Chosin reservoir documentary full biography

1950 battle paddock the Korean War

"Battle of Receptacle Changjin" redirects here. For dignity 2021 film, see The Struggle against at Lake Changjin I. Shadow the 2022 film, see Excellence Battle at Lake Changjin II.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also reveal as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign or the Battle of Repository Changjin (Korean: 장진호 전투; Hanja: 長津湖戰鬪; RR: Jangjinho jeontu; MR: Changjinho chŏnt'u), was type important battle in the Altaic War.^[c] The name "Chosin" assignment derived from the Japanese elocution "Chōshin", instead of the Asiatic pronunciation.^[9][d]

The battle took place memo 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 go fast of North Korea.

On 27 November 1950, the Chinese energy surprised the US X Corps essential by Major General Edward Almond in the Chosin Reservoir limit.

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A brutal 17-day battle in freezing weather in a minute followed. Between 27 November avoid 13 December, 30,000United Nations School troops, later nicknamed "The Chosin Few", under the field chance of Major General Oliver Proprietor. Smith were encircled and la-de-da by about 120,000 Chinese crowd under the command of Concert Shilun, who had been spick-and-span by Mao Zedong to grab the UN forces.

The Work it forces were nevertheless able snip break out of the obstacle and withdraw to the name of Hungnam. Both sides greeting heavy casualties, especially the Sinitic, with both battle casualties focus on non-battle casualties caused by position frigid weather. The withdrawal scope the US Eighth Army exaggerate northwest Korea in the result of the Battle of leadership Ch'ongch'on River and the excretion of the X Corps from influence port of Hungnam in point Korea marked the complete termination of UN troops from Northbound Korea.

Background

See also: UN search into North Korea § 1st Ocean-going Division in the Chosin Thing (29 October – 25 November)

By mid-October 1950, after the fortunate landing at Inchon by integrity US X Corps, the Eighth Herd breakout from the Pusan Frame and the subsequent pursuit captain destruction of the Korean People's Army (KPA), the Korean Fighting appeared to be all however over.United Nations (UN) forces radical rapidly into North Korea form the intention of reuniting Ad northerly and South Korea before honourableness end of 1950.^[12] North Peninsula is divided through the sentiment by the impassable Taebaek Hinterlands, which separated the UN gather into two groups.

The Mindful Eighth Army advanced north takeover the western coast of description Korean Peninsula, while the Position of Korea (ROK) I Omplement company and the US X Corps forward-looking north on the eastern coast.

At the same time the People's Republic of China entered justness conflict after issuing several warnings to the United Nations.

Tenacity 19 October 1950, large formations of Chinese troops, dubbed magnanimity People's Volunteer Army (PVA), behind back crossed the border and talk over North Korea. One of description first Chinese units to gateway the Chosin Reservoir area was the PVA 42nd Army, which was tasked with stopping glory eastern UN advances. On 25 October, the advancing ROK Funny Corps made contact with significance Chinese and halted at Funchilin Pass (40°12′14″N127°18′00″E / 40.204°N 127.3°E / 40.204; 127.3), south show consideration for the Chosin Reservoir.

After the touchdown at Wonsan, the US Ordinal Marine Division of the X Corps engaged the defending PVA 124th Division on 2 November; rank ensuing battle caused heavy casualties among the Chinese.

On 6 November, the PVA 42nd Party ordered a retreat to primacy north with the intention forfeited luring the UN forces secure the Chosin Reservoir. By 24 November, the 1st Marine Parceling occupied both Sinhung-ni^[f] (40°33′25″N127°16′12″E Track record 40.557°N 127.27°E / 40.557; 127.27) on the eastern side capture the reservoir and Yudami-ni (40°28′48″N127°06′43″E / 40.48°N 127.112°E / 40.48; 127.112) on the west side.

Faced with the sudden attacks in and out of Chinese forces in the Ordinal Army sector, General Douglas General ordered the Eighth Army get in touch with launch the Home-by-Christmas Offensive.

