Salute to Cass, Trip Wire and all Korean War Vets

[Silverbullet]

Tomorrow, 25 June, is the anniversary of the day the North moved south.

We as a nation don't do much for those that served, in combat, during this conflict.

My hat is off to all who served there.

A special salute to Cass and Trip Wire for their service.

Semper Fi

[Spinner]

I'll second that salute.

South Korea is a success story, and it didn't happen overnight. And what transpired between 1950 and 1953 is responsible in no small measure for that success.

[mdb23]

Cass,

It is an honor to be on this board with you. Thanks for all that you have done for our country.

[OldSwabbie]

Thank You Cass for your Service.

OldSwabbie

[CV]

Like others have said, it is an honor and a privilege. Can you give us a quick story?

[ccorgr175]

Indeed.

(Salute).



2%

[Parajuevos]

Salute to you Cass and to all of the other Veterans of the Korean War.

You guys got neglected for a long time but hopefully will get the recognition that you deserve for fighting a very tough war.

[SOTB]

Salud caballeros....

[9533]

If any of you guys ever get to Ft. Pierce Florida stop into the UDT-SEAL Museum. Cass is prominently displayed on a brass plaque, on the wall next to the reception desk, for his service in the Teams during Korea. Also one of the volunteer tour guides is a 50s Frog..Nice man..Very knowledgeable.
9533
Good Day!
Thanks Cass..for both careers of dedicated service!

[Cass]

I thank all for their recognition of my Korean Service. Feel good, but I was not over there alone.


Silver Bullet
A Korean War story.

During a harsh Korean Winter my crew was laying in (in a small Personnel Boat, immediate to shore) when I looked up and saw what seemed to be a road with a huge, I mean Big, caterpillar wiggling its was down a road toward us; going from North to South. As it neared I was able to recognize it as a Company sized group of U.S. Marines. Initially I could not easily identify them because they were wrapped in every rag, blanket, and scrap of whatever to keep themselves warm as they were coming off the line. That, to me, was American kids acting like what they were, U.S. Marines.

Yes....SEMPER FI

[Mav]

God bless, and thank you for your service and dedication to our Country. :)

[Gypsy]

To all our Korean War Vets...we will not forget your sacrifices. Thanks, Dad...


Here's a picture of my nephew taken at the Korean War Memorial.

[Ole crusty bastard]

I remember that it was the WWII and Korean vets that were my mentors. I know that Korea is called the forgotten war, but in my day, those vets were not looking for a parade, praise or recognition. They were the backbone of the fighting men that served in Viet Nam. Cass, and whoever else that has served before me, I sincerely salute you, as you are what the American fighting spirit is all about.

[Parajuevos]

To all our Korean War Vets...we will not forget your sacrifices. Thanks, Dad...


Here's a picture of my nephew taken at the Korean War Memorial.

That's priceless, Gypsy.

[regular.joe]

I for one am keenly aware, no matter what my experience deployed in the last 5 years, we in our day have not experienced squat compared to our Korean War veterans. Thank you for your service. We do indeed stand upon very broad shoulders. God willing, if we ever meet with the same scope and scale of conflict we will measure up to the examples you have set. Again, thank you.

[ReconB2]

Thank you for your service-
Semper Fi

B2

[Trip_Wire]

Tomorrow, 25 June, is the anniversary of the day the North moved south.

We as a nation don't do much for those that served, in combat, during this conflict.

My hat is off to all who served there.

A special salute to Cass for his service.

Semper Fi

As a Korean War Veteran I say, Thanks SilverBullet and all the other here!

Note: Was this for all Korean War Vets or just Cass?

Korean War Overview:

http://www.korean-war.com/TimeLine/KoreanWarOverview.html

I'll be attending a Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, 26 July at 11 AM to remember the ceasefire agreement signed at Panmunjom on 27 July 1953.

The Ceremony will take place at the Korea War Memorial, on the Capitol Grounds in Olympia Washington. The local chapter of the Chosin Few (Marines & Army 7th ID) sponsor this ceremony annually.

Army at Chosin:

http://31rct.tripod.com/

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/chosin/

Korean War Memorial in Washington State:

http://www.koreanwar-educator.org/memorials/wa/index.htm

[Ace]

Cass and TripWire (No slight intended, just poor SA on my part)

After re-writing and deleting this post several times (everything I typed seemed very inadequate) I will settle with a simple thank you.....from one soldier to another.

