In the final analysis, the Korean War evolved into a prolonged battle of position and attrition in which the Communists, operating close to their base of supply, were fought to a standstill by United Nations forces under unfavorable conditions of climate and logistics. In countering the enemy threat in Korea, the American units committed there initially suffered from the effects of peacetime apathy that had followed the rapid demobilization following World War II. As the Korean War, originally visualized as a “police action” of brief duration, ground on into a major effort spanning a period of three years and one month, loud voices were raised on the home front to protest the expenditure of lives and materiel in a venture that was not always clearly understood by all Americans.

Among the U.S. forces committed on this far flung battlefront, it was once again the Marine Corps component that stood out in its sacrifice, military skills, and devotion to duty. When rushed into the battle during the first desperate weeks and months of the war, the quickly-augmented Marine units helped to restore stability to the shattered EUSAK front line. During the daringly conceived and executed operation at Inchon, Marines accomplished this incredibly complex amphibious operation with their customary spirit and precision. Never was their courage and tenacity more conspicuous than during those bitter days of the Chosin Reservoir campaign following the Chinese Communist intervention.

In the static, or positional, warfare that marked the final operations in Korea, the 1st Marine Division and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing executed their respective missions with professional skill and dispatch, regardless of tactical problems and the dreary monotony that characterized a large part of the Korean War. U.S. Marines had seen combat throughout much of the Korean peninsula. The fighting had taken them from Pusan to Inchon and Seoul, to the Chosin, to Inje and the Hwachon Reservoir in the Punchbowl area, and finally, in 1952–1953, to the critical 35-mile front in West Korea near Panmunjom. In Korea, as in past wars, Marines demonstrated the versatility, aggressiveness, and readiness which has always been a tradition of the Corps.

Marine courage and combat performance went far toward removing the image of Western softness and decadence which the Communists had so mistakenly construed in their own minds. It is a record of which all Americans and the Free World can be proud.

