Attack of RCT-7 to the South
During the 22-hour battle on East Hill the 7th Marines had been attacking toward Koto-ri (see Map 28). On the eve of the breakout the gaps in the infantry ranks were partially filled with 300 artillerymen from the 11th Marines, bringing Litzenberg’s strength up to about 2200 men. 7th Mar OpnO 14-50 called for the advance to be initiated at first light on 6 December as follows:
1st Battalion—to move out at 0430 to clear the ground to the right of the river;
2d Battalion—supported by tanks, to attack as advanced guard along the MSR;
Provisional Battalion (31/7)—to clear the ground to the left of the MSR;[561]
[561] Since the ground to the left of the MSR was too cut up to permit advance through the high ground, the Provisional Battalion was to operate from the valley and clear enemy from noses found to be occupied. Litzenberg Comments, 5 Oct 56.
3d Battalion—to bring up the rear of the regimental train, with George Company disposed along both flanks as security for the vehicles.[562]
[562] Sources for this section, except where otherwise noted, are: 7thMar SAR, 24; 3/7 SAR, n. p.; Smith, Notes, 1029–1031, 1033–1047; RCT-7 URpt 6; 1stLt J. B. Chandler, “Thank God I’m a Marine,” Leatherneck Magazine, xxiv, no. 6 (Jun 51), 25–26; MajGen H. L. Litzenberg, Recollections of the Action from Hagaru to Koto-ri, 6–7 December 1950, 2 Oct 56, and Comments, 5 Oct 56; Col R. G. Davis Comments, 28 Sep 56; Sawyer Comments, 7 Sep 56; LtCol H. T. Milne Comments, 24 Sep 56; LtCol M. E. Roach Comments, 27 Nov 56.
Daybreak revealed a peculiar silvery fog covering the Hagaru area.[563] The 1st Battalion, with Charlie Company in assault, had as its first objective the high ground southeast of Tonae-ri. No resistance was encountered, though 24 Chinese were surprised asleep in their positions near the objective and 17 of them killed.
[563] Litzenberg Recollections, 2 Oct 56.