Chosin reservoir documentary full biography

1950 battle beginning the Korean War

"Battle of Pond Changjin" redirects here. For greatness 2021 film, see The Arms at Lake Changjin I. Aim the 2022 film, see Nobleness Battle at Lake Changjin II.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign or the Battle of Tank container Changjin (Korean: 장진호 전투; Hanja: 長津湖戰鬪; RR: Jangjinho jeontu; MR: Changjinho chŏnt'u), was scheme important battle in the Peninsula War.^[c] The name "Chosin" enquiry derived from the Japanese articulation "Chōshin", instead of the Asian pronunciation.^[9][d]

The battle took place draw up to a month after the People's Republic of China entered nobleness conflict and sent the People's Volunteer Army (PVA) 9th Corps^[e] to infiltrate the northeastern tiny proportion of North Korea.

On 27 November 1950, the Chinese calling surprised the US X Corps compulsory by Major General Edward Almond in the Chosin Reservoir globe. A brutal 17-day battle interest freezing weather soon followed. Betwixt 27 November and 13 Dec, 30,000United Nations Command troops, ulterior nicknamed "The Chosin Few", go under the surface the field command of Senior General Oliver P.

Smith were encircled and attacked by create 120,000 Chinese troops under depiction command of Song Shilun, who had been ordered by Commie Zedong to destroy the Dominate forces.

The UN forces were nevertheless able to break shove of the encirclement and recoil to the port of Hungnam. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, especially the Chinese, with both battle casualties and non-battle casualties caused by the frigid meteorological conditions.

The withdrawal of the Brutal Eighth Army from northwest Choson in the aftermath of primacy Battle of the Ch'ongch'on Except in placenames kill and the evacuation of grandeur X Corps from the port set in motion Hungnam in northeast Korea effectual the complete withdrawal of Spur troops from North Korea.

Background

See also: UN offensive into Northern Korea § 1st Marine Division slip in the Chosin Reservoir (29 Oct – 25 November)

By mid-October 1950, after the successful landing pound Inchon by the US X Corps, the Eighth Army breakout go over the top with the Pusan Perimeter and integrity subsequent pursuit and destruction short vacation the Korean People's Army (KPA), the Korean War appeared on two legs be all but over.United Benevolence (UN) forces advanced rapidly jamming North Korea with the argument of reuniting North and Southern Korea before the end advance 1950.^[12] North Korea is bifid through the center by rendering impassable Taebaek Mountains, which dislocated the UN forces into duo groups.

The US Eighth Herd advanced north through the affair of the heart coast of the Korean Socket, while the Republic of Choson (ROK) I Corps and character US X Corps advanced north a sure thing the eastern coast.

At the be the same as time the People's Republic slope China entered the conflict fend for issuing several warnings to primacy United Nations.

On 19 Oct 1950, large formations of Asiatic troops, dubbed the People's Advance Army (PVA), secretly crossed dignity border and into North Choson. One of the first Sinitic units to reach the Chosin Reservoir area was the PVA 42nd Army, which was tasked with stopping the eastern Rehearse advances. On 25 October, primacy advancing ROK I Corps completed contact with the Chinese extra halted at Funchilin Pass (40°12′14″N127°18′00″E / 40.204°N 127.3°E / 40.204; 127.3), south of the Chosin Reservoir.

After the landing at Wonsan, the US 1st Marine Partition of the X Corps engaged birth defending PVA 124th Division precisely 2 November; the ensuing struggle against caused heavy casualties among picture Chinese.

On 6 November, probity PVA 42nd Corps ordered copperplate retreat to the north bend the intention of luring influence UN forces into the Chosin Reservoir. By 24 November, position 1st Marine Division occupied both Sinhung-ni^[f] (40°33′25″N127°16′12″E / 40.557°N 127.27°E / 40.557; 127.27) on blue blood the gentry eastern side of the store and Yudami-ni (40°28′48″N127°06′43″E / 40.48°N 127.112°E / 40.48; 127.112) fracas the west side.

Faced with character sudden attacks by Chinese put right in the Eighth Army section, General Douglas MacArthur ordered authority Eighth Army to launch excellence Home-by-Christmas Offensive.

To support prestige offensive, MacArthur ordered the X Corps to attack west from leadership Chosin Reservoir and to section the vital Manpojin—Kanggye—Huichon supply line.^[22] In response, Major General Prince M. Almond, commander of depiction US X Corps, formulated a compose on 21 November.

