"[87], For the breakout, the Marines formed into a convoy with a single M4A3 Sherman tank in the lead. They call. [105] The Chinese also sent the 242nd Regiment of the 81st Division towards Hill 1221, (402656N 1271605E / 40.449N 127.268E / 40.449; 127.268),[106] an undefended hill that controlled the road between Sinhung-ni and Hudong-ni. Jim Valentine, Army, "My squad leader, Bob Devins he was one of my best friends he got killed that night. [18] On 6 November, the PVA 42nd Corps ordered a retreat to the north with the intention of luring the UN forces into the Chosin Reservoir. [222] The official Chinese history, published by PLA Academy of Military Science, states that despite the heavy casualties, the PVA 9th Army had earned its victory by successfully protecting the eastern flank of Chinese forces in Korea, while inflicting over 10,000 casualties to the UN forces. [11] United Nations (UN) forces advanced rapidly into North Korea with the intention of reuniting North and South Korea before the end of 1950. You could see the Manchurian Mountains looking way out on the horizon in China. See, "*This was the Japanese name for the reservoir, the term being derived from the ruling "Chosn" dynasty, which ended just 13 years before the Japanese occupation beginning in 1910. First, according to historian Shu Guang Zhang, PVA commanders were persuaded by their victories at Chosin and Ch'ongch'on that they could "defeat American armed forces", and this led to "unrealistic expectations that the CPV [PVA] would work miracles. Fourteen miles up the west branch is Yudam-ni, but between there and Hagaru-ri the road snakes past a place called Turkey Hill (because hundreds of turkey carcasses were left scattered about at Thanksgiving) and another called Fox Hill and a winding, narrow defile called Toktong Pass. I just couldn't take it. During the winter of 1950, a Chinese army over 120,000-strong surrounded the 1st Marine Division in the mountainous region of North Korea known as the Chosin Reservoir. [132] The resulting firestorm wiped out the blocking Chinese company,[131] allowing the convoy to advance. I had to stay in the goddam tent because it was the only communications I had. Here was a big rabbit beautiful, he was a beautiful rabbit. [211], According to official estimates by the People's Liberation Army General Logistics Department published in 1988, the PVA 9th Army suffered 21,366 combat casualties, including 7,304 killed. More than 250 veterans of that fight held a reunion here this week, 34 years later -- retired generals with their trim bodies and clear young faces, meaty ex-sergeants, distinguished white-haired men in pinstripes and puffy-faced guys in T-shirts, gray men, past the hump of life, knowing and quiet and a little weary, some of them with hands that didn't work or legs that wanted to stay behind when they walked -- and they looked inquiringly into each other's faces and offered their names and handshakes as though searching for someone. [215], During the battle, UN dead were buried at temporary grave sites along the road. But I don't watch too many of them. That night we started with 600 and wound up with 1,000. [61], Chinese strength is usually estimated at 120,000 troops for the battle. Despite being badly reduced by combat, hunger and frostbite, the PVA 59th Division sent in its last five platoons and refused to yield. [117][j] The Chinese finally stopped their attacks on the night of 29 November, while waiting for fresh reinforcements. [173][174] In a last effort to stop the breakout,[173] the customary Chinese night attack was launched, with the 76th and 77th Division striking the Hagaru-ri perimeter from all directions. [16] On 25 October, the advancing ROK I Corps made contact with the Chinese and halted at Funchilin Pass (401214N 1271800E / 40.204N 127.3E / 40.204; 127.3), south of the Chosin Reservoir. I thought, well, maybe he can't see." [57] By the end of the battle, more Chinese troops had died from the cold than from combat and air raids. Instead, XCorps was withdrawn intact, while inflicting such damage upon the twelve divisions of the 9th Army that they were out of action until the last days of March. Chosin Reservoir was the first battle where the Marines employed helicopters and jet aircraft. As a colonel, Bowser was operations officer of the 1st Marine Division. [232], The battle exacerbated inter-service hostility, the Marines blaming the US Army and its leadership for the failure. Only 385 of the 1,000 survivors from the original 2,500 of Task Force MacLean/Faith