Daily Vignette for 26 November -- the Chosin Reservoir

[wcg]

On November 26th 1950, troops from the People's Republic of China launched a massive counterattack in North Korea against South Korean and United Nations forces that had crossed north of the 38th parallel, precipating the battle of the Ch'ongch'on River and the battle of Chosin Reservoir, ending any hopes of a quick end to the conflict

Comments

[emschin]

I seem to remember something about that. I was still in high school but old enough to be scared of what was happening--and that kept me following things.

[tsjafo]

My father was there. He was with the 7th Infantry to the east of the reservoir. While the Marines fighting withdrawal is famous, the Army's experience was less. In the end some broke under fire and ran. The survivors joined up with the Marines south of the reservoir and made their way south to the evacuation point at Hungnam. My father's description of total confusion and lack of leadership (most of the leaders had been killed in the fighting) still gives me nightmares. He always gave the Marines credit for their fighting withdrawal from the reservoir for getting him out alive.

[browngirl]

Wow. Picture me listening raptly, because that's what I'm doing. :)

[tsjafo]

My father's tale was not complete and was told piece at a time over the years. He didn't talk to many folks about his wartime experiences, par for the course for most veterans

[jhetley]

I don't know about blaming the Intelligence Chief -- I served under a Master Sergeant who was there, and he blamed Mac. He said MacArthur *knew* the Chinese were there, and thought they wouldn't fight.

[wcg]

Really? MacArthur said otherwise in his after action report. He blamed his G2.

[jhetley]

I don't know. MSgt. Wall may have been indulging in Old Soldier's Memories, himself -- he was ready for "Thirty and out" at the time. But all accounts I've heard/read of MacArthur include a massive ego and willingness to fudge the facts in aid of that ego . . .

On the other hand, Sgt. Wall had served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam by the time I served under him. NCOIC in our section. I give him a certain level of credence.

[wcg]

Far be it from me to come to the defense of Dugout Doug, but I'd want some sort of confirmation that he had direct knowledge the Chinese were there. If he did, he was even crazier than I thought.

That said, I share your bias toward MSgt Wall. Old soldiers get to be that way by knowing what the heck they're doing, and being good at it.