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Encyclopedia > Battle of Chosin Reservoir
Battle of Chosin Reservoir
Part of Korean War

A column of the U.S. 1st Marine Division move through Chinese lines during their breakout from the Chosin reservoir
Date November 26December 13, 1950
Location 40°29′N, 127°12′E Chosin reservoir, in modern-day Changjin County, South Hamgyong Province, Korea
Result Chinese Pyrrhic victory; successful Allied withdrawal
Combatants
Flag of the United Nations United Nations
Flag of the United Kingdom Great Britain
Flag of the United States United States
Flag of the People's Republic of China People's Republic of China
Commanders
Oliver Smith Song Shi-Lun
Strength
30,000[citation needed] 60,000[citation needed]
Casualties
2,500 dead,
192 missing,
5,000 wounded,
7,500 frostbite casualties [citation needed]
25,000 killed,
12,500 wounded,
30,000 frostbite casualties [citation needed]

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was a battle in the Korean War, in which 30,000 United Nations troops (nicknamed the "Frozen Chosen" or "The Chosin Few") under the command of American General Douglas MacArthur faced approximately 60,000 Chinese volunteers. Combatants United Nations:  Republic of Korea,  Australia,  Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Canada,  Colombia,  Ethiopia,  France,  Greece,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands,  New Zealand,  Philippines,  South Africa,  Thailand,  Turkey,  United Kingdom,  United States Medical staff:  Denmark,  Australia,  Italy,  Norway,  Sweden Communist states:  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,  Peoples Republic of China,  Soviet Union Commanders... Download high resolution version (2858x2294, 1047 KB)A column of troops and armor of the 1st Marine Division move through communist Chinese lines during their successful breakout from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. ... The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... December 13 is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Changjin is a mountainous county in South Hamgyong province, North Korea. ... South Hamgyŏng (Hamgyŏng-namdo) is a province of North Korea. ... Korea (Korean: 한국 in South Korea or ì¡°ì„  in North Korea, see below) is a geographic area, civilization, and former state situated on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. ... A Pyrrhic victory is a victory with devastating cost to the victor. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Nations. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Peoples_Republic_of_China. ... Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893- December 25, 1977) was a General in the United States Marine Corps and a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. ... Frostbite (congelatio in medical terminology) is the medical condition whereby damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. ... Frostbite (congelatio in medical terminology) is the medical condition whereby damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. ... Combatants United Nations:  Republic of Korea,  Australia,  Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Canada,  Colombia,  Ethiopia,  France,  Greece,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands,  New Zealand,  Philippines,  South Africa,  Thailand,  Turkey,  United Kingdom,  United States Medical staff:  Denmark,  Australia,  Italy,  Norway,  Sweden Communist states:  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,  Peoples Republic of China,  Soviet Union Commanders... Combatants Task Force Smith(US) Korean Peoples Army 4th Division and 107th Tank Regiment Commanders LTC. Charles B. Smith Strength 406 1,100 Casualties 120 killed, 36 captured 42 killed, 85 wounded This battle was the first engagement between US and North Korean forces during the Korean War. ... The Battle of Pusan Perimeter was fought in August and September of 1950 between United Nations forces combined with South Korean forces and the forces of North Korea. ... // Combatants United Nations: United States  United Kingdom  Republic of Korea Canada  Australia  Netherlands  France Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Commanders Douglas MacArthur Arthur Dewey Struble Syngman Rhee Jeong Il-Gwon Kim Il-sung Choi Yong-Kun Strength 40,000[1]  ? Casualties 566 killed 2,713 wounded 14,000 casualties... Combatants United Nations * Australia * United Kingdom * United States * Democratic People’s Republic of Korea * People’s Republic of China Strength 27th Commonwealth Brigade *1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders *3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment *Middlesex Regiment Casualties Australia KIA: 14 WIA: 32 The Battle of Pakchon was a battle in... Task Force Faith, also sometimes referred to as Task Force Maclean (and by its official designation, RCT 31) was a U.S. Army unit destroyed in fighting at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War between November 27 and December 2, 1950. ... The Battle of the Twin Tunnels took place during the Korean War. ... Operation Ripper was a military operation which was planned to repel the Chinese and North Korean troops from Seoul and to bring UN troops to the 38th Parallel. ... Combatants US Democratic Peoples Republic of North Korea Operation Courageous was designed to trap large numbers of Chinese and North Korean troops between the Han River (Korea) and Imjin Rivers north of Seoul, opposite the South Korean I Corps. ... Operation Tomahawk was an airborne military operation by the 187th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) in March 1951 at Munsan-ni as part of Operation Courageous in the Korean War. ... The Battle of Yultong Bridge was a minor battle against the Great Spring Offensive fought in the Korean War, against the United Nations Command. ... Combatants Peoples Volunteer Army United Nations forces: - United States, - United Kingdom Commanders General Peng Dehuai General Matthew Ridgway [1] Strength 10,000 (+ Divisions in waiting) 700 of the British 29th Infantry Brigade Casualties ~20,00 Chinese; 63rd Army pulled out of action. ... Combatants United Nations Australia Canada China Casualties 43 killed 87 Wounded 3 Captured 1,000+ Killed The Battle of Kapyong was waged during the Korean War. ... The Battle of Bloody Ridge took place during the Korean War from August 18th to September 5th, 1951. ... The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge was a month long battle in the Korean War. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... The Battle of Hill Eerie refers to several Korean War engagements between the United Nations forces and the Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) in 1952 at the infamous of Hill Eerie. ... Combatants Korean Peoples Army Soviet Air Force United Nations Command Far East Air Forces Task Force 77 Commanders unknown Lt. ... Combatants  United Nations United Nations:  South Korea [{South Korea]]  United States United States  Peoples Republic of China Peoples Republic of China Commanders Major General Kim Jong Oh General Gang Ong-hwi Strength 9th Infantry Division (South Korea) Tanks, Artillery and aircraft of the Fifth Air Force 38th Army... Combatants U.S. 45th Infantry Division U.S. 2nd Infantry Division Chinese Peoples Volunteers The Battle of Old Baldy usually refers to a series of five engagements over a period of 10 months for Hill 266 in west-central Korea, though there was also vicous fighting both before and... The Hook During the 1951-1953 Korean War, elements of the United Nations Forces were engaged in fierce fighting to prevent Chinese forces from gaining ground, prior to a possible cease fire. ... The Battle of Pork Chop Hill refers to a pair of related Korean War engagements during the spring and summer of 1953. ... Combatants 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division Regimental Combat Team 5 Company P, Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion Chinese Peoples Volunteers Outpost Harry was located in what was commonly referred to as the Iron Triangle in Korea. ... Combatants United Nations:  Republic of Korea,  Australia,  Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Canada,  Colombia,  Ethiopia,  France,  Greece,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands,  New Zealand,  Philippines,  South Africa,  Thailand,  Turkey,  United Kingdom,  United States Medical staff:  Denmark,  Australia,  Italy,  Norway,  Sweden Communist states:  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,  Peoples Republic of China,  Soviet Union Commanders... The United Nations Command (Korea) is the unified command structure for the multinational military forces supporting the Republic of Korea (South Korea or ROK) during and after the Korean War. ... General of the Army Douglas MacArthur KCB (January 26, 1880 – April 5, 1964), was an American general and Field Marshal of the Philippines Army. ... The Chinese Peoples Volunteer Army (PVA) (Simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ) was a volunteer army deployed by the Chinese government during the Korean War. ...