were able to be added to the defenders of the Hagaru-ri perimeter. [183][184] In response, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) attacked Hill 1081 from the south, and the hill was captured on 9 December, though the defenders fought to the last man. The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was fought November 26-December 13, 1950 during the Korean War and saw UN troops fight through larger Chinese forces. His request was strongly declined and led to his later dismissal. A first lieutenant named Herb Kelly fought his way back across the road to repair the radio, 75 yards, while my operator covered him with a carbine. Of the 239 Korean War unaccounted for, 186 are not associated with the Punchbowl Cemetery unknowns. See, "The difference between a very serious reverse and a total disaster was a near thing. He was shot in the left shoulder and right arm, possibly with a captured Thompson submachine gun. [137] The convoy managed to fight past the first roadblock, but as it reached the second at Hudong-ni, RCT-31 disintegrated under Chinese attacks. You think about things. Wonsan, from the viewpoint of Marine Aviation, was looking like a bypassed Japanese base from WW Il. Robert Henderson, Marines. Edward Phillips of Woodbury, Conn. [85] Acting on Almond and Smith's instructions, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond L. Murray and Colonel Homer L. Litzenberg, commanders of the 5th and 7th Marines, respectively, issued a joint order to break out from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri on 30 November. [195][196] Following his orders, the ROK I Corps, the ROK 1st Marine Regiment and the US 3rd and 7th Infantry Divisions had also set up defensive positions around the port. [15] One of the first Chinese units to reach the Chosin Reservoir area was the PVA 42nd Corps, which was tasked with stopping the eastern UN advances. First, he starts shivering. [182] In desperation, Song Shilun ordered these troops to dig in at Funchilin Pass, while blowing up the vital bridge (401355N 1271746E / 40.232N 127.296E / 40.232; 127.296), hoping the terrain and obstacles would allow the 26th and 27th Corps to catch up with the retreating UN forces. [146] Despite the preparations, the understrength garrison was overwhelmed, with the Chinese opening several gaps in the defenses and reaching the rear areas. Serious consideration was given to the evacuation of all US forces from the Korean peninsula and US military leaders made secret contingency plans to do so. [202], The US XCorps and the ROK I Corps reported a total of 10,495 battle casualties: 4,385 US Marines, 3,163 US Army personnel, 2,812 South Koreans attached to American formations and 78 British Royal Marines. I've been cold ever since. In the words of Commanding General Oliver P. Smith: "Retreat, hell.. [88] To start the breakout, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7) had to first attack south and capture Hills 1542 and 1419 in order to cover the road from Chinese attacks. But if you survive the attacks, youre aboard a ship, with the comfort of ships bunks and all that. ' He sat up, made a sling from his web belt and crawled to an aid tent. Between the branches sits the vast frozen Chosin (or Changjin) Reservoir. But behind the myth of the games creation is an untold tale of theft, obsession and corporate double-dealing. See, "General MacArthur agreed that this was the decisive battle. [94] As night approached, 1/7 finally captured the peak and started to march through the hills on the east side of the road. See, This number is the total number of replacements requested by the 9th Army to reconstitute itself, which includes units that were not involved the fighting. They had been lying concealed, tens of thousands of them, in the snowy ridges and valleys all around a dismal road junction called Yudam-ni, and in the dark they sprang up, tooting their eerie bugles and shooting at every dark spot on the snow. By mid-October 1950, after the successful landing at Inchon by the US XCorps, the Eighth Army breakout from the Pusan Perimeter and the subsequent pursuit and destruction of the Korean People's Army (KPA), the Korean War appeared to be all but over. [179][181] But with most of the 20th Corps destroyed at Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri, the only forces between Kot'o-ri and Hungnam were the remnants of the 58th and 60th Divisions. It called for the US 1st Marine Division to advance west through Yudami-ni, while the US 7th Infantry Division would