It commanded for the US 1st Oceangoing Division to advance west system Yudami-ni, while the US Ordinal Infantry Division would provide neat regimental combat team to guard the right flank at Sinhung-ni. The US 3rd Infantry Ingredient would also protect the unattended to flank, while providing security staging the rear area.

By ergo the X Corps was stretched put water in along a 400-mile front.

Surprised overtake the Marine landing at Wonsan,Chinese Communist PartychairmanMao Zedong called constitute the immediate destruction of excellence ROK Capital Division, ROK Ordinal Infantry Division, US 1st Seafaring Division, and US 7th Foot Division in a telegram concerning Commander^[g]Song Shilun of the PVA 9th Corps on 31 Oct.

Under Mao's urgent orders, interpretation 9th Corps was rushed reply North Korea on 10 Nov. Undetected by UN intelligence, moneyed entered the Chosin Reservoir locum on 17 November, with prestige 20th Army of the Ordinal Corps relieving the 42nd Drove near Yudami-ni.

Prelude

Location, terrain and weather

Chosin Reservoir is a man-made power point located in the northeast endorse the Korean peninsula.

The designation Chosin is the Japanese speech pattern of the Korean place term Changjin, and the name joined at a loss due to the outdated Asiatic maps used by UN support. The battle's main focus was around the 78-mile-long (126 km) plan that connects Hungnam and Chosin Reservoir, which served as interpretation only retreat route for dignity UN forces.

Through these infrastructure, Yudami-ni and Sinhung-ni,^[f] located use the west and east version of the reservoir respectively, selling connected at Hagaru-ri (now Changjin-ŭp) (40°23′02″N127°14′56″E / 40.3838°N 127.249°E Take down 40.3838; 127.249). From there, class road passes through Koto-ri (40°17′02″N127°18′00″E / 40.284°N 127.3°E / 40.284; 127.3) and eventually leads upon the port of Hungnam.

Say publicly area around the Chosin Basin was sparsely populated.

The battle was fought over some of decency roughest terrain during some designate the harshest winter weather friendship of the Korean War. Interpretation road was created by unkind through the hilly terrain forfeited Korea, with steep climbs tell drops.

Dominant peaks, such likewise the Funchilin Pass and distinction Toktong Pass (40°23′38″N127°09′40″E / 40.3938°N 127.161°E / 40.3938; 127.161), grasp the entire length of loftiness road. The road's quality was poor, and in some room it was reduced to topping one-lane gravel trail. On 14 November 1950, a cold fa‡ade from Siberia descended over rendering Chosin Reservoir, and the weather ambience plunged, according to estimates, be given as low as −36 °F (−38 °C).

The cold weather created fundamental danger of frostbite casualties tell was accompanied by frozen cause, icy roads, and weapon malfunctions. Medical supplies froze; morphine syrettes had to be defrosted clod a medic's mouth before they could be injected; blood ecf was frozen and useless impact the battlefield. Even cutting telltale sign clothing to deal with well-organized wound risked gangrene and cryopathy.

Batteries used for the Jeeps and radios did not purpose properly in the temperature gain quickly ran down. The lubrication in the guns gelled spreadsheet rendered them useless in fight. Likewise, the springs on representation firing pins would not punch hard enough to fire justness round, or would jam.

Forces slab strategies

Further information: Battle of Chosin Reservoir order of battle

Although description 1st Marine Division landed bonus Wonsan as part of Almond's US X Corps, Almond and Chief General Oliver P.

Smith exert a pull on the 1st Marine Division communal a mutual loathing of reprimand other that dated back put your name down a meeting before the arrival at Inchon, when Almond locked away spoken of how easy semiaquatic landings are even though elegance had never been involved quandary one. Smith believed there were large numbers of Chinese put back together in North Korea despite description fact that higher headquarters welcome Tokyo said otherwise, but Almond felt Smith was overly thorough.

The mutual distrust between prestige commanders caused Smith to turn down the 1st Marine Division's get towards the Chosin Reservoir outline violation of Almond's instructions. Adventurer established supply points and airfields along the way at Hagaru-ri and Koto-ri.

As the US X Corps was pushing towards the basin, the Chinese formulated their grasp, based on their experiences sound the Chinese Civil War.

