3/5 Chosin Reservoir Campaign - The Ridgerunners

Описание: Date: December 1st, 1950
Operation: The Ridgerunners

4.5 miles to the north of Fox Hill was Yudam-ni and the bulk of the 1st Marine Division. Throughout the last four days, while Fox Company was fighting for its survival, the 5th Marines and elements of the 7th and 11th Marines were holding off the better part of an entire Chinese corps. Now, in order to unite the division and begin the breakout south, these men would begin the march down the MSR back to Hagaru-ri.

One of the battalions at Yudam-ni was 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. Already thinned by heavy fighting in the hills around Yudam-ni, 1/7 was picked for a daring attempt to rescue the besieged Fox Company at Toktong Pass. As the rest of the Marines at Yudam-ni would continue down the MSR, 1/7 would break off and make an overland trek to relieve Fox Company ahead of the main advance.

Commanded by Lt. Col. Raymond Davis, a respected veteran of Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu, would have only around 400 men at his disposal, even with the addition of the remaining 55 Marines of How 3/7, with which to make this march. The battalion, situated on the heavily fought-over Turkey Hill, would move out just before dark on the night of December 1st, with Baker Company on point, followed by Able, Charlie, and How Companies, bound for Toktong Pass and their brothers in Fox Company.

Orders of the day courtesy of Sgt. Taylor