Colombia during World War II

Colombia during World War II
A Colombian AT-6 Texan in 1940
Location	Republic of Colombia
Date	1939–1945
Casualties	~23 killed
Events	Severing of relations – December 1941 The Roamar Incident – July 21, 1942 Declaration of war – November 26, 1943 The U-154 Incident – March 29, 1944 The Pasto Coup – July 1944

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The history of Colombia during World War II began in 1939. Although geographically distant from the main theaters of war, Colombia played an important role in World War II because of its strategic location near the Panama Canal, and its access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Colombia also experienced major changes to its military and society, due to increased influence from the United States, but it was also able to maintain its sovereignty throughout the war, as well as avoid sending troops into battle.^[1][2]

Colombia ceased diplomatic relations with the Axis powers in December 1941, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; it allowed the U.S. to station troops in the country and finally entered the war on the Allies' side on November 26, 1943, after a series of German U-boat attacks on Colombian ships. Despite the declaration, Colombia did not send an army overseas, but its navy was active in countering U-boat operations in the Caribbean.^[1][2]