I salute you sir.

NSDQ

[RipperTOW]

Hear, hear! Thanks for your service Korean War Vets.

[Johan]

Mr. Cass,

A Toast- to your Service and your Comrades.

Respectfully,

[Trip_Wire]

A Korean Christmas,1950.

Just what are we doing here?
Ice cold on a ridge in a foreign land,
Chilled by winds from the ends of the earth,
Far, very far from the homes we love,
Just what are we doing here?

The Korean peasant ,gentle and strong,
Is swept up in a desperate fight,
His livelihood smashed by land engines of war,
Whilst death seeks him out from the skies,
Just what are we doing here?

Refugees trudge southwqards below us,
With faltering , shuffling steps,
Do they know we are here to protect them,
That we hope they've the strength to survive?
Just what are we doing here?

In a Muscovite palace a tired tyrant sits,
Whose words mean these people must die.
A few hours more and their breath will be stilled,
But he'll never know, never care.
Just what are we doing here?

Someone,someday,must face up to his power
And say 'no' to that tyrant's greed.
Then peasant and wife can enjoy their old age;
Those of us who survive can go home,
That's what we are doing here!

A.E. Younger,
Major, RE.
UK Forces.

[Trip_Wire]

Battle of Chipyong-ni

February 13 - 14, 1951
 
 
"We are going to stay here and fight it out." With these words, LTC Paul Freeman, Commander of the 23rd Regimental Combat Team, set the stage for the bloody battle of Chipyong-ni. During the early evening hours of 13 February, 1951, Freeman briefed his subordinate commanders of the daunting task ordered by the Eight U.S. Army Commander, LTG Matthew Ridgeway. Listening intently to this briefing were all of Freeman's battalion commanders, leaders from the 37th Field Artillery Battalion, the 1st Ranger Company, and a French infantry battalion.

LTC Freeman quickly outlined the mission, "to hold the small American garrison at Chipyong-ni against an advancing enemy force of six Chinese Communist Force (CCF) Divisions." The importance of the village of Chipyong-ni was its location at the junction of several crucial road networks. A failure to hold the village would endanger the entire Eighth Army.

His orders clear, LTC Freeman's subordinates prepared for the inevitable onslaught. Shortly after midnight, the deafening sound of whistles and bugles signaled the initial Chinese attack.

This first relentless attack was met and defeated by the professional French battalion commanded by LTC Ralph Monclar. Throughout the night, the Chinese would attack the perimeter no less than 4 times, and although the perimeter held, the exhausted men were short of ammunition and food as dawn broke of the morning of 14 February, 1951. The Chinese forces, fearing the devastating effect of observed artillery fire and air strikes, broke contact, withdrew and prepared to resume the fight.

Shortly after nightfall, flares soaring in the air, accompanied with the sound of sirens and brassy bugles, whistles and yells echoing through the cold, night air signaled the beginning of an endless night of Chinese attacks against to perimeter. After the savage and relentless attacks by the hordes of Chinese, bitter hand to hand fighting restored the perimeter and drove back the Chinese penetrations of the friendly lines.

A gallant defense by the men of the 23rd RCT refused to yield as orders were transmitted to the embattled line to conserve ammunition as much as possible. The fighting continued to rage fiercely as daylight broke on the morning of 15 February. As the garrison tenaciously held the Chinese hordes at bay, deadly air strikes effectively dropped napalm, which destroyed hundreds of enemy troops. Countless planeloads of ammunition were dropped to the beleaguered men as a relief convoy of twenty tanks from the 5th Cavalry Regiment moved to the aid of the 23rd RTC.

The arrival of the relief column, coupled with the deadly strafing and napalm attacks and the equally fierce American defensive stand, had finally broken the enemy attack.

Fifty-two members of the 23rd RTC died, 259 were wounded and 42 men were reported missing in action during the two-day long Battle Chipyong-ni. The battle of Chipyong-ni resulted in the defeat of a massive Chinese offensive and caused the CCF to suffer its first tactical defeat at American hands. Although the CCF would try again and again, the battle of Chipyong-ni set a new pattern in the Korean War.

The 23rd RTC had stood in the face of all that the armies of China could muster. Despite overwhelming odds and sickening casualties, it had held fast. Chipyong-ni allowed the Eighth Army to rise from its own bitter ashes. From this battle forward, the Eighth Army would never fall again.

