During the Jangjin (Chosin) Reservoir Battle from 27 November 1950 to 10 December 1950, United Nations forces fought a critical campaign against Chinese forces around east of Jangjin (Chosin), Yudam-Ni, Toktong Pass, Hagaru-Ri, Koto-Ri, and Hwangch’o-Ryong (Funchilin Pass), with air support in severe weather and determined ground resistance proving decisive. Chinese leaders sought to destroy the 1st Marine Division, elements of the 7th U.S. Army Division, and 41 independent commando, British Royal Marines, believing that would cause the United Nations to abandon Korea. East of Jangjin (Chosin), units of the 31st Regimental Combat Team were attacked by an estimated 20,000 Chinese, and after their regimental commander was killed, LTC Don Faith reorganized the force as Task Force Faith for a breakout toward Hagaru-Ri, but the convoy was destroyed and about 900 survivors escaped across the frozen reservoir. At Yudam-Ni, the 5th and 7th Marines were surrounded and attacked by nearly four Chinese divisions before fighting their way south to Hagaru-Ri. At Toktong Pass, Fox Company held Fox Hill despite repeated attacks and heavy casualties, and the mistaken air drop of Tootsie Rolls became a notable episode. At Hagaru-Ri, Major General O.P. Smith ordered an airstrip built under fire and in sub-zero temperatures, enabling evacuation of more than 4,000 casualties and delivery of replacements and supplies, while fighting for East Hill was central to the defense and breakout. On 29 November 1950, Task Force Drysdale fought from Koto-Ri toward Hagaru-Ri through what became known as Hell Fire Valley, where Chinese attacks split the convoy and caused heavy losses, though part of the force reached Hagaru-Ri in time to reinforce its defenses. At Koto-Ri, surrounded U.N. units prepared for the breakout to the sea, and after clear weather returned, fighter planes covered the operation and air-dropped bridge sections that allowed movement through Hwangch’o-Ryong (Funchilin Pass), where a destroyed bridge over a deep gorge had threatened the entire withdrawal. The campaign ended with 105,000 military personnel and 98,000 North Korean refugees evacuated to South Korea, and seventeen Medals of Honor were earned during the battle.

Photo: Devry Becker Jones

Photo: Devry Becker Jones

Photo: Devry Becker Jones

Photo: Devry Becker Jones

Photo: Devry Becker Jones