On the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the Korean War today, former President Fidel Ramos recalled the bravery and heroism of the Filipino soldiers who fought against combined Chinese and North Korean forces.
The Philippines was the first Asian country that responded to the urgent call by the United Nations Security Council then headed by Gen. Carlos P. Romulo to send combat troops to help the beleaguered South Korean nation stave off a communist invasion.
The Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950, five years after World War II ended.
Ramos was then a second lieutenant and a fresh graduate of the United States West Point in 1950 when he volunteered for combat duty under the 20th Battalion Combat Team.
The 20th BCT was one of the five combat battalions of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea sent by then President Elpidio Quirino.
In his diary, Ramos recalled his exploits of the war, particularly the fierce Battle of Eerie Hill where he led a 44-man team that made the assault in the strategic plateau occupied by Chinese troops.
The assault lasted for two hours, with only one wounded BCT member.