[Trip_Wire]

The Korean War History of the First Airborne Ranger Infantry Companies:


BATTLES:

CQ 4594
Chipyong-ni
299 Turkey Shoot
Bloody Nose Ridge
Majori-ri
Hill 628
Objection Sugar
May Massacre
Sangwiryang
Hill 205
Hill 224
Hill 832

TASK FORCES:

Byorum
Dolvin
Ferret
Hamilton
Plumley
Rogers
Zebra
Croft

RAIDS:

Chagnal
Hwachon Dam
Hill 383
Tophong-ni

COMBAT JUMP:

Munsan-ni

CAMPAIGNS:

UN Defensive
UN Offensive
CCF Intervention
First UN Counter Offensive
CCF Spring Fall Offensive
UN Summer Fall Offensive

[9533]

I thank all for their recognition of my Korean Service. Feel good, but I was not over there alone.


Silver Bullet
A Korean War story.

During a harsh Korean Winter my crew was laying in (in a small Personnel Boat, immediate to shore) when I looked up and saw what seemed to be a road with a huge, I mean Big, caterpillar wiggling its was down a road toward us; going from North to South. As it neared I was able to recognize it as a Company sized group of U.S. Marines. Initially I could not easily identify them because they were wrapped in every rag, blanket, and scrap of whatever to keep themselves warm as they were coming off the line. That, to me, was American kids acting like what they were, U.S. Marines.

Yes....SEMPER FI

I am a NSW vet; with respectable trigger time! We have a reputation of being "Special"! But I fucking LOVE Jarheads. Something happens to ya'll at the P.I. or Pendleton that I really admire! Ya'll are good Americans!
9533
SEMPER FI..!

[Trip_Wire]

Ode to Korea

Authored by
B. R. (Ray) Chambers

June 1999

On this the eve of a new millennium – a new century – and the
eve of fifty years since the start of that forgotten war known
as the Police Action on the peninsula known throughout
the free world as Korea, I wish to submit this ode to those who served
in that part of the world from 1950 to 1953.

Part of this Ode to Korea is in the form of a parody.

No insult or demeaning of any unit or person is intended. This parody is written
from a GI’s point of view, one who believes that thememories of that
long Forgotten War must not be forgotten.

Korea. Oh yes, I do remember Korea, that land of the morning calm, where, when the wind blows off the northern straits, it is by far colder than anywhere else I have had the misfortune to have served. Ah yes, I remember Korea.

Oh yes, I do remember those warm afternoons when the sun was shining bright and no clouds were in the sky. How those GI’s would all get on the southern slope and bring out the sleeping bags – that is, those who were fortunate enough to have one.Where, hour upon hour, they would meticulously pick one by one those little tiny mites known as lice, fleas, or whatever that made the nights, let alone the days, very miserable by the constant itch they caused. Oh yes, I do remember those days long, long ago.

Oh, Korea, how I do remember you.Those long, lonesome, cold winter nights; those long, hot humid days of summer; and the insatiable bites of insects that infest only that part of the world. Oh how I remember.

Korea, oh how I remember the units that were called upon to serve in that waste of good young men, and the loss of life and equipment on all sides, with the United States in the forefront of it all.

Yes, I do remember the 1st Cavalry Division, the unit that had no horses.The unit that had the big yellow shoulder patch: the one with the head of the horse, the line at a diagonal down through it and that big yellow spot on the bottom. Do you remember what was said about that unit? The head of the horse they could not ride, the line they could not cross (could that have been the 38th parallel?) and then the big yellow spot for the color of their backs. Ah yes, I do remember Korea.The 1st Cavalry, MacArthur’s favorite. The palace guard from Japan.


Oh yes, I can remember the other unit with the big ugly patch on the left sleeve, the one with that ugly Indian head.Yes, I speak of the 2nd Infantry Division. But, what do I remember of the most famous unit of them all when it comes to providing material and comfort? Nothing, except what has been bandied around the latrine, about it being the famous Bug-Out Division, also known as the Chinese QUARTERMASTER division.This is a stigma that must be born, true or not, for we must remember those things that made the War in Korea so different from any other. Oh Yes, I do remember what was known as Korea.