Progress to support the offensive, MacArthur exact the X Corps to attack westbound from the Chosin Reservoir squeeze to cut the vital Manpojin—Kanggye—Huichon supply line.^[22] In response, Elder General Edward M. Almond, commanding officer of the US X Corps, formulated a plan on 21 Nov. It called for the Easy on the ear 1st Marine Division to get behind west through Yudami-ni, while high-mindedness US 7th Infantry Division would provide a regimental combat group to protect the right border at Sinhung-ni.

The US Ordinal Infantry Division would also harbour the left flank, while supplying security in the rear honour. By then the X Corps was stretched thin along a 400-mile front.

Surprised by the Marine touchdown at Wonsan,Chinese Communist PartychairmanMao Zedong called for the immediate cause detriment of the ROK Capital Breaking up, ROK 3rd Infantry Division, Tortuous 1st Marine Division, and Freed 7th Infantry Division in ingenious telegram to Commander^[g]Song Shilun prescription the PVA 9th Corps influence 31 October.

Under Mao's bossy orders, the 9th Corps was rushed into North Korea cogitate 10 November. Undetected by Be in command of intelligence, it entered the Chosin Reservoir area on 17 Nov, with the 20th Army corporeal the 9th Corps relieving birth 42nd Army near Yudami-ni.

Prelude

Location, association and weather

Chosin Reservoir is nifty man-made lake located in influence northeast of the Korean chersonese.

The name Chosin is prestige Japanese pronunciation of the Asiatic place name Changjin, and authority name stuck due to magnanimity outdated Japanese maps used through UN forces. The battle's cardinal focus was around the 78-mile-long (126 km) road that connects Hungnam and Chosin Reservoir, which served as the only retreat thingamajig for the UN forces.

Chomp through these roads, Yudami-ni and Sinhung-ni,^[f] located at the west essential east side of the lake respectively, are connected at Hagaru-ri (now Changjin-ŭp) (40°23′02″N127°14′56″E / 40.3838°N 127.249°E / 40.3838; 127.249). Use up there, the road passes bear Koto-ri (40°17′02″N127°18′00″E / 40.284°N 127.3°E / 40.284; 127.3) and long run leads to the port strain Hungnam.

The area around rendering Chosin Reservoir was sparsely populated.

The battle was fought over dehydrated of the roughest terrain away some of the harshest iciness weather conditions of the Altaic War. The road was begeted by cutting through the fresh terrain of Korea, with extravagant climbs and drops. Dominant peaks, such as the Funchilin Charge at the door and the Toktong Pass (40°23′38″N127°09′40″E / 40.3938°N 127.161°E / 40.3938; 127.161), overlook the entire weight of the road.

The road's quality was poor, and speak some places it was abridged to a one-lane gravel line. On 14 November 1950, excellent cold front from Siberia descended over the Chosin Reservoir, famous the temperature plunged, according indicate estimates, to as low reorganization −36 °F (−38 °C). The cold unwell created considerable danger of hurt casualties and was accompanied stomachturning frozen ground, icy roads, instruct weapon malfunctions.

Medical supplies froze; morphine syrettes had to rectify defrosted in a medic's choke before they could be injected; blood plasma was frozen captivated useless on the battlefield. Level cutting off clothing to look like with a wound risked waste and frostbite. Batteries used accompaniment the Jeeps and radios exact not function properly in position temperature and quickly ran connect.

The lubrication in the arms gelled and rendered them hopeless in battle. Likewise, the springs on the firing pins would not strike hard enough pause fire the round, or would jam.

Forces and strategies

Further information: Attack of Chosin Reservoir order do admin battle

Although the 1st Marine Autopsy landed at Wonsan as rust of Almond's US X Corps, Almond and Major General Oliver Holder.

Smith of the 1st Naval Division shared a mutual abomination of each other that decrepit back to a meeting once the landing at Inchon, considering that Almond had spoken of trade show easy amphibious landings are yet though he had never anachronistic involved in one. Smith estimated there were large numbers receive Chinese forces in North Choson despite the fact that improved headquarters in Tokyo said or then any other way, but Almond felt Smith was overly cautious.

The mutual be circumspect between the commanders caused Sculpturer to slow the 1st Naval Division's advance towards the Chosin Reservoir in violation of Almond's instructions. Smith established supply outcome and airfields along the run out at Hagaru-ri and Koto-ri.

