Koto-ri
Breakout
On 11/27/50, with 5th and 7th Marines
attacking West from Yudam-ni on orders to close on
Eighth Army and protect their flank, about 100,000
Chinese ambushed the entire 1st Marine Division at the
Chosin Reservoir. Since Eighth Army
was already in headlong flight south, the Marines were
finally ordered to fall back on Hungnam, and after
bitter fighting both regiments reached Hagaru-ri
12/3/50, where they re-grouped and fought through to
Koto-ri to join most of the Division. The division
fought out from Koto-ri 12/8/50, fought through the
last Chinese ambush forces in Fuchilin Pass, and
reached the port of Hungnam on 12/11, whence they were
evacuated by 12/15.
1stMarDiv Koto-ri Breakout , 12/8/50, Main Supply Road
(MSR), the way to Hungnam and safety
Troops at left mount out for their turn at the point
China ambushed the Marines in the
Chosin Reservoir. Ten Divisions, about 100,000 veteran
foot-soldiers against about 7,000 Marines and the 7th
Division 31st RCT. 31RCT was virtually destroyed, and
the Marines casualties were heavy, but most fought
their way out in a series of savege tactical victories
amidst overwhelming strategic defeat, joined up at
Hagaru, and fought down through Koto-ri to eventual
safety and evacuation at Hungnam.
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
|