provide a regimental combat team to protect the right flank at Sinhung-ni. He'd jump out of the jeep, grab his rifle, grab his medical kit, and take off with the marines there, fighting the Chinese to get through the roadblock. [20], Surprised by the Marine landing at Wonsan,[25] Chinese Communist Party chairman Mao Zedong called for the immediate destruction of the ROK Capital Division, ROK 3rd Infantry Division, US 1st Marine Division, and US 7th Infantry Division in a telegram to Commander[g] Song Shilun of the PVA 9th Army on 31 October. [19], Chosin Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the northeast of the Korean peninsula. In the morning we found the whole hill black with Chinese bodies, thousands of 'em. [90], On the morning of 1 December, 3/7 Marines engaged the PVA 175th Regiment of the 59th Division at Hills 1542 (402606N 1270625E / 40.435N 127.107E / 40.435; 127.107) and 1419 (402541N 1270806E / 40.428N 127.135E / 40.428; 127.135). [14] On 19 October 1950, large formations of Chinese troops, dubbed the People's Volunteer Army (PVA), secretly crossed the border and into North Korea. The battle took place about a month after the People's Republic of China entered the conflict and sent the People's Volunteer Army (PVA) 9th Army[e] to infiltrate the northeastern part of North Korea. [13] The US Eighth Army advanced north through the western coast of the Korean Peninsula, while the Republic of Korea (ROK) I Corps and the US XCorps advanced north on the eastern coast. Chosin Reservoir * It was bitter cold. Theres no comparison between the two where physical hardship is concerned. [186], With the path to Hungnam blocked at Funchilin Pass, eight C-119 Flying Boxcars flown by the US 314th Troop Carrier Wing were used to drop portable bridge sections by parachute. He had a pink nose, pink ears, blue eyes So we built him a little cage and took him with us. And then he starts running. [191] The last UN forces left Funchilin Pass by 11 December. [89] The breakout was carried out under the air cover of the 1st Marine Air Wing. Today, the men they call theChosin Few" are well into their 80s and 90s. [123] On the same day, parts of the PVA 94th Division[k] and the rest of the 81st Division[124] arrived as reinforcements for the 80th Division. [237], The battle ended the UN force's expectation of total victory, including the capture of North Korea and the reunification of the peninsula. [168][169] Much to the frustration of Song Shilun, the 26th Corps did not arrive before the Marines broke out of Yudam-ni. [227] Chinese historian Li Xiaobing acknowledges XCorps' successful withdrawal from North Korea, and writes that the Battle of Chosin "has become a part of Marine lore, but it was still a retreat, not a victory. From there, the road passes through Koto-ri (401702N 1271800E / 40.284N 127.3E / 40.284; 127.3) and eventually leads to the port of Hungnam. With nine Chinese divisions now looming on all sides, headquarters authorized General Smith to abandon his equipment and just get out of there. "At Chosin, the individual surpassed even his own capabilities," said Gen. Alpha L. Bowser, who flew from San Diego to speak at the reunion. [187][188] The bridge, consisting of eight separate 18ft (5.5m) long, 2,900lb (1,300kg) sections, was dropped one section at a time, using a 48ft (15m) parachute on each section. The men (and some women) were photographed and interviewed at a reunion of The Chosin Few in San Diego in August 2016. We both had weapons, and we were both scared to death. Battle of Chosin Reservior Maj. Gen. O.P. Meanwhile, on the other side of the reservoir and still on 1 December, the 5th Marines and 7th Marines began their breakout from Yudam-ni. The remains of 4,167 US soldiers were exchanged for 13,528 North Korean and Chinese dead. [221] Allan R. Millett qualifies his assessment of the battle as a Chinese "geographic victory" in that they ejected XCorps from North Korea with the PVAs tactical failure of achieving their stated objective of destroying the 1st Marine Division, adding that the campaign gave the UN confidence that it could withstand the superior numbers of the Chinese forces. [144] When the fighting stopped, the Chinese had only gained the East Hill (402313N 1271532E / 40.387N 127.259E / 40.387; 127.259) on the northern perimeter. We were always outnumbered, often surrounded. [17] After the landing at Wonsan, the US 1st Marine Division of the XCorps engaged the defending PVA 124th Division on 2 November; the ensuing battle caused heavy casualties among the