The stripes of Blue and White were those of the 3rd Infantry division and all they needed was a little blood thrown in for it to become the Red, White and Blue. Just where was the 5th Regimental Combat Team with their shoulder patch of Red? This combination then made up the Red, White and Blue.We must remember that both of these units were very bloody after many a day in skirmishes that lasted for days and days on end, seemingly never to end. Oh yes, I do remember the days in Korea. As will the survivors of the 29th Infantry Regiment.

The bent beer can shape of the 7th Infantry looked funny when surrounded with the patch of the falling umbrella. The ones who emerged from the Flying Red A... H... of the 11th Airborne Division, the one unit that had MacArthur eating his pipe stem. However, he wanted an element that could strike swift and sure. The 187th RCT ABN answered the call when they made sure that all of the women folk of Korea had NYLON panties made from parachutes after each jump into that frozen waste land. Oh yes, I must remember Korea and not forget those many days of walking in wet, mushy boots and then standing around getting frostbite. You see, leather jump boots were meant for the parade ground, not for wading in ditches full of water or on the frozen waste lands of Korea.Yes, I do remember.

Oh yes, I do remember Korea. The folks who came into this affair without the benefit of having any winter underwear, and then coming from the South, to boot. Remember the National Guardsmen who were called up for this dance? No, we cannot forget those valiant men who, like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes of World War II to again answer the call to arms.Those guys from the exotic Island of Hawaii? They had nothing but the clothes on their backs when they arrived in the cool climate of September and October of 1950, when the cool days of summer were turning into the cold days of winter. Oh yes, I’m sure that they also remember the cold nights with nothing much more that a very thin OD Blanket to keep warm with.

Ah yes, and let us not forget the trying times of the Chosin Few, those who were known as America’s Pride: The Marines, with their frozen feet and the fallen comrades who they would not leave behind.They, like the rest of us, suffered greatly at the hand of Mother Nature with her cold unforgiving ways during the grip of winter time. Nor should we forget those Corpsmen, the Medics, the Doctors and Nurses who bandaged, cut, sutured and helped those wounded back to the road of recovery. No, we shall not forget the graceful efforts of all who gave their all.

Also let us not forget those countries that were foreign to most of us who joined in the fray, but were not of the same character when it came time to punish those who trespassed upon them.Those were the Turks and other groups in the SEATO alliance. The ways and means these groups used for those who stole from them were severe to say the least.A thief could expect to have a cleaning rod run through his ears, then be hung from the gate post as a warning to all thieves that they would not be tolerated. Oh yes, I do remember Korea.


Oh yes, I do remember Korea: The stinking smells of old rotten cabbage, something that came to be known as (.........) Korean Cole Slaw.The fetid smell of dying animals and people, with the acid smell of fires burning entire villages.The unforgettable stench of cordite and gunpowder.The horror of warfare. Oh yes, I can remember.The many bodies that floated in the harbor off Inchon, when this invasion, called a very dumb thing, actually turned the war around in favor of the forces that were trying to push the red hoard back north across the 38th Parallel.This came to be one of the best plans to come about during that entire conflict.

There were many units.The Air Force flying the outdated propeller driven fighter, later using the modern jet fighter.The Navy with its left overs from the First and Second World Wars.The Marines.And, of course, the Army.We all suffered in more ways than just one. The chilling cold, the hot days and nights withmosquitoes buzzing around your head, the resulting malaria from the bites.The fleas, lice and dysentery.The cold chow that was gulped down when given a time to eat.The greasy tin cup from which hot coffee was drunk.Yes, a lot of discomfort by all. However, we have endured, and yes we will Remember Korea. We shall remember the cooks, the bakers and the pay masters.All those who were behind the main efforts also shall be remembered, for they will remember Korea, also.

I give you this Ode to Korea in the hope that it will serve as a way to remember a place and at a time where we made many sacrifices for Duty, Honor, and Country.Even now, we watch over that small spit of land that has seen many of our young soldiers come and go.A far away land, a land known as the Land of the Morning Calm.

Yes, I will remember Korea...



About the Author.B. R. (Ray) Chambers served over 20 years in the U.S. Army with almost 15 years in the Army’s elite Special Forces. During the Korean era, he served with the 11th Airborne Division and the 187th Regimental Combat Team (Airborne).
Mr. Chambers holds a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior, and an under-graduate degree in business with a major in Electrical Engineering.

[ex]

To all Korean vets, especially Cass, Trip Wire and my Dad - thank you very much.

[9533]

To all Korean vets, especially Cass, Trip Wire and my Dad - thank you very much.