As grandeur US X Corps was pushing think of the reservoir, the Chinese formulated their strategy, based on their experiences in the Chinese Cultivated War.

Working from the theory that only a light Have power over presence would be at greatness reservoir, the Chinese 9th Detachment was first to destroy prestige UN garrisons at Yudami-ni stake Sinhung-ni, then push towards Hagaru-ri. Believing the bulk of picture US X Corps would move assessment rescue the destroyed units, class 9th Corps would then facet and trap the main Let alone forces on the road amidst Hagaru-ri and Hungnam.

The Ordinal Corps initially committed eight divisions for the battle, with ceiling of the forces concentrated package Yudami-ni and Sinhung-ni.

The flaw thwart the Chinese plan was exceptional lack of accurate intelligence criticize the UN forces. Even granted the US X Corps was long-drawn-out thin over northeast Korea, rectitude slow Marine advance allowed decency bulk of the US Ordinal Marine Division, including the Ordinal, 7th and 11th Marines, tonguelash be concentrated at Yudami-ni.

Into the bargain, the strategically important Hagaru-ri, turn a C-47-capable airfield was mess up construction and a supply unlade, was not a priority carry the Chinese despite being gingerly defended by the 1st accept 7th Marines. Only Regimental Encounter Team 31 (RCT-31), an understrength and hastily formed regimental conflict team of the US Ordinal Infantry Division, was thinly circulate along the eastern bank be advisable for the reservoir.

Those units afterward took the brunt of nobleness Chinese assaults.

As for honourableness UN forces, the 1st Seagoing Division had an effective elegance of 25,473 men at dignity start of the battle, additional it was further reinforced from one side to the ot the British Royal Marines children's home 41 (Independent) Commando and description equivalent of two regiments exaggerate the 3rd and 7th Swarm Infantry Divisions.

The UN gather had a combined strength describe about 30,000 men during prestige course of the battle. Ethics UN forces at Chosin were also supported by one enjoy the greatest concentrations of film power during the Korean Fighting, since the 1st Marine Level surface condition Wing stationed at Yonpo Field and five aircraft carriers flight the US Navy's Task Authority 77 were able to set in motion 230 sorties daily to horses close air support during rank battle, while the US Overstate Force Far East Combat Consignment Command in Japan reached rendering capacity of airdropping 250 stack of supplies per day foresee resupply the trapped UN forces.

Although the 9th Corps was creep of China's elite formations, support of veterans and former POWs from the Huaihai Campaign, very many deficiencies hampered its ability beside the battle.

Initially the Ordinal Corps was intended to suit outfitted in Manchuria during Nov, but Mao suddenly ordered stirring into Korea before that could happen. As a result, class 9th Corps had almost cack-handed winter clothing for the coarse Korean winter. Similarly, poor logistics forced the 9th Corps cross your mind abandon heavy artillery, while operative with little food and material.

The food shortage forced say publicly 9th Corps to initially cause to be in a third of its give the kiss of life to away from the Chosin Repository in reserve, and starvation meticulous exposure weakened the Chinese seemly, since foraging was not wholesome option in the sparsely populated area. By the end faultless the battle, more Chinese camp had died from the hibernal than from combat and upset raids.

Chinese strength is usually considered at 120,000 troops for nobleness battle.

Before arriving in Choson, the 9th Corps was as well reinforced. Each of its span corps had four divisions in lieu of of the regular three; fashion it had 12 divisions, outstrip 10,000 men per division. Foot from two formerly "liberated" (surrendered) Nationalist divisions were absorbed stalk bring each infantry company remember to strength.

Some companies difficult approximately 150 men, while nakedness were reinforced with more mystify 200 men. However, attrition theory test to UN air raids, poor quality logistics and cold weather challenging also taken a toll credence the way to the battleground. On the day 9th Cohort entered Korea, for example, injury inflicted 700 casualties, while ascendant of its transport vehicles were destroyed by UN air raids.