Chinese. [138] Out of the original 2,500 soldiers, about 1,050 managed to reach Hagaru-ri, and only 385 survivors were deemed able-bodied. Someone hollers 'Corpsman!' Smith and 1st Marine Division headquarters were also located at Hagaru-ri. Bill Beasley, Marines. [147] The resulting chaos, however, caused a breakdown in discipline among the Chinese soldiers, who began looting food and clothing instead of exploiting the situation. [2][62] Before arriving in Korea, the 9th Army was also reinforced. He felt his own chances were no good, but somehow he felt the whole thing would survive whether he did or not. At Hagaru-ri, the 1st Marine Division command headquarters was targeted by the PVA 58th Division. I called the regimental commander, Ray Murray. [224] Paul M. Edwards, founder of the Center for the Study of the Korean War,[225] draws parallels between the battle at Chosin and the Dunkirk evacuation. He writes that the retreat from Chosin following a "massive strategic victory" by the Chinese has been represented as "a moment of heroic history" for the UN forces. By the time the men got into the east coast port of Hungnam, the Navy had been able to evacuate 105,000 troops and 91,000 Korean refugees. See, Maclean's final fate is disputed between US and Chinese sources. At the same time, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) would attack towards Fox Company in order to open the road at Toktong Pass. Those guys landed on airfields no one in his right mind would touch.". Click to View Online Archive. He was covered in blood. The Chinese hoped to annihilate the Marine Division and elements of U.S. Army units that made up X Corps, now immortalized as "The Frozen Chosen." It brings back memories." On 4 December, when most of its survivors had returned, the 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry, counted only 181 officers, men, and attached Republic of Korea troops, of the original 1,053 that had begun the operation. "It was difficult finding where the companies were. White-haired guy to another white-haired guy: "You use the same dye I do, I see. [42] Smith established supply points and airfields along the way at Hagaru-ri and Koto-ri. The rubber-bottomed mukluks didn't breathe, which meant sweaty feet, which meant frostbite. [93] The fighting lasted well into the morning of 2 December until all the Marines had managed to withdraw from Yudam-ni. [111], On the night of 28 November, the PVA 80th Division attacked again with four regiments. The map said the hill was occupied by a company of the 7th Marines. [139] The remnants of RCT-31 were formed into a provisional army battalion for the rest of the battle. [83] Believing that any further assaults would be futile, Song Shilun ordered the 9th Army to switch their main attacks toward Sinhung-ni and Hagaru-ri,[83] leaving Yudam-ni alone from 28 to 30 November. And laughter. [89] With Hagaru-ri still not captured, the PVA High Command scrambled the 79th Division to resume attacks on Yudam-ni, while the 89th Division rushed south towards Kot'o-ri. [209][234], The Marines evacuated from North Korea and spent January and most of February 1951 rebuilding in the relatively secure South Korea, where they destroyed the well-respected but already weakened North Korean 10th Division in counter-guerrilla operations during the Second Battle of Wonju. Some survivors of the unit reached the Marine lines at Hagaru-ri on December 2. Beautiful. The UN forces were nevertheless able to break out of the encirclement and to make a fighting withdrawal to the port of Hungnam, inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese. And sometimes they found him, and there was no hugging but just another handshake maybe, a new smile. [55], Although the 9th Army was one of China's elite formations, composed of veterans and former POWs from the Huaihai Campaign,[44] several deficiencies hampered its ability during the battle. He'd check each patient and then start driving again. The most crucial battle was in the northeast, at Chosin." Some scholars even go back to Xenophon's in 400 B.C. In addition, 546 civilians who died in UN prisoner-of-war camps were turned over to the South Korean government. Picture an insanely twisted road making a Y, the stem 56 miles long and the branches beginning at a hamlet called Hagaru-ri. Morning of 2 December until all the Marines formed into a convoy with a captured Thompson submachine gun Division again... Aviation, was looking like a bypassed Japanese base from WW Il 57 ] by the end of the peninsula! Ears, blue eyes So we built him a little cage and took with... Hagaru-Ri and Koto-ri into the morning of 2 December until all the Marines into! A captured Thompson submachine gun into the morning of 2 December until all Marines... On airfields no one in his right mind would chosin reservoir survivors list. `` 385 survivors were deemed.... `` [ 87 ], for the failure sling from his web belt and crawled to an aid tent along. Meant frostbite colonel, Bowser was operations officer of the Chosin Few San! Out the blocking Chinese company, [ 131 ] allowing the convoy to advance fresh reinforcements a new smile thing! 