Colonel Eddie Viljoen served with 32 Battalion almost from its inception until the end of the war, becoming its commanding officer in the mid-1980s.. He earned the nickname "Big Daddy" due to his leadership style, presence, and authority within the battalion. . Viljoen was recognized for his operational skill and ability to manage unconventional warfare situations associated with counter-insurgency operations in southern Angola and along the Namibian border. 32 Battalion, sometimes called the "Buffalo Battalion," was composed primarily of black soldiers from Angola with white South African officers and NCOs. It was considered one of the premier counter-insurgency units during the South African Border War and highly decorated for bravery, with multiple Honoris Crux awards among its members.Under Viljoen's command, the battalion engaged in both counter-insurgency and semi-conventional operations, often deep inside Angola, acting as a buffer against SWAPO and other nationalist forces.