Belgian–Luxembourg B.U.N.C. “Brown Beret” Korea War Beret – Dated 1952
Original Belgian Army brown beret associated with the famous Belgian United Nations Command (B.U.N.C.), the volunteer contingent that served under United Nations command during the Korean War (1950–1953). The Belgian battalion included a Luxembourg volunteer detachment, represented here by the distinctive Luxembourg badge mounted alongside the Belgian royal cypher.
This example retains its period brown wool construction, original leather sweatband, and a clearly visible interior ABL 1952 depot stamp, placing it firmly within the Korean War era. The beret is fitted with the Belgian royal cypher and Luxembourg insignia, making it an attractive display piece connected to the Belgian-Luxembourg volunteers known as the legendary “Brown Berets.”
The Belgian-Luxembourg Battalion fought with distinction in Korea and earned multiple international decorations for its service. Original Korean War-period items related to this unit are increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples incorporating Luxembourg insignia.
Condition:
Good historical condition with age-related wear consistent with service and storage. Interior stamp remains visible. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
A desirable Korean War-era Belgian-Luxembourg military collectible connected to one of the most respected volunteer units of the Cold War period.
€250,00
In stock
In stock
Details
| Conflict | Korean War |
|---|---|
| Country | Belgium |
Statement
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Historical Description
This brown beret is associated with the legendary Belgian United Nations Command (B.U.N.C.), the volunteer force raised by Belgium for service under United Nations command during the Korean War (1950–1953). The contingent included a platoon of volunteers from Luxembourg, making it one of the few truly multinational European units to serve in Korea.
The Belgian-Luxembourg Battalion arrived in Korea in January 1951 and fought with distinction in some of the war’s most famous battles, including the Imjin River, Haktang-ni and Chatkol. During its service, the unit earned the United States Presidential Unit Citation and multiple Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations for gallantry in action.
The brown beret became the symbol of the Belgian and Luxembourg volunteers and was worn exclusively by members of the contingent. Even after the war, the beret remained an important symbol within the Belgian Army due to the reputation earned by the “Brown Berets” in Korea.
The Luxembourg badge displayed on this example represents the Luxembourg volunteer detachment that served alongside Belgian forces in Korea. Only around 78–110 Luxembourgers served in the conflict, making surviving Luxembourg-related Korean War items particularly desirable.