During the course of magnanimity battle, Chinese prisoners of conflict reported that most of position 9th Corps’ divisions had develop under strength, numbering about 6,500 to 7,000 men per measurement. These factors, plus uncertainties corrupt the Chinese order of conflict in Western sources,^[h] led wearisome historians to revise Chinese figures down to as low chimp 60,000 during the course forfeit battle.

Eventually, all 12 Chinese divisions of the 9th Corps were deployed, although the 78th station the 88th Divisions of character PVA 26th Army did fret make contact with UN put back together during the course of say publicly battle.

Eight divisions of birth PVA 20th and 27th Get even served as the main malodorous force. Four divisions of righteousness PVA 26th Army initially were held back in reserve, highest deployed after 20th and Xxvii Armies had exhausted all their available strength.

Battle

On the night show 27 November, the PVA Twentieth and 27th Armies of representation 9th Corps launched multiple attacks and ambushes along the means between the Chosin Reservoir topmost Kot'o-ri.

At Yudam-ni, the Ordinal, 7th and 11th Marines were surrounded and attacked by decency PVA 79th and 89th Divisions, with the 59th Division aggressive the road between Yudam-ni have a word with Hagaru-ri to cut off routes. Similarly, RCT-31 was isolated bracket ambushed at Sinhung-ni by prestige PVA 80th and 81st Divisions. At Hagaru-ri, the 1st Seafaring Division command headquarters was targeted by the PVA 58th Autopsy.

Finally, the PVA 60th Component surrounded elements of the Ordinal Marines at Kot'o-ri from honesty north. Caught by complete overlap, the UN forces were abbreviate off at Yudam-ni, Sinhung-ni, Hagaru-ri and Kot'o-ri by 28 November.

Actions at Yudam-ni

Acting on Almond's uneasiness, Smith ordered the 5th Use to attack west toward Mupyong-ni on 27 November.

The fall was soon stalled by glory PVA 89th Division and false the Marines to dig snare on the ridges surrounding Yudam-ni. As night came, three Sinitic regiments of the 79th Autopsy attacked the ridges on say publicly north and northwest of Yudam-ni, hoping to annihilate the encampment in one stroke. Close corrupt fighting soon developed as significance attackers infiltrated Marine positions, nevertheless the 5th and 7th Aid held the line while placing heavy casualties on the Asiatic.

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

While magnanimity battle was underway at Yudam-ni, the PVA 59th Division obstructed the road between Yudam-ni move Hagaru-ri by attacking the defend Charlie and Fox Companies be snapped up the 7th Marines. The opus assault forced Charlie Company put aside retreat into Yudam-ni, which lefthand Fox Company, commanded by Coxswain William E.

Barber, isolated snatch a hill overlooking the Toktong Pass, a vital pass defer controlled the road. On 29 November, several efforts by righteousness 7th Marines failed to come to rescue Fox Company, despite inflicting gigantic casualties on the Chinese. Assisted by artillery from Hagaru-ri point of view Marine Corsair fighters, Fox Fellowship managed to hold out hold up five days while enduring rocksolid attacks by the PVA 59th Division.

After the heavy losses hail by the PVA 79th Branch at Yudam-ni, 9th Corps fraudulent realized that the bulk reproach the 1st Marine Division was stationed at Yudam-ni, with natty garrison strength double the introductory estimate.

Believing that any supplementary assaults would be futile, Consider Shilun ordered the 9th Cadre to switch their main attacks toward Sinhung-ni and Hagaru-ri, termination Yudam-ni alone from 28 attack 30 November. At the come to time, the US Eighth Host on the Korean western throw up was forced into full go-ahead at the Battle of significance Ch'ongch'on River, and MacArthur successive Almond to withdraw the Become old X Corps to the port annotation Hungnam.

Acting on Almond advocate Smith's instructions, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond L. Murray and Colonel Poet L. Litzenberg, commanders of magnanimity 5th and 7th Marines, singly, issued a joint order expire break out from Yudam-ni accomplish Hagaru-ri on 30 November. Deliberate with tough fighting between distinction blocking Chinese divisions and distinction withdrawing Marines, Smith remarked: "Retreat, hell!

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

For the breakout, the Service formed into a convoy examine a single M4A3 Sherman sink in the lead. The invent was to have 3rd Multitude, 5th Marines (3/5) as goodness vanguard of the convoy, hash up three battalions covering the tail end.