Manner from the assumption that nonpareil a light UN presence would be at the reservoir, excellence Chinese 9th Corps was greatest to destroy the UN garrisons at Yudami-ni and Sinhung-ni, substantiate push towards Hagaru-ri. Believing depiction bulk of the US X Corps would move to rescue integrity destroyed units, the 9th Gang would then block and trick the main UN forces take into account the road between Hagaru-ri take Hungnam.

The 9th Corps originally committed eight divisions for representation battle, with most of excellence forces concentrated at Yudami-ni impressive Sinhung-ni.

The flaw in the Sinitic plan was a lack contribution accurate intelligence about the Influence forces. Even though the Dire X Corps was stretched thin see northeast Korea, the slow Sea advance allowed the bulk check the US 1st Marine Parceling, including the 5th, 7th snowball 11th Marines, to be slow-witted at Yudami-ni.

Furthermore, the strategically important Hagaru-ri, where a C-47-capable airfield was under construction flourishing a supply dump, was whimper a priority for the Asiatic despite being lightly defended unhelpful the 1st and 7th Ceremony. Only Regimental Combat Team 31 (RCT-31), an understrength and expeditiously formed regimental combat team endorse the US 7th Infantry Rupture, was thinly spread along picture eastern bank of the source.

Those units later took distinction brunt of the Chinese assaults.

As for the UN shoring up, the 1st Marine Division confidential an effective strength of 25,473 men at the start be more or less the battle, and it was further reinforced by the Brits Royal Marines unit 41 (Independent) Commando and the equivalent admit two regiments from the Tertiary and 7th Army Infantry Divisions.

The UN forces had top-notch combined strength of about 30,000 men during the course replica the battle. The UN augmentation at Chosin were also corroborated by one of the unbeatable concentrations of air power all along the Korean War, since loftiness 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Yonpo Airfield and pentad aircraft carriers from the The twinkling of an eye Navy's Task Force 77 were able to launch 230 sorties daily to provide close carnival support during the battle, onetime the US Air Force Faraway East Combat Cargo Command hostage Japan reached the capacity explain airdropping 250 tons of cog per day to resupply leadership trapped UN forces.

Although the Ordinal Corps was one of China's elite formations, composed of veterans and former POWs from excellence Huaihai Campaign, several deficiencies burdened its ability during the conflict.

Initially the 9th Corps was intended to be outfitted redraft Manchuria during November, but Commie suddenly ordered it into Peninsula before that could happen. Gorilla a result, the 9th Squad had almost no winter clothes for the harsh Korean coldness. Similarly, poor logistics forced significance 9th Corps to abandon dense artillery, while working with minor food and ammunition.

The go running shortage forced the 9th Gang to initially station a 3rd of its strength away shake off the Chosin Reservoir in cold, and starvation and exposure injured the Chinese units, since hunt was not an option mass the sparsely populated area. Chunk the end of the skirmish, more Chinese troops had suitably from the cold than implant combat and air raids.

Chinese compel is usually estimated at 120,000 troops for the battle.

Heretofore arriving in Korea, the Ordinal Corps was also reinforced. Talking to of its three corps esoteric four divisions instead of distinction regular three; thus it abstruse 12 divisions, with 10,000 lower ranks per division. Infantry from bend in half formerly "liberated" (surrendered) Nationalist divisions were absorbed to bring prattle infantry company up to pure.

Some companies had approximately Cardinal men, while others were stiff with more than 200 rank and file. However, attrition due to Evade air raids, poor logistics prep added to cold weather had also vacuous a toll on the system to the battlefield. On integrity day 9th Corps entered Peninsula, for example, frostbite inflicted 700 casualties, while most of spoil transport vehicles were destroyed brush aside UN air raids.

During righteousness course of the battle, Island prisoners of war reported divagate most of the 9th Corps’ divisions had become under implementation, numbering about 6,500 to 7,000 men per division. These actually, plus uncertainties over the Asiatic order of battle in Love affair sources,^[h] led some historians get on the right side of revise Chinese numbers down around as low as 60,000 at near the course of battle.

Eventually, the whole of each 12 Chinese divisions of blue blood the gentry 9th Corps were deployed, even if the 78th and the 88th Divisions of the PVA Xxvi Army did not make connection with UN forces during primacy course of the battle.

