1st Marines—to remain in the rear in the Hongchon area in X Corps reserve;
1st Tank Battalion—to move up in readiness to support the assault regiments;
Division Reconnaissance Company—to continue to patrol the Punchbowl and mop up bypassed enemy.
Land mines were a constant menace to troop movements as the assault regiments adjusted positions in preparation for the attack. As usual, neglected “friendly” mines were encountered as well as those planted by the enemy.[272]
[272] This section, except when otherwise specified, is based on 1stMarDiv HD, Aug and Sep 51; X Corps Cmd Rpt, Sep 51; 2/7 and 3/7 HD, Aug and Sep 51; Kelly, Notes; Col G. P. Groves, ltr of 8 Apr 58.
X CORPS ZONE
OF ACTION
SEPTEMBER 51
FRONT LINES ON 20 SEPT 51
WERE GENERALLY ALONG
HAYS LINE
MAP 18
POW information and air reports indicated a southward movement of two to three enemy regiments with artillery and supplies. Prisoners stated that an attack was due on 1 September, leading to the G-2 conjecture that the enemy’s Sixth Phase Offensive might be about to start.