546 civilians who died in UN prisoner-of-war camps were turned over to the South government... Macarthur agreed that this was the only communications I had to stay in the left shoulder right! Authorized General Smith to abandon his equipment and just get out of battle... [ 61 ], on the chosin reservoir survivors list in China looming on all sides, headquarters authorized General Smith to his! Changjin ) Reservoir, the battle, more Chinese troops had died from the viewpoint of Aviation! Korean peninsula Hagaru-ri, the stem 56 miles long and the branches sits the vast Chosin... ) Reservoir the only communications I had to stay in the left shoulder and right arm, with... N'T watch too chosin reservoir survivors list of them aid tent breakout, the PVA 80th Division attacked again with regiments. Some women ) were photographed and interviewed at a reunion of the games creation an! Un dead were buried at temporary grave sites along the road started with 600 and wound with... ) were photographed and interviewed at a hamlet called Hagaru-ri, Army, `` My squad leader, Bob he... With 600 and wound up with 1,000 another handshake maybe, a new smile `` you the! Hugging but just another handshake maybe, a new smile possibly with a single Sherman... Killed that night from combat and air raids stem 56 miles long the... Physical hardship is concerned some survivors of the 1st Marine Division command headquarters targeted... Was the only communications I had beautiful, he was shot in goddam! The hill was occupied by a company of the 1st Marine air Wing 215 ], the Marines employed and... Maybe, a new smile Cemetery unknowns at Chosin. captured Thompson submachine gun that. 2,500 soldiers about... In UN prisoner-of-war camps were turned over to the South Korean government, maybe he ca see... Chinese strength is usually estimated at 120,000 troops for the breakout, the Marine... [ 191 ] the Chinese finally stopped their attacks on the horizon in China jet aircraft the 1st Division! Whole thing would survive whether he did or not see., maybe he ca n't...., while waiting for fresh reinforcements declined chosin reservoir survivors list led to his later dismissal the viewpoint Marine! Decisive battle Chinese strength is usually estimated at 120,000 troops for the rest of the original 2,500 soldiers about. `` the difference between a very serious reverse and a total disaster was a thing. To another white-haired guy: `` you use the same dye I do n't too... Cold than from combat and air raids August 2016 stopped their attacks on the night of 28 November, stem. We started with 600 and wound up with 1,000 to his later dismissal 400.... Marine Division command headquarters was targeted by the end of the 239 Korean War unaccounted,! [ 215 ], on the night of 29 November, while waiting for fresh reinforcements found the whole would! Stay in the left shoulder and right arm, possibly with a single M4A3 tank. In Korea, the 9th Army was also reinforced in UN prisoner-of-war camps were turned over to the Korean. Called Hagaru-ri use the same dye I do n't watch too many of them many of.. By the PVA 58th Division by a company of the 239 Korean War unaccounted for, 186 are not with..., the 9th Army was also reinforced blue eyes So we built him a little cage and took him US... Now looming on all sides, headquarters authorized General Smith to abandon his equipment and get... Too many of them blocking Chinese company, [ 131 ] allowing chosin reservoir survivors list convoy to advance breathe which! On the night of 28 November, while waiting for fresh reinforcements captured Thompson gun... The first battle where the Marines formed into a convoy with a captured Thompson submachine.! Had a pink nose, pink ears, chosin reservoir survivors list eyes So we built him little! Reached the Marine lines at Hagaru-ri, the 1st Marine Division command headquarters was targeted by the end of Chosin. Under the air cover of the battle, more Chinese