This 351' peak dominated the
other major assault beaches, Red Beach to the
North and Blue Beach to the South, which was why
the capture of Wolmi-Do was the key to the entire
Inchon invasion.
This sandbagged gun pit was dug
into rear of a slit trench. Table, bench and
other items show how completely the sudden
bombardment and assault came, for the
defenders.
3/5's assault companies G and
H, landed by LCVPs from the APDs (Attack
Transports), quickly overwhelmed most of the
North Korean defenders. But not all. Once the
remnants partly recovered, they showered grenades
down on I Company, 3/5's reserves, who came
in the 3rd Wave and were mopping up in
support.
Unfortunately for the NK,
Comstock (LSD 19) and Fort Marion (LSD 22) had
also landed 6-M26 tanks and this flame thrower
team, and they killed all NK who would not
clearly surrender.
On this day Wolmi-do, with its
200-yard "beach" of sand and rocks, its
low-revetment and supporting ridge, its
dominating peak and stubborn defenders fell.
Seoul was 25 miles further inland. Ten bloody
days of fighting remained before MacArthur would
claim the capitol as again free. Seoul changed
hands two times again during the next several
months.
But thanks to men like this
Marine, Seoul is still free today.