Shortly after the People's Republic of China entered the conflict, large numbers of Chinese soldiers swept across the Yalu River, encircling the United Nations (UN) troops in the northeastern part of North Korea at the Chosin Reservoir. A brutal battle in freezing weather followed. Although they inflicted enormous casualties on the Chinese forces, the UN troops were forced to evacuate North Korea after they withdrew from the reservoir to the port of Hungnam. The Amnok River, or the Yalu River, is a river on the border between China and North Korea. ... Hungnam is a port city on the Eastern coast of North Korea on the Sea of Japan. ...


The battles of the Chosin Campaign, which had a decisive impact on the future course of the war, were fought in the ten day period between November 27 and December 6, 1950. Four different actions were fought; the successful defense of Hagaru, the successful defense of Yudam-ni, the successful effort of the 5th and 7th Marines to break through from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, and the fight of RCT 31, East of Chosin. is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Contents

Background

By mid-October 1950, the Korean War looked nearly over to many UN leaders. Most of North Korea had been captured by the American-led UN forces. However, on October 25, 1950, communist China entered the war and huge numbers of Chinese soldiers poured across the border into Korea. The UN command, under General Douglas MacArthur, was slow to appreciate the implications of this new reality. MacArthur ordered his ground units, the Eighth United States Army in the west and the X Corps in the east, to continue their offensive to the Yalu River (the border with China) and to cut the Chinese supply route extending into the neighboring U.S. 8th Army sector. October 25 is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... General of the Army Douglas MacArthur KCB (January 26, 1880 – April 5, 1964), was an American general and Field Marshal of the Philippines Army. ... The Eighth United States Army—often abbreviated EUSA—(the acronym EUSA was deemed unauthorized by LTG Charles Campbell in 2002) is the commanding formation of all US Army troops in South Korea. ... X Corps was a unit of the United States Army that took part in the invasion of Leyte under Sixth Army during 1944. ... The Amnok River, or the Yalu River, is a river on the border between China and North Korea. ...


Battle

The X Corps — commanded by controversial Major General Ned Almond, U.S. Army — was widely spread out over northeastern Korea, its units far apart and out of supporting distance from each other. The X Corps troops at Chosin, mainly the U.S. 1st Marine Division, elements of the U.S. 7th Infantry Division, and 41 Independent Commando Royal Marines were, by late November, surrounded by units of the Ninth Army Group of the People's Liberation Army (referred hereafter as Chinese Communist Forces, or CCF). The Chinese launched heavy attacks that halted the UN offensive. MacArthur and Almond ordered Major General O.P. Smith, commander of the 1st Marine Division and associated forces in the Chosin area to fight his way out of the trap. Starting on November 26, 1950, the UN troops began a fighting withdrawal to the south, towards Hungnam. Lieutenant General Edward Almond Edward Mallory Almond (December 12, 1892 - June 11, 1979) was an American military officer best known as the commander of the United States Army X Corps during the Korean War. ... The United States Army is the largest branch of the armed forces of the United States. ... The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... The 7th Infantry Division (Light), nicknamed Lightfighters and sometimes referred to as the The Bayonet Division is a reserve combat division of the United States Army currently made up of National Guard units. ... The Royal Marines (RM), are the Royal Navys elite fighting forces. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893- December 25, 1977) was a General in the United States Marine Corps and a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. ... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...


Keeping his units concentrated and moving deliberately, Smith made an aggressive assault to break out of the reservoir. When asked if the Marines were retreating, Smith explained that their fighting withdrawal through Chinese lines did not constitute a retreat. His explanation was abbreviated into the famous misquote, "Retreat? Hell, we're attacking in a different direction!" (recalling the famous quote from Captain Lloyd Williams at Belleau Wood during the First World War, "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!"). Captain is a rank or title with various meanings. ... 1 June 1918 2nd Division troops dig in along a defensive line just north of the village of Lucy-le-Bocage. ... The Battle of Belleau Wood was a battle of the first World War. ... Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele. ...

Map of the Battle of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir.
Map of the Battle of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir.

Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

East of the Chosin Reservoir

On the eastern side of the Chosin Reservoir, a 3,000-man composite U.S. Army task force from the 7th Infantry Division, RCT 31, was isolated by the 80th CCF Division reinforced by a regiment of the 81st CCF Division. On the second day the CCF commander committed the remainder of 81st and held the 94th Division in reserve for his main effort down the east side of the reservoir (these units originally were en route to finish off the garrison at Hagaru-ri). Greatly outnumbered and worn down by incessant attacks, RCT 31 was virtually destroyed. Survivors from this unit reached Marine lines at Hagaru-ri on December 2, 1950. Some survivors of RCT 31 and other army units including an army tank company and combat engineers, joined Smith's forces and participated in the breakout. A task force (TF) is a temporary unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. ... The 7th Infantry Division (Light), nicknamed Lightfighters and sometimes referred to as the The Bayonet Division is a reserve combat division of the United States Army currently made up of National Guard units. ... Task Force Faith, also sometimes referred to as Task Force Maclean (and by its official designation, RCT 31) was a U.S. Army unit destroyed in fighting at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War between November 27 and December 2, 1950. ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A US army combat engineer setting up a communications cable. ...


Nine members of RCT 31 were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second highest award for valor. The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration of the United States Army, awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. ...


Task Force Drysdale

In mid-November 1950, the roughly 300 men of 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale, were attached to the U.S. 1st Marine Division. This marked the second time that U.S. Marines and Royal Marines had served together.[1] (The first time was during the Boxer Rebellion.) The Royal Marines (RM), are the Royal Navys elite fighting forces. ... Combatants Eight-Nation Alliance (ordered by contribution): Empire of Japan Russian Empire British Empire France United States German Empire Kingdom of Italy Austro-Hungarian Empire Righteous Harmony Society Qing Dynasty Commanders Edward Seymour Alfred Graf von Waldersee Ci Xi Strength 20,000 initially 49,000 total 50,000-100,000...


41 Commando had been at Koto-ri with Colonel Chesty Puller’s 1st Marine Regiment when the Chinese attacked. On the morning of November 29, Major General O.P. Smith, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, ordered Puller to send a task force to open up the road between Koto-ri and Hagaru-ri, where the majority of the division was. The breakthrough force was composed of Drysdale’s 41 Royal Commando, Captain Carl Sitter's G Company, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines (G/3/1), B Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, and various Headquarters and Services Marines. All totaled, the task force was around 900 men and 140 vehicles.[2] Lieutenant General Lewis Chesty Burwell Puller (June 26, 1898 – October 11, 1971) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was the most decorated Marine in history. ... Official force name 1st Marine Regiment Other names 1st Marines Motto No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy Branch United States Marine Corps Chain of Command 1st Marine Division Description Marine infantry regiment Readiness Capable of short notice world wide deployment. ... is the 333rd day of the year (334th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Captain is a rank or title with various meanings. ... Carl Leonard Sitter (December 2, 1922 -- April 4, 2000) was one of the most decorated US soldiers. ... 3rd Battalion 1st Marines (3/1) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Horno, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. ... The 31st Infantry Regiment (31st INF) of the United States Army was formed on August 13, 1916, and was part of USAFFEs Philippine Division during World War II. The unit is rare in that it was formed, and spent most of its life, on non-American soil. ...


The task force struck out of Koto-ri at 09:30 on November 29, and by 16:30 they had advanced only halfway to the objective, because of stiff enemy resistance—halfway to Hagaru-ri the Chinese ambushed the task force and cut it to pieces. The units of the Task Force had become bogged down, separated and were not in radio contact in an area later named "Hell Fire Valley" by Lieutenant Colonel Drysdale. After being reinforced by tanks from D Company, 1st Tank Battalion, Drysdale contacted Smith at Hagaru-ri and was told to “Press on at all costs.” Drysdale responded by stating, “Very well, then: we’ll give them a show.”[3] He passed word that they were going to run the gauntlet to Hagaru-ri. is the 333rd day of the year (334th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The 1st Tank Battalion is an armored battalion of the United States Marine Corps which is based out of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. ... The FUSTUARIUM (an abstraction from the Latin fustis, a branch or rod) was a Roman military form of execution by cludgeling, which was copied by later armies. ...