At the same time, Ordinal Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) would attack towards Fox Company increase by two order to open the over at Toktong Pass. To set off the breakout, 3rd Battalion, Ordinal Marines (3/7) had to regulate attack south and capture Hills 1542 and 1419 in structure to cover the road overrun Chinese attacks.

The breakout was carried out under the transmission cover of the 1st Ocean-going Air Wing.

On the morning have a high regard for 1 December, 3/7 Marines spoken for the PVA 175th Regiment admire 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 List 40.428; 127.135).

The Chinese defenders soon forced the Marines communication dig in on the slopes between the road and class peaks when the convoy passed 3/7's position by the salutation. With Hagaru-ri still not captured, the PVA High Command tousled the 79th Division to hark back attacks on Yudam-ni, while rendering 89th Division rushed south for Kot'o-ri.

The Chinese struck authorized night, and the ferocity accept the fighting forced the back part covering forces to call comic story night fighters to suppress picture attacks. The fighting lasted follow into the morning of 2 December until all the Ritual had managed to withdraw Yudam-ni.

At the same time, 1/7 Marines also tried to current the Chinese blockade at Embankment 1419 on 1 December.

Undeterred by being badly reduced by defy, hunger and frostbite, the PVA 59th Division sent in fraudulence last five platoons and refused to yield. As night approached, 1/7 finally captured the end and started to march invasion the hills on the eastern side of the road. Relying on the element of admiration, they managed to destroy indefinite Chinese positions along the obsolete.

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

Although the road had antiquated opened between Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri, the convoy still had come up to fight through the numerous Island positions on the hills self-satisfaction the road.

On the cap night of the retreat, grandeur Chinese struck the convoy clear up force and inflicted heavy casualties on 3/5 Marines. Although pungent air cover suppressed most have a good time the Chinese forces for primacy rest of the march, say publicly cold weather, harassing fire, marauding parties, and roadblocks slowed character retreat to a crawl, extensively inflicting numerous casualties.

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

East of the reservoir

RCT-31, later known as "Task Influence Faith," was a hastily baccilar regimental combat team from dignity 7th Infantry Division that circumspect the right flank of justness Marine advance towards Mupyong-ni.

In the past the battle, RCT-31 was broad thin, with main elements disjointed on the hills north be worthwhile for Sinhung-ni, the Pyungnyuri Inlet westerly of Sinhung-ni, and the locality of Hudong-ni (40°26′N127°17′E / 40.43°N 127.28°E / 40.43; 127.28) southward of Sinhung-ni. Although the Asiatic believed RCT-31 to be trig reinforced regiment, the task fake was actually understrength, with procrastinate battalion missing, due to rendering bulk of the 7th Foot Division being scattered over northeasterly Korea.

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

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

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

Believing ramble the defenders had been fully destroyed at the inlet, loftiness Chinese stopped their attacks obscure proceeded to loot the English positions for food and drape. As morning came on 28 November, the 3/31st Infantry counterattacked the PVA 239th Regiment elbow the inlet, driving the unfinished Chinese back in a be over rout.

In the afternoon, Almond flew into the Sinhung-ni side of RCT-31, convinced that RCT-31 was strong enough to start out its attack north and layout with whatever "remnants" of Sinitic forces were in their encroachment. Almond ordered Colonel Allan Series. Maclean, the commander of RCT-31, to resume the offensive northward, while presenting Silver Stars acquiescent three of Maclean's officers.

Accent disgust, Lieutenant Colonel Don Maxim. Faith, Jr., the commander try to be like the 1/32nd Infantry, threw enthrone medal into the snow.

On leadership night of 28 November, nobleness PVA 80th Division attacked correct with four regiments. At primacy inlet, the Chinese assault became a disaster as communications insolvent down, while devastating fire plant the M16 and M19 anti-aircraft (AA) guns attached to loftiness 57th Field Artillery Battalion calmness the Chinese ranks.^[i] In description aftermath, the PVA 238th delighted the 239th Regiment together difficult fewer than 600 soldiers.

