Korean War (1 Viewer)

[Leadmen]

With all the news about North Korea lately made me think about the Korean War. In particular the battle of the Chosin Reservoir, when the 1st Marine Division and 7th Infantry Div. were attacked by Chinese armies.
The leaders in Washington and the Generals there were complaining why it is taking the first Marine Div. so long to get to the Yellow River which borders China. Commanding General O.P. Smith of the Marine Division realized that they were on one mountain road up to the reservoir and used caution to keep his Division prepared. The fact that Chinese were captured by Marine patrols sent up a warning flag. Despite being proded by Washington to hurry up he established three points along the route for supplies and strongpoints. The 1st marines at one point, 5th and 7th Marines at the other small towns.
When the Chinese attacked with great numbers in 25 below zero weather they routed the 7th Infantry on the opposite side of the reservoir. Some survivors made it across the reservoir to the Marine positions. People started to write the 1 MarDiv. off saying the situation is hopeless. General Smith says " He is now going to attack in a different direction back down the passes to the sea." Col. Ray Davis led his 1st Marines over the high mountain passes attacking the Chinese and covering the division below which started towards the sea. Marine air was a big help with cold clear skies and protected the column.
Col. Chesty Puller and Col. Litzenburg helped hold off the Chinese attacks at many points where their route was cut off. Col. Puller and Litzenburg had the 5 and 7 Marines. The Div. buried any dead by blasting the frozen ground. The whole Div. walked out with all their wounded and most of their equiptment. The 1st Marine Division survived do to excellent combat leaders. I knew many fellow Marines at the time who marched out of the Chosin Reservoir. Some have frostbite damage forever. Just thought I would not let Korea become the " Forgotten War". John

 

[jazzeum]

John,

Were you there?

 

[Leadmen]

John,

Were you there?

No Brad: I went in a couple of years later but many of the Sgts. and corporals including my company commander were all there. I heard many first hand accounts. Also, our Captain lost half his platoon at the time because they were called up and not in best physical shape at the time. Many reserves and WWll veterans were called up. He became a physical fitness nut after that and gave us two hours a day of excersize and either a short four mile run at a fast pace or longer run at slower pace every day. Leadmen Without reserves the Marines did not have enough people to fill the call up. Many were from the south and it was almost like Generals Lee's Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War.

 

[maddadicus]

A sad little known fact. Many of the Korean War vet's records were never backed up and were lost in a major Federal warehouse fire some years ago. My father served in Korea, and since he died, I have been loosing the battle to reconstruct his war record......It has been too easy for many of us to forget our nation's battles past.....I cannot let this one go. Thanks for reminding me. Michael

 

[Chuck Harris]

A sad little known fact. Many of the Korean War vet's records were never backed up and were lost in a major Federal warehouse fire some years ago. My father served in Korea, and since he died, I have been loosing the battle to reconstruct his war record......It has been too easy for many of us to forget our nation's battles past.....I cannot let this one go. Thanks for reminding me. Michael

Alot of WWII records were lost in that fire. I think that was in St. Louis, Mo.
Check with the VFW, American Legion & DAV in the area he was from and would have gone back to. Local chapter members may be able to help you.

Good luck

 

[panda1gen]

Have you read Max Hastings book the Korean War, good read.

 

[Blowtorch]

Maybe you already know this, but the US Army's official histories & vol. 5 of the USMC official history of the Korean War are online:

http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/reference/Korea/kw-remem.htm

http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/HISTORICAL?openview&count=5000&start=1

Talk about forgotten war...somebody forgot to put other four USMC volumes on line!

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi,

If you know what unit he was with and what his branch was ie Infantry Armor Medical etc. You might be able to find the units history site which are usually full of links for vets. You can also check with NARA and see if they have any records.

Best of Luck

Dave