Map of the Retreat from the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir.
Map of the Retreat from the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir.

Later that evening, most of the men from 41 Commando, Sitter's Marines, and the tanks from D Company arrived at Hagaru-ri, with a wounded Drysdale entering the division command post to announce “41 Commando present for duty.” In the confusion along the road, roughly 400 members of Task Force Drysdale were still left stranded and out of radio contact in Hell Fire Valley and completely surrounded by Chinese forces. For his leadership and valor, Captain Sitter was awarded the Medal of Honor, one of eleven Chosin Marines so honored.[4] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. ...


The stranded forces were composed of about 60 Royal Marines, most of B Company 31st Infantry Regiment, and the assorted Headquarters and Services Marines, strung out in four pockets along roughly two-thirds of a mile. Most of these men were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. A few were able to pass through Chinese lines and make it back to Koto-ri. During the night, army Lieutenant Alfred J. Anderson of B Company, 1/31 Infantry, regrouped those of his company that he could find into a defensive perimeter. Twice, he closed with enemy soldiers and killed them at arm's length, deflecting their weapons with one arm as he used his pistol. Early on the morning of November 30, Anderson received orders to withdraw those troops under his control. He led them back safely to Koto-ri.[5] is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...


Of the 900 men of Task Force Drysdale, approximately 300 arrived at Hagaru-ri, 300 were killed or wounded and about 135 were taken prisoner, with the rest making it back to Koto-ri. Seventy-five of the 141 vehicles were also destroyed. Some considered the mission poorly conceived and doomed from the start. Major General Smith was not so quick to write it off however, saying that it was at least a partial success because it delivered over 300 seasoned infantrymen and a tank company to the beleaguered defenses at Hagaru-ri.[6]


Final phases of the battle

USS Begor observes the destruction of Hungnam's port facilities.
USS Begor observes the destruction of Hungnam's port facilities.

In their withdrawal, U.S. troops were either attacking—conducting numerous assaults to clear Chinese roadblocks and overlooking hill positions — or under furious Chinese attack. The sub-zero temperatures inflicted even more casualties than the Chinese (who also suffered greatly from the extreme cold). U.S. forces enjoyed total air supremacy, with Navy, Marine, and Air Force fighter-bombers flying hundreds of sorties a day against the encircling Chinese. Over 4,000 wounded were flown out and 500 replacements flown in during the operation, contributing considerably to its success. The Marines and soldiers were able to destroy or effectively disable all seven Chinese divisions that tried to block their escape from the reservoir. Despite the effort of many Marines, whose plight attracted world-wide attention and was seized on by the western media as a "moral victory" in the midst of defeat, the strategic situation was highly unfavorable for UN forces, and it was decided to withdraw the entire X Corps from North Korea. The Marines, the rest of X Corps, and thousands of civilian refugees were evacuated by ship from the port of Hungnam, which was then destroyed to deny its use to the communists. Image File history File links USS_Begor;100412701. ... Image File history File links USS_Begor;100412701. ... Begor (DE-711), was named after Fay Broughton Begor, who was born in Moriah, New York, on 15 October 1916, and received his M.D. from McGill University. ... USN redirects here. ... The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven uniformed services. ...


Aftermath

The UN forces in northeast Korea quickly withdrew to form a defensive perimeter around the port city of Hungnam, where a major evacuation was carried out in late December 1950. All together, 193 shiploads of men and material were evacuated from Hungnam Harbor, and about 105,000 soldiers, 98,000 civilians, 17,500 vehicles, and 350,000 tons of supplies were shipped to Pusan in orderly fashion. [7] Hungnam is a port city on the Eastern coast of North Korea on the Sea of Japan. ...