Figure divisions of the PVA Twentieth and 27th Armies served makeover the main attacking force. Quaternity divisions of the PVA Ordinal Army initially were held cutback in reserve, and deployed afterward 20th and 27th Armies difficult exhausted all their available strength.

Battle

On the night of 27 Nov, the PVA 20th and Xxvii Armies of the 9th Body of men launched multiple attacks and ambushes along the road between grandeur Chosin Reservoir and Kot'o-ri.

Dress warmly Yudam-ni, the 5th, 7th take precedence 11th Marines were surrounded obtain attacked by the PVA 79th and 89th Divisions, with distinction 59th Division attacking the prevalent between Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri pause cut off communication. Similarly, RCT-31 was isolated and ambushed put off Sinhung-ni by the PVA Lxxx and 81st Divisions. At Hagaru-ri, the 1st Marine Division opportunity headquarters was targeted by interpretation PVA 58th Division.

Finally, birth PVA 60th Division surrounded sprinkling of the 1st Marines hit out at Kot'o-ri from the north. Deceived by complete surprise, the Muse over forces were cut off refer to Yudam-ni, Sinhung-ni, Hagaru-ri and Kot'o-ri by 28 November.

Actions at Yudam-ni

Acting on Almond's order, Smith orderly the 5th Marines to abbreviation west toward Mupyong-ni on 27 November.

The attack was presently stalled by the PVA 89th Division and forced the Secondment to dig in on description ridges surrounding Yudam-ni. As hours of darkness came, three Chinese regiments ticking off the 79th Division attacked blue blood the gentry ridges on the north see northwest of Yudam-ni, hoping rear annihilate the garrison in work on stroke.

Close quarters fighting any minute now developed as the attackers infiltrated Marine positions, but the Ordinal and 7th Marines held justness line while inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese.

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As day broke on 28 November, the Chinese and Americans were locked in a dead around the Yudam-ni perimeter.

While glory battle was underway at Yudam-ni, the PVA 59th Division plugged the road between Yudam-ni existing Hagaru-ri by attacking the policing Charlie and Fox Companies corporeal the 7th Marines. The sign up assault forced Charlie Company be a result retreat into Yudam-ni, which assess Fox Company, commanded by Helmsman William E.

Barber, isolated inform on a hill overlooking the Toktong Pass, a vital pass divagate controlled the road. On 29 November, several efforts by honesty 7th Marines failed to liberate Fox Company, despite inflicting portly casualties on the Chinese. Assisted by artillery from Hagaru-ri gift Marine Corsair fighters, Fox Lying on managed to hold out pine five days while enduring frozen attacks by the PVA 59th Division.

After the heavy losses salutation by the PVA 79th Bisection at Yudam-ni, 9th Corps support realized that the bulk discovery the 1st Marine Division was stationed at Yudam-ni, with a-okay garrison strength double the incipient estimate.

Believing that any besides assaults would be futile, Number cheaply Shilun ordered the 9th Party to switch their main attacks toward Sinhung-ni and Hagaru-ri, departure Yudam-ni alone from 28 nod to 30 November. At the selfsame time, the US Eighth Armed force on the Korean western fa‡ade was forced into full holiday at the Battle of authority Ch'ongch'on River, and MacArthur methodical Almond to withdraw the Do X Corps to the port late Hungnam.

Acting on Almond presentday Smith's instructions, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond L. Murray and Colonel Kor L. Litzenberg, commanders of primacy 5th and 7th Marines, separately, issued a joint order treaty break out from Yudam-ni manuscript Hagaru-ri on 30 November. Mendacious with tough fighting between primacy blocking Chinese divisions and honesty withdrawing Marines, Smith remarked: "Retreat, hell!

We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a changing direction."

For the breakout, the Secondment formed into a convoy do better than a single M4A3 Sherman basin in the lead. The create was to have 3rd Brigade, 5th Marines (3/5) as justness vanguard of the convoy, handle three battalions covering the bring to somebody's attention.

At the same time, Ordinal Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) would attack towards Fox Company play in order to open the pedestrian at Toktong Pass. To exposed the breakout, 3rd Battalion, Ordinal Marines (3/7) had to head attack south and capture Hills 1542 and 1419 in glue to cover the road escape Chinese attacks. The breakout was carried out under the rush cover of the 1st Sea Air Wing.

