What Did Happen in The North 73 Years ago after Our U.N Forces Dashed through The 38th Latitude to Unify Korea.

We Koreans know well about the Korean War in regard of our fallen-out capital city, the Nakdong river battles, Incheon landing operation, January 4^th retreat, and cease fire negotiations etc. But some have not understood yet what did happen in the north after our U.N forces dashed through the 38^th latitude to unify Korea. So, I would introduce the battle of Jangjin(Chosin was indicated on military map) reservoir taken place 73 years ago, like this wintertime but much colder there around the reservoir with a stream of harsh wind in the northern Kaema highland.   For the introduction, I had referred to many information available on internet. The typical sources were Background of Inchon & Chosin Operations_Karl Lowe, Chinese Failure at Chosin_Patrick C. Roe, Description of Chosin Battle Carried Out by Ist Marines _General Ridgway, Epic of Chosin_USM Historical Center, and The Battle of Chosin Reservoir_Bert Kortegaard etc. 

The initial Chinese plan was to move into Korea, develop a defensive base in the central mountain region of North Korea, and hold a resistance line across the peninsula from north of Pyongyang to Hamhung in eastern shore. The Chinese planned to hold that line through the wintertime while the Soviet Union re-equipped the Chinese Army with modern weapons and equipment. Then, in the spring, re-trained and equipped with modern weapons, they planned to launch offensive operation that would drive all UN forces from Korea. 

By the October 20^th, 1950, as Chinese began to cross the Yalu river, the 8th U.S. Army had secured Pyongyang and commenced a drive north across the Cheongchon river to the Yalu river. Unable to reach their planned positions in time, the Chinese collided with the 8th U.S. Army north of the Cheongchon river on October 25th. In nine days of heavy fighting, the Chinese inflicted serious damage on the 8th U.S. Army and forced it to withdraw southward. 

On the eastern side of the peninsula, two South Korean Divisions had seized Wonsan port on October 10th and were advancing north. Mao Zedong assumed South Koreans would continue north through the area of Jangjin reservoir, then turn west toward Pyongyang. Mao Zedong had expected the 1st U.S. Marine Division to land at Jinnampo, the port for Pyongyang, and was surprised to find the Marines landing on Wonsan, the east coast. Realizing he needed more strength in the east, Mao ordered the new 9th Chinese Army Group under General Song Shilun, consisting of 150,000 men in twelve divisions, to move into Korea, cross the mountains and seek opportunities to destroy the Americans and South Koreans on the east. 

By November 12th, General Song had devised his plan to attack and destroy the two leading Regiments of the 1st U.S. Marine Division occupying the western part of Jangjin reservoir. The remainder of American and South Korean Divisions could then be annihilated one by one after destruction of the Marines. General Song sent his plan to Mao for approval. In reply, Mao said: "The 1st U.S. Marine Division has the highest combat effectiveness in the American armed forces. It seems not enough for our four divisions to surround and annihilate its two Marine Regiments. You should have more Divisions as a reserve force." 

The climax of the battle, although not realized by either side, came on December 2nd. By that time the leading U.S. Marine Regiments were breaking valiantly through outnumbering Chinese encirclement at a critical mountain pass and would reach the point of southern tip of the reservoir bounding for Heungnam evacuation route.

The heavy casualties the Chinese suffered from Marines’ ground and air fire actions were compounded by the cold weather and poor logistic supply. Chinese poorly clothed were greatly weakened by the awful frostbite. In three days of fighting, most Chinese units had used up the meager allotment of ammunition they had carried when they crossed the river and were beginning to suffer shortages of food. 

The U.S. Marines & Army Infantries, and South Korean Infantries gave up the ground in the east of Korea, but they may well have saved the war by destroying substantial number of Chinese forces and carrying out the retreat from Hungnam port not only for preservation of military forces but also for liberation of the North Korean refugees who desperately sought the human rights and free democracy.    

The evacuation of Heungnam port and the ship used for transporting refuges have become a Korean movie source for Kukjae market in Pusan.