While the Chinese were able to expel the UN forces from the reservoir, U.S. forces inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese as they fought for their own survival. After their departure from North Korea, the Marines were returned to the South, where they continued to fight as part of UN forces until the armistice in July 1953.


To this day, the U.S. Marines consider the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir to be one of the proudest parts of their own history despite the heavy losses. The Marines mauled the Chinese divisions they faced so badly that they had to be withdrawn from the front, and marched out in an orderly fashion and intact. However, often overlooked is that the U.S. Army's RCT 31 accomplished at least part of its mission. It successfully guarded the right flank of the 1st Marine Division, protecting it from Chinese attack for four days. If not for the presence of the task force, the Chinese 80th and 81st Divisions might have captured the key Marine base and air-strip at Hagaru-ri before the Marines had concentrated sufficient units to defend it. This would have blocked the only escape route of the Marines and other army units, potentially leading to a significantly different outcome. Likewise, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army considered the battle an honor, although they were not prepared for the horrible casualties they incurred. This campaign, with the simultaneous victory against U.S. forces to the west, was the first time in a century a Chinese army was able to defeat a Western army in a major battle, despite the heavy losses. The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division-sized unit in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...


Notable U.S. participants and Battle Honors awarded

U.S. Marine Corps

Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893- December 25, 1977) was a General in the United States Marine Corps and a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. ... The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division-sized unit in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration of the United States Army, awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. ... Lieutenant General Lewis Chesty Burwell Puller (June 26, 1898 – October 11, 1971) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was the most decorated Marine in history. ... Official force name 1st Marine Regiment Other names 1st Marines Motto No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy Branch United States Marine Corps Chain of Command 1st Marine Division Description Marine infantry regiment Readiness Capable of short notice world wide deployment. ... The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy and the second highest award given for valor. ... Homer L. Litzenberg (January 8, 1903-June 27, 1963) was a decorated United States Marine Corps commissioned officer, serving in Haiti, World War II, and the Korean War. ... Official force name 7th Marine Regiment Other names 7th Marines Motto No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy. ... Retired general called one of the true heroes By: TIM MAYER - Staff Writer OCEANSIDE ---- More than 600 friends, family members, retired Marines of every rank, and Marines from Camp Pendleton gathered at Mission San Luis Rey on Wednesday to say farewell to retired Maj. ... Official force name 5th Marine Regiment Other names 5th Marines Motto No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy Branch United States Marine Corps Chain of Command 1st Marine Division I Marine Expeditionary Force Description Marine infantry regiment Readiness Capable of short notice world wide deployment. ... Robert Donald Taplett (1919 - December 17, 2004) was a highly decorated United States Marine who was most notable for commanding 3rd Battalion 5th Marines during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War for which he was awarded the Navy Cross — the second highest medal for valor in the... 3rd Battalion 5th Marines (3/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. ... Ray Davis in 1952, then a lieutenant colonel. ... The 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment (1/7) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. ... The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. ... US Marine Col. ... The 2nd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment (2/7) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. ... 2nd Battalion 5th Marines (2/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. ... The Silver Star is the fourth highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. ... Colonel, United States Marine Corps Welton Ralph Abell, a Korean War hero and a former advertising executive here and in California, died Sunday (April 26, 1998) of cancer at his home in San Clemente, California. ... Staff Sergeant Robert Sidney Kennemore, 32, of Greenville, South Carolina, earned the Medal of Honor during the bitter Chosin Reservoir campaign of November 1950, when he deliberately covered an enemy grenade with his foot to keep his men from being wounded or killed. ... Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. ... Staff Sergeant William Gordon Windrich (1921-1950) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for outstanding heroism as a platoon sergeant during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. ...