On the morning in shape 1 December, 3/7 Marines retained the PVA 175th Regiment adequate the 59th Division at Hills 1542 (40°26′06″N127°06′25″E / 40.435°N 127.107°E / 40.435; 127.107) and 1419 (40°25′41″N127°08′06″E / 40.428°N 127.135°E Disc 40.428; 127.135).

The Chinese defenders soon forced the Marines stand your ground dig in on the slopes between the road and depiction peaks when the convoy passed 3/7's position by the siesta. With Hagaru-ri still not captured, the PVA High Command knotted the 79th Division to lapse attacks on Yudam-ni, while distinction 89th Division rushed south in the direction of Kot'o-ri.

The Chinese struck struggle night, and the ferocity be more or less the fighting forced the hind part covering forces to call interchangeable night fighters to suppress birth attacks. The fighting lasted convulsion into the morning of 2 December until all the Use had managed to withdraw steer clear of Yudam-ni.

At the same time, 1/7 Marines also tried to become public the Chinese blockade at Structure 1419 on 1 December.

In spite of being badly reduced by bear, hunger and frostbite, the PVA 59th Division sent in spoil last five platoons and refused to yield. As night approached, 1/7 finally captured the tip 1 and started to march inspect the hills on the eastmost side of the road. Relying on the element of flabbergast, they managed to destroy diverse Chinese positions along the pathway.

On the morning of 2 December, a joint attack indifference Fox Company and 1/7 destined the Toktong Pass, thus electric socket the road between Yudam-ni topmost Hagaru-ri.

Although the road had antediluvian opened between Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri, the convoy still had touch fight through the numerous Asian positions on the hills good will the road.

On the prime night of the retreat, class Chinese struck the convoy need force and inflicted heavy casualties on 3/5 Marines. Although robust air cover suppressed most sequester the Chinese forces for interpretation rest of the march, description cold weather, harassing fire, predatory parties, and roadblocks slowed significance retreat to a crawl, measurement inflicting numerous casualties.

Despite those difficulties, the convoy reached Hagaru-ri in an orderly fashion sabotage the afternoon of 3 Dec, with the withdrawal completed learn by heart 4 December.

East of the reservoir

RCT-31, later known as "Task Channel Faith," was a hastily au fait regimental combat team from nobleness 7th Infantry Division that circumspect the right flank of influence Marine advance towards Mupyong-ni.

Beforehand the battle, RCT-31 was diameter thin, with main elements isolated on the hills north dig up Sinhung-ni, the Pyungnyuri Inlet westmost of Sinhung-ni, and the urban of Hudong-ni (40°26′N127°17′E / 40.43°N 127.28°E / 40.43; 127.28) southern of Sinhung-ni. Although the Sinitic believed RCT-31 to be copperplate reinforced regiment, the task insist was actually understrength, with particular battalion missing, due to picture bulk of the 7th Foot Division being scattered over northeastward Korea.

On the night of 27 November, three regiments from grandeur 80th Division attacked the federal hills (40°29′20″N127°15′32″E / 40.489°N 127.259°E / 40.489; 127.259) and justness inlet, completely surprising the defenders.

The 1st Battalion, 32nd Foot, to the north of Sinhung-ni suffered heavy casualties, while dignity 57th Field Artillery Battalion endure the 3rd Battalion, 31st Foot, were almost overrun at Pyungnyuri Inlet. The Chinese also deadlock the 242nd Regiment of class 81st Division towards Hill 1221, (40°26′56″N127°16′05″E / 40.449°N 127.268°E Accomplishments 40.449; 127.268), an undefended dune that controlled the road halfway Sinhung-ni and Hudong-ni.

As greatness night's fighting ended, RCT-31 was split into three elements.

Believing deviate the defenders had been fully destroyed at the inlet, class Chinese stopped their attacks advocate proceeded to loot the Land positions for food and wear. As morning came on 28 November, the 3/31st Infantry counterattacked the PVA 239th Regiment have an effect on the inlet, driving the amazed Chinese back in a conclusion rout.

In the afternoon, Almond flew into the Sinhung-ni bounds of RCT-31, convinced that RCT-31 was strong enough to set off its attack north and display with whatever "remnants" of Sinitic forces were in their devour.

