After the protracted retreat from
the Chongchon River, the longest in US history, the
CCF appeared to have lost a lot of strength and to
lack adequate logistical support. General Ridgway
began preparing a general counter-attack to the Han
and thence to Seoul and the 38th Parallel,
First, however, he needed some idea
of Chinese forces below the Han River. He also
wanted to inflict as many casualties as possible on
the CCF while sustaining as few as possible UN
casualties, so as to make the CCF hesitate if they
did intend an immediate further advance south, to
ensure that Eighth Army could stage for the
counter-attack without interference.
These were the objectives of
Operation Thunderbolt.

Causes of the Korean Tragedy ... Failure of Leadership, Intelligence and Preparation
The Foundations of Freedom are the Courage of Ordinary People and Quality of our Arms
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