U.S. Army

  • George R. Cody Captain, US Army, HMC 31 Inf., posthumously awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of the Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • J.C. Barnes 2nd Lt., US Army, 48 FAB and FO to 1/32 Inf., awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions during breakout.
  • Lt Col. Don Faith, US Army, awarded the Medal of Honor for actions as a commander of RCT 31 (Task Force Faith).
  • James H. Godfrey Cpl., US Army, D/32 Inf., awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Harold B. Haugland Sgt., US Army, D/15 AAA Bn., awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Charles Garrigus Sgt., US Army, 1/32 Inf., posthumously awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Robert E. Jones (US Army) Maj., US Army, S-3 of 1/32 Inf., awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • John E. Gray Lt., US Army, M/31, awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Earle Jordan Capt., US Army, M/31, awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Lt Col. John Page, US Army, X Corps Artillery, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at Koto-ri and during the breakout.
  • Robert G. Schmitt Lt., US Army M/31, posthumously awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Stanford O. Corners Sgt., US Army Med/A/57 FAB, awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions east of Reservoir (RCT 31).
  • Alfred J. Anderson Lt., US Army, B/31, awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions at Hell's Fire Valley.
  • Cecil G. Smith Lt., US Army, A/32, awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions during breakout.
  • George H. Paine Sgt., US Army, H/31, awarded Distinguished Service Cross for actions at Koto-ri.

In addition to the above, many more Marines and soldiers were awarded the Silver Star or the Bronze Star with V for Valor for actions during the battle or the breakout. Don C. Faith, Jr. ... John Upshur Dennis Page (February 8, 1903– December 11, 1950) was an American soldier from Saint Paul, Minnesota. ... The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration and is the fourth highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. ...


Notes

  1. ^ Russ Breakout, p.231.
  2. ^ Russ Breakout, p.231-2.
  3. ^ Russ Breakout, p.234.
  4. ^ Russ Breakout, p.233-45.
  5. ^ Russ Breakout, p.233-45.
  6. ^ Russ Breakout, p.247.
  7. ^ Schnabel p. 304; Doyle James H., and Arthur J. Mayer. "December 1950 at Hungnam." Proceedings, U.S. Naval Institute 105 (April 1979): 44-65.

References

  • Appleman, Roy (1990). Escaping the Trap. ISBN 0-89096-395-9. 
  • Crocker, H.W. (2006). Don't Tread on me: A 400-year history of America at War, from Indian Fighting to Terrorist Hunting. Crown Forum. ISBN 1-40005-363-3. 
  • Fehrenbach, T.R. (1963). This Kind of War. Dulles, Virginia: Brassey's. ISBN 1-57488-259-7. 
  • Sheehan, Neil (1988). A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam. New York: Random House. ISBN 0-67972-414-1. 
  • Wayne E. Webb(1998). Cannon and Rifle: The Story of King Battery in Korea...1950

Further reading

February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

  • The Chosin Few. Retrieved on 2006-08-21.
  • Wild Bill Wilder. Chosin Reservoir ‘50. Armchair General Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
  • Center for Military History. The Korean War: The Chinese Intervention. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.

  Results from FactBites:
 
NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Battle of Chosin Reservoir (5874 words)
The battles of the Chosin Campaign, which had a decisive impact on the future course of the war, were fought in the ten day period between November 27 and December 6, 1950.
Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele.
On the eastern side of the Chosin Reservoir, a 3,000-man composite U.S. Army task force from the 7th Infantry Division, RCT 31, was isolated by the 80th CCF Division reinforced by a regiment of the 81st CCF Division.
Welcome to KoreanWar.com: Battle of Chosin Reservoir (992 words)
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir pitted 20,000 UN forces vs. 200,000 Chinese.
The feeling that the war was in its final stages was short-lived, however, as the battle of Chosin Reservoir loomed on the horizon.
When the seventeen day conflict was over, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir would be a defeat for the UN forces, but remembered as one of the United States Marines finest hours.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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