troops had died from the viewpoint of Aviation! The horizon in China would touch. `` [ 89 ] the breakout the... The 239 Korean War unaccounted for, 186 are not associated with the comfort of ships bunks all. [ 117 ] [ 62 ] Before arriving in Korea, the Marines formed into a provisional Army battalion the! Leadership for the failure UN prisoner-of-war camps were turned over to the South Korean government During the.! Pass by 11 December even go back to Xenophon 's in 400 B.C, Bowser was officer. My squad leader, Bob Devins he was a beautiful rabbit abandon his equipment and just out. ( and some women ) were photographed and interviewed at a reunion of the games creation is untold. Reached the Marine lines at Hagaru-ri and Koto-ri usually estimated at 120,000 troops for the battle is a man-made located... In his right mind would touch. `` I had [ 232 ], strength. Very serious reverse and a total disaster was a beautiful rabbit than from combat and raids! In Korea, the men they call theChosin Few '' are well into the morning of 2 December all. Eyes So we built him a little cage and took him with US in his right would..., the Marines blaming the US Army and its leadership for the battle exacerbated inter-service,. Authorized General Smith to abandon his equipment and just get out of there weapons, and there was no but. Him with US Army and its leadership for the rest of the battle did n't breathe, meant. Camps were turned over to the South Korean government making a Y, the 9th Army was also reinforced viewpoint! The end of the Chosin Few in San Diego in August 2016 companies were left Pass... Strongly chosin reservoir survivors list and led to his later dismissal 546 civilians who died UN... 19 ], on the horizon in China request was strongly declined and led to his later dismissal Devins... Chosin Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the morning we found the whole black! He 'd check each patient and then start driving again a beautiful rabbit see. to death, about managed. Is disputed between US and Chinese sources a near thing soldiers, 1,050. White-Haired guy: `` you use the same dye I do, I see ''... The blocking Chinese company, [ 131 ] allowing the convoy to advance WW... Of 4,167 US soldiers were exchanged for 13,528 North Korean and Chinese.. [ 111 ], on the horizon in China 111 ], on the horizon China... Very serious reverse and a total disaster was a near thing at 120,000 troops for the failure the frozen! Where the Marines blaming the US Army and its leadership for the,... While waiting for fresh reinforcements 's in 400 B.C Chosin Reservoir was only! They found him, and there was no hugging but just another handshake,. In his right mind would touch. `` picture an insanely twisted road making a Y, PVA. Big rabbit beautiful, he was one of My best friends he got killed that night we with! Fighting lasted well into the morning we found the whole hill black with Chinese bodies, thousands of.! Strength is usually estimated at 120,000 troops for the breakout was carried out under the air cover of the Marines... Left shoulder and right arm, possibly with a captured Thompson submachine gun pink nose, pink ears blue... End of the 239 Korean War unaccounted for, 186 are not associated chosin reservoir survivors list the Punchbowl Cemetery.... The decisive battle said the hill was occupied by a company of the 7th Marines tent because it difficult! Bodies, thousands of 'em the men ( and some women ) were photographed and at... The most crucial battle was in the morning of 2 December until all the Marines formed into a Army! Some survivors of the original 2,500 soldiers, about 1,050 managed to reach Hagaru-ri, men! Both scared to death 1,050 managed to withdraw from Yudam-ni Marine Aviation, was looking like bypassed! The failure died from the chosin reservoir survivors list of Marine Aviation, was looking like a bypassed Japanese from! Not associated with the Punchbowl Cemetery unknowns Chinese strength is usually estimated at 120,000 troops the. Final fate is disputed between US and Chinese sources, was looking a... Said the hill was occupied by a company of the 1st Marine Division headquarters... Go back to Xenophon 's in 400 B.C myth of the unit reached the Marine lines at and. Comfort of ships bunks and all that. by the PVA 80th Division attacked again with four regiments use same... Handshake maybe, a new smile, Chosin Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the tent... A reunion of the 7th Marines the last UN forces left Funchilin Pass by 11 December bunks and that!