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Almond ordered Colonel Allan D. Maclean, the officer of RCT-31, to resume rendering offensive north, while presenting Silverware Stars to three of Maclean's officers. In disgust, Lieutenant Colonel Don C. Faith, Jr., distinction commander of the 1/32nd Foot, threw his medal into loftiness snow.

On the night of 28 November, the PVA 80th Measurement attacked again with four regiments.

At the inlet, the Asiatic assault became a disaster importance communications broke down, while death-dealing fire from the M16 take up M19 anti-aircraft (AA) guns faithful to the 57th Field Cannonry Battalion swept the Chinese ranks.^[i] In the aftermath, the PVA 238th and the 239th Institutionalize together had fewer than 600 soldiers.

The attacks by PVA 240th Regiment, on the on hand, forced Maclean to structure a retreat from the blue hills towards Sinhung-ni. On 29 November, the 1st Battalion managed to break through the Asian blockade and reached the Sinhung-ni perimeter, but Maclean was left behind when he mistook some Asian soldiers for American.^[j] The Island finally stopped their attacks make quiet the night of 29 Nov, while waiting for fresh reinforcements.

While RCT-31 was under siege, Almond finally instructed the 1st Sea Division to rescue it impervious to breaking out of Yudam-ni, type impossible order for Smith come to implement.

Only the 31st Reservoir Company tried to rescue RCT-31, by attacking Hill 1221 unfamiliar Hudong-ni, but without infantry strut, the two armored attacks may 28 and 29 November were stalled by slippery roads, diffuse terrain, and close infantry assaults. By 30 November, the Ravenous forces evacuated Hudong-ni in distressed to defend Hagaru-ri, leaving justness rest of RCT-31 completely isolated.

On 30 November, Major General Painter G.

Barr, the commander imbursement the 7th Infantry Division, flew into Sinhung-ni and met line Faith, who by now confidential assumed command of RCT-31. Conviction laid out the difficulties fail a breakout, particularly the Cardinal wounded that RCT-31 had fit in bring along. On the exact same day, parts of the PVA 94th Division^[k] and the slumber of the 81st Division dismounted as reinforcements for the 80 Division.

By midnight, six Island regiments renewed their attacks, famous Zhan Danan, the commander detect the 80th Division, ordered glory complete destruction of RCT-31 already dawn. Again, the 57th Battalion's AA guns held the Sinitic at bay, but supplies remember shells were desperately low. Irregularity the day of 1 Dec, Faith finally ordered RCT-31 take a breather break out from Sinhung-ni careful withdraw to Hagaru-ri.

The breakout began as soon as the sit out allowed the 1st Marine Bomb Wing to provide air succeed on 1 December.

As class soldiers formed a convoy celebrated tried to leave the Sudong-ni perimeter, the PVA 241st Organize immediately swarmed over the Inhabitant forces, with three other regiments closing in. Left with inept choice, the covering aircraft forlorn napalm right in front domination RCT-31, inflicting casualties on both American and Chinese troops.

Honourableness resulting firestorm wiped out significance blocking Chinese company, allowing rectitude convoy to advance. As say publicly front of RCT-31 made untruthfulness way forward, heavy small blazonry fire caused many members loosen the rear guard to be after shelter below the road as an alternative of protecting the trucks.

Island fire also killed or insane those already in the trucks as well as the drivers, who viewed the job by the same token a form of suicide. Leisurely, the convoy approached a obstacle under Hill 1221 in loftiness late afternoon. Several parties try to clear Hill 1221, nevertheless after taking part of honourableness hill, the leaderless soldiers enlarged out onto the frozen store instead of returning to honourableness column.

As Faith led erior assault on the roadblock, pacify was hit by a Asian grenade and subsequently died strain his wounds. The convoy managed to fight past the labour roadblock, but as it reached the second at Hudong-ni, RCT-31 disintegrated under Chinese attacks. Deficit of the original 2,500 troops body, about 1,050 managed to draw up to Hagaru-ri, and only 385 survivors were deemed able-bodied.^[139] The residue of RCT-31 were formed run into a provisional army battalion kindle the rest of the battle.

Actions at Hagaru-ri

To support the Seafaring attack towards Mupyong-ni, Hagaru-ri became an important supply dump best an airfield under construction.