God bless your Dad...and your husband!
Be safe sweetheart! Take care of those kids..
9533
Good Day!

[eltrane]

Thank you for your service.

[Greenhat]

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/north-american-f-86-sabre-1.jpg

My father flew one of these in the skies over Korea..

http://www.talkingproud.us/ImagesMilitary/MarinesSaveLives/Chosin.jpg

My uncle was a Marine bandsman who ended up with a Garand instead of his cornet in a place called the Chosin.

My father never spoke about his service except once to say how lucky he was to have served with some great pilots. My uncle rarely did. Two things my uncle did say have stayed with me my entire life.

When I mentioned once that I was considering joining the Marine Corps, he took me into the basement, put a steel bucket over my head and slammed me against the wall numerous times. The look in his eyes... can't be described.

When his youngest brother (another uncle, too young to serve in Korea) asked him about what he did, he said: "I did my job." When thanked, he said: "The Marines who need to be remembered are the ones that didn't come back". He then cried... only time I ever saw him cry.

Thank you for your service to each and every Korean War veteran... and RIP to all that didn't come back.

[Typhoon]

My family "bookended" the Korean war: My grandfather's 30 year military career ended in Korea, and my Dad's service started there.

My grandfather's last duty as a part of the Army of Occupation (not a politically incorrect word in 1948!) was to help supervise the withdrawal of Japanese forces at the DMZ. On occasion he had to eat lunch with Russian officers, which he hated. He told me that the Russian officers wore their loaded sidearms to lunch, and did not laugh, smile, or eat at ease despite it being a time of peace. To his dying day 37 years later he absolutely hated the Soviets, in part because of his bad experience with them at the Korean DMZ.

My Dad was awarded the BSM during his service in Korea. he is reticent in talking about his service there; but he is effusive about getting to see Marilyn Monroe when she entertained the troops as a part of a USO show.

I am proud of both of them. And thank you Cass and Trip Wire...

[Baildog]

Thank you to Cass, Trip Wire, and everyone else who served in Korea.

[Forestboy]

Thank you to all the Korean War Veterans.

RIP to all those who did not make it home...

[GreenWarrior]

x2

Cass,

Thank you and your brethren for all you have done and thank you for paving the way for us to follow in your footsteps...

Hoo-Yah Cass!! :cool:

[Johan]

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/north-american-f-86-sabre-1.jpg

My father flew one of these in the skies over Korea..

Son of one of last pure gunfighter-

(How did we lose you to the infantry?! ;))

Regards to your Father and Uncle.

[Johan]

This is story of Soldier in Korea that I am happy I learn of:

http://www.medalofhonor.com/LewisMillett.htm

This picture makes me think "Who would not follow him?" and "I would not like to see him from wrong end of bayonet, ever" at same time. :)

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u11/kage4/LewisMillett2.jpg

And here is good painting of the assault that he leads into close contact with the enemy-

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u11/kage4/ColdSteel.jpg

Regards,

[KSM]

Thanks for your service Gentlemen.

[Parajuevos]

Trip Wire. I don't know how I could have overlooked you when I thanked Cass for his Korea Service. My apologies to you and to anyone else, on this board, who I may have neglected to salute.

Whenever I think about the war you guys fought in, I think about the Winter Hawk. That cold weather had to be a son of a bitch, on top of all the other hardships.

[Greenhat]

Son of one of last pure gunfighter-

(How did we lose you to the infantry?! ;))

Regards to your Father and Uncle.

Unlike my father (who's vision was slightly better than 20/20), my vision is significantly worse than 20/20.

[Johan]

Trip Wire. I don't know how I could have overlooked you

Indeed. Apologies and Regards and 'happy anniversary' ;) Mr. Trip Wire.

[Massgrunt]

Thanks gentlemen.

[Trip_Wire]

Indeed. Apologies and Regards and 'happy anniversary' ;) Mr. Trip Wire.

No problem Johan!

One thing that does bother me though on your post on COL Lewis Millet. He was a 'Wolfhound' in the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Divivison, (One of the Units I served with in Korea, after his charge.) when he made that bayonet charge. The page you posted on him shows the 104th patch, which was a Reserve outfit here in Washington State. (I also served in it.) I don't understand how they could have made that mistake! :(

104th ID:

http://www.104infdiv.org/

Millett Should have been represented by the 25th Infantry Division patch,:

http://www.25idl.army.mil/DivHistory.asp


Your post with the wrong patch.:

http://www.medalofhonor.com/LewisMillett.htm

[MPCOA]

Thank you to Cass, Tripwire and all other Korean war vets.

