2nd BATTALION COMBAT TEAM

Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea
"Black Lion"

The 2nd BCT was activated in July 1946 making it one of the most combat experienced units in the anti-Huk campaign. It gained its vast tactical experience in years of combat against the communist Huks in Central and Southern Luzon.

Prior to its departure for Korea, the 2nd was trained intensively at Marikina, fondly known as "Marikorea" by the troops. As it was training, however, the Korean War was winding down.

Nevertheless, advanced elements of the 2nd were sent to Korea in December 1953. The rest of the battalion left for Korea in April 1954. Battalion commander was Col. Antonio de Veyra. He was succeeded by Col Reynaldo Mendoza.

Arriving at Pusan, the 2nd proceeded to Yanggu Valley, the former home of the 14th BCT. The 2nd was first attached to the US 24th Infantry Division. Although fighting in the Korean War officially ended with the signing of the Armistice on 27 July 1953, the resulting "peace" was occasionally shattered by armed incidents involving both sides.

The battalion trained on new weapons and received new equipment. In a new development, the 2nd was the first Filipino military unit trained in the new doctrine of helicopter assault or vertical envelopment. Elements of the battalion were designated as a "Heliborne Task Force." More ominously, the battalion also trained on how to fight in a war involving nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

2nd BCT patrol at the Korean Demilitarized Zone or DMZ

The battalion constantly sent patrols along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing North and South Korea to hunt down communist infiltrators and guerillas. Patrols into this dangerous territory packed with land mines and also patrolled by the communists inflicted casualties on the 2nd: one Filipino died after stepping on a land mine while six other soldiers were wounded in various incidents.

Commanding Officer Col Reynaldo Mendoza

There are also unconfirmed reports the battalion undertook clandestine and covert operations against the communists that involved infiltrations and raids into communist-controlled territory.

 Recoiless rifle crew

In 13 months, the battalion successfully defended its stretch of the front. Its Peacekeeping duties also saw the battalion undertake widespread reconstruction work in which it rebuilt homes, repaired roads and provided medical assistance to South Korean civilians.

On 13 May 1955, the bulk of the 2nd returned home with the last contingent arriving on 6 June 1955.

2nd BCT training with US tanks in a simulated nuclear battlefield environment.