From service to legacy

Martín Elías Pérez Garcés, known as “Pepo”, was one of Colombia's most emblematic military figures. A veteran of the Korean War.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and founder of the International Corporation Community Heroes of Korea, he dedicated more than six decades of his life to the service of the homeland, leaving an indelible mark on the country's military history.

Born on November 21th 1926 In Fredonia, Antioquia, Martín Elías Pérez Garcés began his military career at the age of 17, when he joined the National Army in 1945. His vocation and discipline led him to participate in one of the most significant chapters in Colombian military history: the Korean warThere he was part of the Colombia Battalion, where he commanded a machine gun platoon for 11 months of intense fighting, raising the country's name high in Asian territory.

His experience in Korea not only marked his life, but also inspired him to preserve the memory of those who served alongside him. For this reason, years later he founded the International Corporation Community Heroes of KoreaAn organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of the veterans who participated in that war. Under his leadership, the corporation became a space for gathering, recognition, and support for the heroes who defended freedom in distant lands.

In 1958, Pérez Garcés joined the Marine Corps of the National Navywhere he consolidated his career and achieved the degree of Sergeant major, the highest rank among the non-commissioned officers. From there he continued to serve with loyalty and commitment, eventually commanding the Security Company of the ARC Bolívar Naval Base in Cartagena.

His active service extended through more than 60 yearstotaling 13 in the Army and 47 in the National Navy, a record within the Colombian Armed Forces. He was decorated on numerous occasions with medals for 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 years of service, in addition to receiving distinctions such as the Order of Boyacá and the medal “Admiral Padilla” in the rank of Knight.

Passionate about history and military honor, he created in his home the Pepo Historical Museum, a small shrine where he preserved uniforms, photographs and mementos from his entire military life, with the purpose of inspiring new generations.

Martín Elías Pérez Garcés died on 23th September 2017 in Cartagena, at the age of 90. His legacy lives on in every soldier who swears to serve with courage and in every veteran who remembers the brotherhood forged.

Caracol Radio, Noticias RCN, El Tiempo, Colombian National Navy.

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