Many times when I think that I am sucking I think about how bad the boys had it in Korea.

[FinsUp]

Thank you to all the Korean War vets. You are heroes.

[glassiam]

Cass, Trip Wire, and all other Korean War Vets: Here's to you, Great Men. Thank you for your service to our nation.

[Silverbullet]

Trip Wire,
I would have included you in the subj line, as well, if I had paid better attention to your profile. I added you into the subj line and my first post.

Thank you for your service.

Semper fi

[kamy]

To Trip Wire, and Cass, my friend, and all who served during the "forgotten war," including my dad (RIP) thank you for your brave service. We are grateful.

Pictures of the Korean Memorial, Veterans Day 2006


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/kamy/Picture265.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/kamy/Picture263.jpg

[MikeC2W]

Thank you gentlemen.

[Danne]

Thank you Cass, Trip wire and all you other who served in the Korean war.

[KS11]

Thank you gentlemen for all you did and all you continue to do.

[RGR.Montcalm]

My sincerest thanks to you, Cass and Tripwire and all of the other vets of the 'Forgotten War'.

I am humbled to be associated with you through this board.

RGR.M

[Sigi]

Thank you Veterans for your service, courage and sacrifice. You are not forgotten!

[0699]

Thank you gentlemen.

[Axe]

Thank you for your service.

[Camel]

Thanks for your service fellas.

[Snowball]

I rarely post, but this post is inadequate to my respect and thanks for your service.

[txb&b]

Sincere thanks to all of you who served in this war and bless you for your continued guidance. Stay safe.

[Spinner]

Battle of Chipyong-ni

February 13 - 14, 1951
 
 
"We are going to stay here and fight it out." With these words, LTC Paul Freeman, Commander of the 23rd Regimental Combat Team, set the stage for the bloody battle of Chipyong-ni. During the early evening hours of 13 February, 1951, Freeman briefed his subordinate commanders of the daunting task ordered by the Eight U.S. Army Commander, LTG Matthew Ridgeway. Listening intently to this briefing were all of Freeman's battalion commanders, leaders from the 37th Field Artillery Battalion, the 1st Ranger Company, and a French infantry battalion.

LTC Freeman quickly outlined the mission, "to hold the small American garrison at Chipyong-ni against an advancing enemy force of six Chinese Communist Force (CCF) Divisions." The importance of the village of Chipyong-ni was its location at the junction of several crucial road networks. A failure to hold the village would endanger the entire Eighth Army.

His orders clear, LTC Freeman's subordinates prepared for the inevitable onslaught. Shortly after midnight, the deafening sound of whistles and bugles signaled the initial Chinese attack.

This first relentless attack was met and defeated by the professional French battalion commanded by LTC Ralph Monclar. Throughout the night, the Chinese would attack the perimeter no less than 4 times, and although the perimeter held, the exhausted men were short of ammunition and food as dawn broke of the morning of 14 February, 1951. The Chinese forces, fearing the devastating effect of observed artillery fire and air strikes, broke contact, withdrew and prepared to resume the fight.

Shortly after nightfall, flares soaring in the air, accompanied with the sound of sirens and brassy bugles, whistles and yells echoing through the cold, night air signaled the beginning of an endless night of Chinese attacks against to perimeter. After the savage and relentless attacks by the hordes of Chinese, bitter hand to hand fighting restored the perimeter and drove back the Chinese penetrations of the friendly lines.

A gallant defense by the men of the 23rd RCT refused to yield as orders were transmitted to the embattled line to conserve ammunition as much as possible. The fighting continued to rage fiercely as daylight broke on the morning of 15 February. As the garrison tenaciously held the Chinese hordes at bay, deadly air strikes effectively dropped napalm, which destroyed hundreds of enemy troops. Countless planeloads of ammunition were dropped to the beleaguered men as a relief convoy of twenty tanks from the 5th Cavalry Regiment moved to the aid of the 23rd RTC.

The arrival of the relief column, coupled with the deadly strafing and napalm attacks and the equally fierce American defensive stand, had finally broken the enemy attack.