Honesty attacks by PVA 240th Systematize, on the other hand, calculated Maclean to order a spin out from the northern hills on the way Sinhung-ni. On 29 November, honourableness 1st Battalion managed to through through the Chinese blockade focus on reached the Sinhung-ni perimeter, however Maclean was lost when put your feet up mistook some Chinese soldiers reckon American.^[j] The Chinese finally stopped up their attacks on the darkness of 29 November, while hiatus for fresh reinforcements.

While RCT-31 was under siege, Almond finally enlightened the 1st Marine Division appoint rescue it by breaking descend of Yudam-ni, an impossible in a row for Smith to implement.

Single the 31st Tank Company well-tried to rescue RCT-31, by rude Hill 1221 from Hudong-ni, on the contrary without infantry support, the three armored attacks on 28 topmost 29 November were stalled gross slippery roads, rough terrain, existing close infantry assaults. By 30 November, the US forces evacuated Hudong-ni in order to shield Hagaru-ri, leaving the rest rule RCT-31 completely isolated.

On 30 Nov, Major General David G.

Barr, the commander of the Ordinal Infantry Division, flew into Sinhung-ni and met with Faith, who by now had assumed boss of RCT-31. Faith laid ardent the difficulties of a break, particularly the 500 wounded drift RCT-31 had to bring before. On the same day, attributes of the PVA 94th Division^[k] and the rest of illustriousness 81st Division arrived as hold for the 80th Division.

Bid midnight, six Chinese regiments young their attacks, and Zhan Danan, the commander of the Lxxx Division, ordered the complete bane of RCT-31 before dawn. Adjust, the 57th Battalion's AA weapons blazonry held the Chinese at recess, but supplies of shells were desperately low. On the indifferent of 1 December, Faith when all is said ordered RCT-31 to break simple from Sinhung-ni and withdraw withstand Hagaru-ri.

The breakout began as in good time as the weather allowed righteousness 1st Marine Aircraft Wing do research provide air cover on 1 December.

As the soldiers watchful a convoy and tried touch on leave the Sudong-ni perimeter, grandeur PVA 241st Regiment immediately swarmed over the American forces, unwanted items three other regiments closing disintegrate. Left with no choice, representation covering aircraft dropped napalm without delay in front of RCT-31, intrusion casualties on both American take up Chinese troops.

The resulting firestorm wiped out the blocking Asiatic company, allowing the convoy cap advance. As the front portend RCT-31 made its way exceed, heavy small arms fire caused many members of the tail end guard to seek shelter net the road instead of protection the trucks. Chinese fire extremely killed or wounded those by that time in the trucks as athletic as the drivers, who rumoured the job as a take the part of of suicide.

Slowly, the shepherd approached a roadblock under Businessman 1221 in the late post meridian. Several parties tried to thick Hill 1221, but after engaging part of the hill, rectitude leaderless soldiers continued out put across the frozen reservoir instead go together with returning to the column. Chimp Faith led an assault note the roadblock, he was unloading by a Chinese grenade streak subsequently died of his wounds.

The convoy managed to argue past the first roadblock, however as it reached the secondbest at Hudong-ni, RCT-31 disintegrated mess Chinese attacks. Out of influence original 2,500 soldiers, about 1,050 managed to reach Hagaru-ri, beginning only 385 survivors were considered able-bodied.^[139] The remnants of RCT-31 were formed into a temporary army battalion for the rescue of the battle.

Actions at Hagaru-ri

To support the Marine attack to Mupyong-ni, Hagaru-ri became an put the lid on supply dump with an land under construction.

Smith and Ordinal Marine Division headquarters were likewise located at Hagaru-ri. With excellence bulk of the 1st Seagoing Division gathered at Yudam-ni, Hagaru-ri was lightly defended by team a few battalions from the 1st topmost 7th Marines, the rest insinuate the garrison being composed depose engineers and rear support suitable from both the Army have a word with the Marine Corps.^[141]

The original Asiatic plan called for the 58th Division to attack Hagaru-ri stiffen the night of 27 Nov, but the division became absent in the countryside due commerce the outdated Japanese maps qualified used.

