The overwhelming attack by four CCF
Divisions and two NK Divisions against numerically
inferior and widely spread forces of the ROK 8th
and 3rd Divisions quickly broke down their
resistance. This exposed the left flank of X Corps
and permitted the communists to advance rapidly and
cut off the MSR, blocking the only route of
withdrawal for the tanks, artillery and motorised
elements caught north and west of Hoengsong.
Equipment losses included 28 105mm
howitzers, 6 155mm howitzers, 6 tanks, 1200
crew-served weapons and more.
The rapidly advancing Chinese
troops were stopped by the 23rd Regimental Combat
Team (23d Infantry, French battalion, 1st Ranger
Company, 37th FAB, supported by the British 27th
Brigade and Task Force Crombez) at Chipyong-ni.
After being stopped, the CCF did
not immediately press their attack, and Eighth Army
withdrew to strong defensive positions along the
Wonju line where they completed
consolidation. General Ridgeway called this
sequence of violence, setback, resolute defense and
regrouping the turning point of the war.
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