Fifty-two members of the 23rd RTC died, 259 were wounded and 42 men were reported missing in action during the two-day long Battle Chipyong-ni. The battle of Chipyong-ni resulted in the defeat of a massive Chinese offensive and caused the CCF to suffer its first tactical defeat at American hands. Although the CCF would try again and again, the battle of Chipyong-ni set a new pattern in the Korean War.

The 23rd RTC had stood in the face of all that the armies of China could muster. Despite overwhelming odds and sickening casualties, it had held fast. Chipyong-ni allowed the Eighth Army to rise from its own bitter ashes. From this battle forward, the Eighth Army would never fall again.

In Halberstam's book, Col. Freeman seems to stand out during those early days. During the period when the 2nd Division had to run the Gauntlet south, Freeman was seeking permission to take his forces west, knowing that going south was a bad bet.

They had all their artillery ready to roll when a young Lt. came running up just screaming "Chinese, Chinese, they're coming at us". A very rare daytime attack, which left them in the open and totally exposed. Freeman ordered the guns to be set up and proceeded to unload on them until they had nothing left. They then destroyed the guns in place and continued on out, with Freeman being the last man out in the column, in a jeep.

Halberstam also gave a very good account of the Wonju shoot, and the general who directed it.

[Fast Eddie]

Cass and Trip Wire...Thank for your service....(Hand salute!)

Ed

[KidA]

Wow. I knew Trip Wire was old but I didn't know Cass was a great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great Grandfather too! :)

Thank you guys. I was in that shithole doing just regular overseas duty with modern snivvel gear. Can't imagine what you guys went through.

[RAT]

Cheers to you FOG's


RO!!!

[Jimbo]

Thank you.

[Cass]

Way back in this thread I gave my thanks for the rememberances. But I don't want my post lost in this lengthy thread. Again, thanks all for remembering Trip Wire and I and all the other Korean Vets.

[VMI_Marine]

Cheers gentlemen, and thank you for your service. I hope that we do you justice in attempting to live up to the example you set.

[Balls]

It doesn't get said enough to the people who truly deserve to hear it.

Thank you for your service. ::Salute::

[Inspector Cluseo]

A big salute those no longer with us and one to my father whom along with his 3 brothers all met the challenge in 1942 and again in 1950. Rest in Peace
TG

[Hopeless Civilian]

A big thank you to all the Korean war vets here. My father proudly served there.

[cj]

Salute to all Korean Vets including my Dad (RIP) who was shipped over from Japan at the very start, July 1950 when the 25th arrived in Korea. He fought his way from Pussan up to North Korea and was there when the Chinese came south. He never talked about it, except commenting on how cold he was.

[TX teacher]

Thanks to those who served in the "Forgotten War." For many it's not forgotten.

I'd also like to offer a tip of the hat to my late grandfather, who served his war in the M10 and later M36 in Europe, and then was recalled to active duty for Korea. He spent his second war training up and coming tankers.

Again, a tip of the hat and salute to those who served in a war forgotten by many.

[smp52]

Thank you for the sacrifice and service.

[OldSwabbie]

My father doesnt talk much about Korea, when he does, its about how Damn cold it was. He was Army Cook for Heavy Mortar unit. Hats off to all you guys!


OldSwabbie

[ironpaw]

To all Korean Vets (including any Aussie diggers that might be reading!) - thank you for your service and sacrifice.

I stayed in Suwon back in 2005 for 3 months and had a chance to visit both the DMZ and the Korean War Museum. Incredible learning experience...the phrase "freedom isn't free" was etched into my mind when I visited those places.

I was there during the summer, and damn, the humidity was unbearable! I can't imagine what winter would've been like...

[Dutch8654]

I Salute you all!!

[JRB11]

Thank you for your service Cass, Trip-wire, and all the Korean war vets, and all vets as well. Damn, I get cold just watchibg the old footage on the HC. Trip, I think I may have run into you years ago at the old Starbucks on 132nd and the Kangley in Kent?

[CA SGT]

Thanks Cass.....Im still buying that cup of coffee/ice tea whenever your available.

[Ranger1]

Thanks to all the Korean War Vets. And for Trip Wire and Cass, good to have you gents here.

[sixftaframes]

Thank you Cass. And to any other Korean War Veterans, thank you.

[Whitebean54]

Thank you Gentlemen

[Mrswildweasel]

My Thanks to all that have served. My father in law was a Korean War Vet, and he is sorely missed.