Explorer and 1st Marine Division station were also located at Hagaru-ri. With the bulk of greatness 1st Marine Division gathered pound Yudam-ni, Hagaru-ri was lightly defended by two battalions from significance 1st and 7th Marines, picture rest of the garrison organism composed of engineers and improve support units from both glory Army and the Marine Corps.^[141]

The original Chinese plan called stand for the 58th Division to spasm Hagaru-ri on the night endorsement 27 November, but the parceling became lost in the outback due to the outdated Asiatic maps it used.

It was not until the dawn admire 28 November that the 58th Division arrived at Hagaru-ri. from the fighting and ambushes that had occurred the erstwhile night, the garrison at Hagaru-ri noticed the Chinese forces ensemble them. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Applause. Ridge, commander of 3rd Pack, 1st Marines (3/1), predicted character Chinese attack would come demarcation the night of 28 Nov.

Almost everyone, including rear survive units with little combat system, was pressed into service wornout the front line due support the manpower shortage, and prestige entire perimeter was on abundant alert by 21:30.

It was snivel long before the PVA 173rd Regiment attacked the western essential the southern perimeter, while distinction 172nd Regiment struck the hills on the northern perimeter.

In defiance of the preparations, the understrength encampment was overwhelmed, with the Sinitic opening several gaps in leadership defenses and reaching the prepare areas. The resulting chaos, dispel, caused a breakdown in instruction among the Chinese soldiers, who began looting food and costume instead of exploiting the situation.^[148] The defending Americans managed loom destroy the Chinese forces scheduled counterattacks, while a breakdown line of attack communications between the Chinese regiments allowed the gaps to reveal.

When the fighting stopped, ethics Chinese had only gained high-mindedness East Hill (40°23′13″N127°15′32″E / 40.387°N 127.259°E / 40.387; 127.259) will the northern perimeter. Another search was planned for the shadows of 29 November, but warped raids by VMF-542 broke mess up the Chinese formations before enter could be carried out.

Given justness critical manpower shortage at Hagaru-ri, on 29 November, Smith total Colonel Lewis "Chesty" Puller rule the First Marine Regiment take it easy assemble a task force draw attention to be sent north from Kot'o-ri to open the road southward of Hagaru-ri.

A task unevenly was formed with 921 soldiery from 41 (Royal Marine) Ranger, G Company of the Ordinal Marines and B Company accustomed the 31st Infantry. It was dubbed "Task Force Drysdale" astern its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Pol B. Drysdale, who also required 41 Commando.

On the afternoon confiscate 29 November, Task Force Drysdale pushed north from Koto-ri, in detail under constant attack from justness PVA 60th Division.

The profit force's harrowing experience later fair the road the nickname "Hell Fire Valley". As the Asian attacks dragged on, the twist force became disorganized, and dinky destroyed truck in the usher later split the task insist into two segments. Although primacy lead segment fought its put by into Hagaru-ri on the superficial of 29 November, the fag-end segment was destroyed.^[159] Despite mournful 162 dead and missing sports ground 159 wounded, the task masquerade managed to bring in Ccc badly needed infantrymen for goodness defense at Hagaru-ri.

As more contract for store arrived from Hudong-ni on 30 November, the garrisons attempted side recapture the East Hill.

Exchange blows efforts failed, despite the corruption of a Chinese company. What because darkness settled, the PVA 58th Division gathered its remaining 1,500 soldiers in a last-ditch analyse to capture Hagaru-ri. The well-substantiated defenders annihilated most of justness attacking forces, with only integrity defences around the East Dune giving way.

As the Asian tried to advance from magnanimity East Hill, they were unbolt down by the 31st Sink Company.

By 1 December, the PVA 58th Division was virtually ravaged, with the remainder waiting suffer privation reinforcements from the 26th Grey of the 9th Corps. Wellknown to the frustration of Sticker Shilun, the 26th Corps blunt not arrive before the Maintenance broke out of Yudam-ni.

Depiction airfield was opened to passengers on 1 December, allowing Whip up forces to bring in formality and to evacuate the archaic and wounded. With the Services at Yudam-ni completing their backdown on 4 December, the attentive UN forces could finally set in motion their breakout towards the acquiesce of Hungnam.

Breakout

After a small rest, the breakout began brand 6 December, with the Ordinal Marines as the vanguard time off the retreating column, while say publicly 5th Marines covered the hind part.

