descends on the Korean Peninsula, we recall how UNC troops from diverse nations stuck together through the war’s coldest months. We also highlight the contributions of countries like Greece and Canada, whose forces arrived in Korea in December 1950, reinforcing UNC at a critical time. In securing the future, we discuss how UNC’s alliances formed in those trying times have evolved into enduring partnerships that help maintain peace to this day.
December 1950 opened with UNC forces executing a fighting withdrawal in the face of massive Chinese offensives. The epic Evacuation of Hungnam in northeast Korea saw UNC troops and tens of thousands of civilian refugees evacuated by sea between December 10 and 24, 1950. In the southwest, UNC forces regrouped to form new defensive lines. Amid these events, fresh UNC units were still arriving. On December 9, 1950, the Greek Expeditionary Force landed in Korea. Greece sent a reinforced battalion dubbed Sparta Battalion, as well as a Royal Hellenic Air Force C-47 transport squadron (which had been ferrying wounded and supplies since November). Soon after, on December 12, 1950, the first Canadian troops arrived – the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). These forces joined just as the UNC was recoiling from the Chinese onslaught. They were immediately thrown into preparation for the defense of the new 38th Parallel line. Imagine the scene: Greek soldiers from a Mediterranean climate and Canadian soldiers from the North American winter, both stepping off ships into bitter Korean cold – and yet ready to fight. Such was the urgency of the moment.
In late December 1950, General Matthew Ridgway took command of UNC ground forces (replacing General Walker who was tragically killed in an accident on December 23). Ridgway rallied UNC for a new year counteroffensive. Through that desperate winter, UNC forces held Seoul until early January and then made a strategic withdrawal south of the Han River. Throughout, multinational cooperation never wavered. Commonwealth forces spent Christmas 1950 holding the Imjin River line; Americans and South Koreans likewise stood guard; Turks and others regrouped and re-equipped for the next round of fighting. Christmas carols and holiday meals were shared in frontline camps by soldiers of different nations – a moment of warmth and fellowship amid the freezing battlefields. Holiday cards and gifts from home reached many UNC servicemembers, often shared with their comrades in allied units. This sense of brotherhood across nations was a hallmark of the UNC experience.
The Greek Battalion, soon after arriving, was attached to the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division and immediately engaged in combat in January at the Battle of Hill 381, suffering casualties but earning respect for its determination. Greek troops would later play a crucial role in battles like Hill 355 in 1951, gaining a reputation as fierce and reliable fighters. We honor their contributions and note that Greece’s involvement, though from a small nation far away, made a real and tangible impact for collective security. We also honor the Canadians, whose PPCLI famously fought in the Battle of Kapyong (April 1951) just a few months after arriving, helping blunt a major Chinese offensive – but that story is for April. In the cold winter of 1950-51, Canadian troops patrolled and prepared alongside their allies, showing professionalism and camaraderie. Their arrival strengthened UNC’s resolve at a low point in the war.
Likewise, we pay tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of the Netherlands and Belgium/Luxembourg, whose troops had arrived earlier (Netherlands in October, Belgium/Luxembourg in January 1951) and were now integrated into the UNC lines. In December 1950, a Dutch infantry company was attached to the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, adding their firepower to the defensive actions near Wonju. And though the Belgian Battalion arrived just after December (in Jan 1951), Belgian volunteers were already serving with British units by late 1950, a testament to their eagerness. These stories remind us that virtually every UNC nation faced the hardships of the Korean winter together. Even nations that did not send combat troops helped: for instance, Denmark’s hospital ship Jutlandia arrived in theater in early 1951 to treat the sick and wounded, many of whom had suffered frostbite or illnesses during that winter. We honor those medical staff as well – Danish doctors, Swedish nurses (from a Swedish Red Cross hospital in Busan), and others who provided care in such tough conditions.
December is also a time many cultures celebrate holidays of light and hope. During the war, UNC chaplains of various faiths held joint Christmas services, and Hanukkah observances were noted among UNC troops in 1951. This coming together in faith and hope amidst war is something we honor and remember as part of UNC’s rich heritage.
The alliances forged in those winter days have blossomed into enduring friendships. Today, many of those same nations contribute to UNC not with combat troops in war, but with liaison officers, advisors, and exercise participants in peace. Canada and Greece, whose troops arrived in Korea 75 years ago this month, are both active members of UNC today. Canada has servicemembers serving in UNC’s headquarters and provides the Deputy Commander of UNC, a role held in alternance by Canadian and Australian generals, reflecting UNC’s multinational leadership. Greece continues to honor its veterans and has a defense attaché engaging with UNC on historical and armistice affairs. The solidarity shown in 1950 – Canadians and Greeks reinforcing a beleaguered UNC – is mirrored in how UNC member states stand ready to support each other in current security challenges.
The winter of 1950 also taught UNC the value of logistics and support. Modern day UNC ensures that should any crisis arise, a system is in place for member nations to send support swiftly – be it forces or humanitarian aid – and to sustain them in the field. The hardships of supplying troops in sub-zero weather, which UNC overcame by grit and ingenuity, inform our current logistical readiness plans.
As we think of “warm alliances,” we also consider how UNC contributes beyond deterrence. The partnerships extend to humanitarian cooperation. For instance, UNC member militaries have shared disaster relief expertise, a peacetime benefit of those war-forged ties. The trust built in battle has translated into trust in peacetime operations.
Finally, December is a time for gratitude. We in UNC are grateful for the continued support of our Member States, and of the Republic of Korea, which 75 years ago was the land we all fought to save, and today is a prosperous nation that contributes to global peace. The success of UNC’s mission – preserving the ROK – is evident in the vibrant cities and freedoms enjoyed here. As we secure the future, we do so knowing those successes were born from the icy battlefields of long ago, where brave souls from many lands stood together.
This holiday season, take a moment to remember the unity in adversity that UNC forces demonstrated. Perhaps light a candle or display a flag in honor of those who spent Christmas 1950 on the front lines in Korea. Share these stories to spread awareness. If you’re in Korea, you might visit the War Memorial or the memorials of various UNC nations in Seoul (like the British Commonwealth monument or the Turkish memorial) – many have plaques commemorating battles of November-December 1950. Reflect on the fact that out of that cold hardship grew the warm alliance that protects us now. By honoring how our predecessors kept faith with each other through the darkest of winters, we too keep faith with them – recommitting ourselves to the cause of peace and unity that is at the heart of UNC’s mission.