It was not hanging fire the dawn of 28 Nov that the 58th Division dismounted at Hagaru-ri. Meanwhile, from say publicly fighting and ambushes that challenging occurred the previous night, authority garrison at Hagaru-ri noticed authority Chinese forces around them. Nuncio Colonel Thomas L. Ridge, man of 3rd Battalion, 1st Usage (3/1), predicted the Chinese unsuccessful would come on the of the night of 28 November.

Almost all and sundry, including rear support units upset little combat training, was contrary into service on the advance line due to the men shortage, and the entire verge was on full alert wishywashy 21:30.

It was not long previously the PVA 173rd Regiment assumed the western and the grey perimeter, while the 172nd Stereotype struck the hills on interpretation northern perimeter.

Despite the spadework, the understrength garrison was snowed under, with the Chinese opening a handful gaps in the defenses ahead reaching the rear areas. Dignity resulting chaos, however, caused fastidious breakdown in discipline among class Chinese soldiers, who began ransacking food and clothing instead be more or less exploiting the situation.^[148] The guard Americans managed to destroy distinction Chinese forces in counterattacks, onetime a breakdown of communications halfway the Chinese regiments allowed high-mindedness gaps to close.

When glory fighting stopped, the Chinese difficult to understand only gained the East Businessman (40°23′13″N127°15′32″E / 40.387°N 127.259°E Journal 40.387; 127.259) on the north perimeter. Another attack was all set for the night of 29 November, but air raids brush aside VMF-542 broke up the Asian formations before it could skin carried out.

Given the critical force shortage at Hagaru-ri, on 29 November, Smith ordered Colonel Sprinter "Chesty" Puller of the Prime Marine Regiment to assemble exceptional task force to be warp north from Kot'o-ri to unscrew the road south of Hagaru-ri.

A task force was erudite with 921 troops from 41 (Royal Marine) Commando, G Enterprise of the 1st Marines avoid B Company of the Thirty-one Infantry. It was dubbed "Task Force Drysdale" after its king, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale, who also commanded 41 Commando.

On the afternoon of 29 Nov, Task Force Drysdale pushed northern from Koto-ri, while under frozen attack from the PVA Sixtieth Division.

The task force's terrifying experience later earned the over the nickname "Hell Fire Valley". As the Chinese attacks dragged on, the task force became disorganized, and a destroyed goods in the convoy later hole the task force into span segments. Although the lead component fought its way into Hagaru-ri on the night of 29 November, the rear segment was destroyed.^[159] Despite suffering 162 class and missing and 159 unsteady, the task force managed grant bring in 300 badly desired infantrymen for the defense outburst Hagaru-ri.

As more reinforcements arrived exotic Hudong-ni on 30 November, loftiness garrisons attempted to recapture rank East Hill.

All efforts aborted, despite the destruction of swell Chinese company. When darkness hair, the PVA 58th Division collected its remaining 1,500 soldiers select by ballot a last-ditch attempt to take prisoner Hagaru-ri. The reinforced defenders exterminated most of the attacking repair, with only the defences haunt the East Hill giving mould.

As the Chinese tried appoint advance from the East Businessman, they were cut down exceed the 31st Tank Company.

By 1 December, the PVA 58th Partition was virtually destroyed, with integrity remainder waiting for reinforcements let alone the 26th Army of say publicly 9th Corps. Much to depiction frustration of Song Shilun, rectitude 26th Corps did not show before the Marines broke had it of Yudam-ni.

The airfield was opened to traffic on 1 December, allowing UN forces puzzle out bring in reinforcements and exhaustively evacuate the dead and dupe. With the Marines at Yudam-ni completing their withdrawal on 4 December, the trapped UN prop could finally start their prisonbreaking towards the port of Hungnam.

Breakout

After a short rest, interpretation breakout began on 6 Dec, with the 7th Marines bit the vanguard of the come across column, while the 5th Post covered the rear.

At birth same time, the much-delayed PVA 26th Army arrived at Hagaru-ri with its 76th and 77th Divisions to relieve the 58th and 60th Divisions. As picture 7th Marines pushed aside excellence PVA 76th Division south find Hagaru-ri, the 5th Marines took over the Hagaru-ri perimeter refuse recaptured the East Hill running off the 76th Division.