At the same time, goodness much-delayed PVA 26th Army entered at Hagaru-ri with its 76th and 77th Divisions to benefit the 58th and 60th Divisions. As the 7th Marines tabled aside the PVA 76th Share south of Hagaru-ri, the Ordinal Marines took over the Hagaru-ri perimeter and recaptured the Eastern Hill from the 76th Portion. In a last effort follow stop the breakout, the gratifying Chinese night attack was launched, with the 76th and 77th Division striking the Hagaru-ri border from all directions.

The Work repulsed the attacks, inflicting massive casualties.

Meanwhile, the 7th Marines unfasten the road between Hagaru-ri promote Koto-ri by capturing the feeling of excitement ground surrounding the road. However as soon as the Advice pulled out, the 77th Breaking up returned to the peaks delighted attacked the column. Chaotic bloodshed broke out and the extend was slowed to a wriggle.

The Marine night fighters correlative to subdue the Chinese prop, and most of the uncooperative troops were eliminated. On 7 December, the rest of honesty column managed to reach Kot'o-ri with little difficulty, with glory last elements reaching Kot'o-ri ditch night.^[180]

After the failure of goodness 26th Corps at Hagaru-ri, excellence PVA High Command ordered say publicly 26th and 27th Corps come up to chase the escaping UN vocation, with the 20th Corps decided to block the escape domestic device.

But with most of rectitude 20th Corps destroyed at Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri, the only brace between Kot'o-ri and Hungnam were the remnants of the 58th and 60th Divisions. In depression, Song Shilun ordered these armed force to dig in at Funchilin Pass, while blowing up primacy vital bridge (40°13′55″N127°17′46″E / 40.232°N 127.296°E / 40.232; 127.296), ambitious the terrain and obstacles would allow the 26th and Xxvii Corps to catch up recognize the retreating UN forces.

The PVA 180th Regiment that occupied Construction 1081 (40°13′59″N127°19′34″E / 40.233°N 127.326°E / 40.233; 127.326) blew think about the original concrete bridge meticulous two improvised replacements in assemblage, believing the bridge was rendered irreparable.

In response, the Ordinal Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) pompous Hill 1081 from the southbound, and the hill was captured on 9 December, though ethics defenders fought to the forename man. At the same at an earlier time, the 7th Marines and RCT-31 attacked the bridge from position north, only to encounter defenders who were already frozen induce their foxholes.^[186]

With the path crossreference Hungnam blocked at Funchilin Fall short, eight C-119 Flying Boxcars flown by the US 314th Crowd Carrier Wing were used holiday at drop portable bridge sections make wet parachute.

The bridge, consisting refreshing eight separate 18 ft (5.5 m) squander, 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) sections, was forsaken one section at a as to, using a 48 ft (15 m) dive on each section. Four cut into these sections, together with prep added to wooden extensions were successfully reassembled into a replacement bridge preschooler Marine Corps combat engineers reprove the US Army 58th Deviser Treadway Bridge Company on 9 December, enabling UN forces exceed proceed.

Outmaneuvered, the PVA 58th and 60th Divisions still fatigued to slow the UN plough with ambushes and raids, nevertheless after weeks of non-stop contention, the two Chinese divisions cumulative had only 200 soldiers leftist. The last UN forces formerly larboard Funchilin Pass by 11 December.

One of the last engagements fabric the withdrawal was an waylay at Sudong (40°10′12″N127°19′26″E / 40.17°N 127.324°E / 40.17; 127.324) mass the pursuing PVA 89th Portion, which Task Force Dog systematic the 3rd Infantry Division sick and tired of with little difficulty.

The attentive UN forces finally reached nobility Hungnam perimeter by 21:00 joining together 11 December.

Evacuation at Hungnam

Main article: Hungnam evacuation

By the time birth UN forces arrived at Hungnam, MacArthur had already ordered excellence evacuation of the US X Corps on 8 December in prime to reinforce the US 8th Army, which by then was badly depleted and retreating expeditiously towards the 38th parallel.

Followers his orders, the ROK Crazed Corps, the ROK 1st Seagoing Regiment and the US Tertiary and 7th Infantry Divisions difficult to understand also set up defensive positions around the port. Some skirmishes broke out between the guarding US 7th, 17th and Ordinal Infantry and the pursuing PVA 27th Corps, but against authority strong naval gun fire build provided by US Navy Profit Force 90