Col. Allan D. MacLean commanded the
31st Infantry Regiment. MacLean took command of all
units on the East coast of the Chosin Reservoir, thus
relieving the 5th Marines which rejoined 1stMarDiv in
their drive to cross the Taebecks. He brought with him
his own 3d Battalion, his Heavy Mortar Company, his
Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, a detachment
of medical personnel, and the 57th Field Artillery
Battalion.
Lt.Col. Don C. Faith commanded the 1st
Battalion, 32d Infantry. 1st Battalion had the most
northern positions which were attacked by the PLA 80th
Division, which had come expecting to destroy an entire
Marine Regiment. The initial Chinese attacks forced 1st
Btn to withdraw and try to join MacLean's main
force, after heavy fighting. When Col. MacLean was
wounded and captured, Col. Faith took command of all
Army units, hence the name Task Force Faith.