In adroit last effort to stop influence breakout, the customary Chinese dusk attack was launched, with probity 76th and 77th Division famous the Hagaru-ri perimeter from each directions. The Marines repulsed say publicly attacks, inflicting heavy casualties.

Meanwhile, rendering 7th Marines opened the curtail between Hagaru-ri and Koto-ri emergency capturing the high ground neighbourhood the road.

But as in a minute as the Marines pulled fold up, the 77th Division returned be acquainted with the peaks and attacked probity column. Chaotic fighting broke go on a goslow and the retreat was slowed to a crawl. The Maritime night fighters returned to repress the Chinese forces, and peak of the blocking troops were eliminated. On 7 December, rank rest of the column managed to reach Kot'o-ri with diminutive difficulty, with the last smattering reaching Kot'o-ri that night.^[180]

After glory failure of the 26th Crew at Hagaru-ri, the PVA Tall Command ordered the 26th allow 27th Corps to chase primacy escaping UN force, with nobleness 20th Corps assigned to component the escape route.

But condemnation most of the 20th Body of men destroyed at Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri, the only forces between Kot'o-ri and Hungnam were the remains of the 58th and Ordinal Divisions. In desperation, Song Shilun ordered these troops to scoop in at Funchilin Pass, duration blowing up the vital interrupt (40°13′55″N127°17′46″E / 40.232°N 127.296°E Recording 40.232; 127.296), hoping the alliance and obstacles would allow depiction 26th and 27th Corps allure catch up with the be unfaithful UN forces.

The PVA 180th Assimilate that occupied Hill 1081 (40°13′59″N127°19′34″E / 40.233°N 127.326°E / 40.233; 127.326) blew up the up-to-the-minute concrete bridge and two spontaneous replacements in succession, believing authority bridge was rendered irreparable.

Detect response, the 1st Battalion, Ordinal Marines (1/1) attacked Hill 1081 from the south, and authority hill was captured on 9 December, though the defenders fought to the last man. Decay the same time, the Ordinal Marines and RCT-31 attacked decency bridge from the north, nonpareil to encounter defenders who were already frozen in their foxholes.^[186]

With the path to Hungnam pathless at Funchilin Pass, eight C-119 Flying Boxcars flown by significance US 314th Troop Carrier Absent were used to drop compact bridge sections by parachute.

Probity bridge, consisting of eight section 18 ft (5.5 m) long, 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) sections, was dropped one division at a time, using calligraphic 48 ft (15 m) parachute on drill section. Four of these sections, together with additional wooden extensions were successfully reassembled into swell replacement bridge by Marine Unit combat engineers and the Low-spirited Army 58th Engineer Treadway Traverse Company on 9 December, sanctionative UN forces to proceed.

Outmaneuvered, the PVA 58th and Ordinal Divisions still tried to sluggardly the UN advance with ambushes and raids, but after weeks of non-stop fighting, the glimmer Chinese divisions combined had lone 200 soldiers left. The rob UN forces left Funchilin Voucher card by 11 December.

One of picture last engagements during the recall was an ambush at Sudong (40°10′12″N127°19′26″E / 40.17°N 127.324°E Data 40.17; 127.324) by the repayment PVA 89th Division, which Twist Force Dog of the Ordinal Infantry Division repulsed with brief difficulty.

The trapped UN reinforcement finally reached the Hungnam boundary by 21:00 on 11 December.

Evacuation at Hungnam

Main article: Hungnam evacuation

By the time the UN put back together arrived at Hungnam, MacArthur difficult to understand already ordered the evacuation endlessly the US X Corps on 8 December in order to advance the US Eighth Army, which by then was badly emptied and retreating rapidly towards say publicly 38th parallel.

Following his instruct, the ROK I Corps, prestige ROK 1st Marine Regiment additional the US 3rd and Ordinal Infantry Divisions had also put up defensive positions around excellence port. Some skirmishes broke quit between the defending US Ordinal, 17th and 65th Infantry come first the pursuing PVA 27th Cohort, but against the strong maritime gun fire support provided coarse US Navy Task Force 90