APPENDIX A
Glossary of Technical Terms and Abbreviations

APPENDIX B
Korean War Chronology

1950
25 JunNorth Korean People’s Army, with 60,000 troops and 100 Russian tanks, crosses 38th Parallel to invade South Korea.
25 JunUnited Nations Security Council calls for end of aggression and withdrawal of NKPA troops.
27 JunUN, adopting a U.S. resolution, proclaims NKPA attack a breach of world peace. Asks member nations to assist ROK in repelling invasion.
27 JunPres Truman orders U.S. air-sea units to support ROK and for U.S. Seventh Fleet to neutralize Formosan Strait.
28 JunNKPA captures Seoul, South Korean capital.
29 JunPres Truman orders naval blockade of Korean coast; authorizes Far East Commander, Gen MacArthur, to send U.S. ground troops into Korea.
30 JunPres Truman receives Congressional authorization to order into active service any or all reserve components of Armed Forces, for a period of 21 months.
2 JulCNO directs that Marine reinforced regiment with supporting air be prepared for assignment to Far East.
2 JulCinCFE requests Marine RCT-air unit for Far East. This was inception of 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, formed less than a week later.
3 JulInchon captured by North Koreans.
5 Jul-4 AugUNC fights series of delaying actions in Korea.
7 JulU.N. Security Council authorizes formation of a United Nations Command as counterforce against NKPA aggression.
7 Jul1st ProvMarBrig activated at Camp Pendleton, under BGen Edward A. Craig. Basic elements of 6,534-man Brigade are 5th Marines and MAG-33.
8 JulGen MacArthur named Commander, UNC.
10 JulCinCUNC asks Joint Chiefs of Staff to authorize expansion of Marine Brigade to full war-strength division.
12–14 Jul1st ProvMarBrig embarks for Korean theater.
12 JulLtGen Walton H. Walker named CG, Eighth U.S. Army in Korea.
19 JulCinCUNC makes 2d request for Marine division.
19 JulPres Truman authorizes Defense Dept to call up reserve units and individuals.
19 JulCMC alerts Marine Corps organized reserve units for call to active duty following Presidential announcement.
20 JulCMC, Gen Clifton B. Cates, orders to duty Organized Marine Corps ground reserve units, consisting of 22 units and 4,830 personnel. Partial callup for 6,000 air reservists in 30 Marine VMF and 12 MGCI squadrons.
20 JulTaejon, temporary ROK capital, captured.
21 JulCinCUNC makes 3d request for Marine division.
25 JulUNC defense at Pusan deteriorates. CinCUNC orders 1st ProvMarBrig directly to Korea.
25 JulJCS directs Marine Corps to build 1stMarDiv to war-strength.
31 JulMasan and Chinju fall to enemy.
2–3 Aug1st ProvMarBrig arrives Pusan. Moves to bivouac area near Masan.
3 AugFirst Marine air strike launched by VMF-214.
4 AugPusan Perimeter established by UNC in southeastern end of Korea.
4 AugFirst evacuation of casualties from Pusan by Marine VMO-6 helicopters.
6 AugFirst air mission flown by VMF-323.
6–8 AugCinCUNC confers with U.S. military-diplomatic officials about proposed Inchon amphibious landing.
7–13 AugMarine Brigade engaged in first combat operations at Chinju.
10 AugFirst Marine helicopter rescue made by VMO-6 to recover downed pilot.
10–24 Aug1stMarDiv units embark for Korea.
16 AugEUSAK X Corps activated for coming Inchon-Seoul operation. Principal elements are 1stMarDiv and Army 7thInfDiv.
17 AugMarine Brigade opens battle for Obong-ni (“No Name”) Ridge, leading way to destruction of enemy bridgehead at Naktong and first UNC victory in Korea.
17 Aug7th Marines activated at Camp Pendleton and on 1 Sep embarks for Far East, arriving 21 Sep.
1–5 SepNKPA launches all-out offensive to break UNC perimeter defense at Pusan. In Second Naktong Battle, Brigade contains enemy at Yongsan.
13 Sep1st ProvMarBrig deactivated and absorbed by 1stMarDiv for Inchon operation.
15 SepD-Day, Inchon amphibious assault, spearheaded by 1stMarDiv.
17 Sep1stMarDiv (5th Marines) recaptures Kimpo Airfield.
19–25 SepEnemy resistance at Pusan begins to collapse. NKPA troops in retreat north from Pusan.
27 Sep1stMarDiv recaptures Seoul. ROK Capital officially liberated 29 Sep.
30 SepCommunist China Foreign Minister Chou En-lai warns: “The Chinese people will not supinely tolerate seeing their neighbors being savagely invaded by the imperialists.”
30 Sep-1 OctROK 3d Div crosses 38th Parallel in pursuit of retreating NKPA.
7 OctUN General Assembly authorizes UNC forces to cross 38th Parallel to defeat NKPA.
10 OctWonsan, east coast port at 39th Parallel, captured by ROK troops.
10 OctChinese repeat warning of intervention in Korean conflict.
16 OctFirst Chinese Communist troops secretly enter Korea from Manchuria.
19 OctPyongyang, North Korean Capital at 39th Parallel, captured by EUSAK.
26 OctChinese troops attack ROK units at Yalu River and points south of Sino-Korean border.
26 Oct1stMarDiv lands at Wonsan, establishes security for port, and drives north.
1 NovUNC forward elements reach positions along Yalu. First Russian-built MIG appears along Yalu to attack U.S. aircraft.
2 NovStrong Chinese and NKPA forces attack EUSAK at Unsan, causing withdrawal across Chongchon River. First identification of Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) in Korea.
3–7 NovInitial Marine encounter with CCF. 7th Marines units defeat major elements of 124th CCF Division.
6 NovMacArthur warns JCS that movement of CCF across Yalu threatens UNC position.
15 NovMarine units reach Chosin Reservoir area in X Corps drive north.
24 NovMacArthur announced “win the war” offensive. EUSAK begins advance toward Yalu.
26–27 NovCCF, 200,000-strong, attack EUSAK troops forcing withdrawal. 1stMarDiv isolated at Yudam-ni, west of Chosin. MSR cut.
28 Nov-3 Dec1stMarDiv turns back CCF attacks. Prepares to move south. Regroups at Hagaru-ri for drive to Hungnam.
4 DecPyongyang recaptured by enemy.
5–7 Dec1stMarDiv evacuates wounded by air and fights through to Koto-ri.
6 DecInnovation of using airborne TADC as tactical CP to control air support.
10 DecFirst Marine jet squadron to fly in combat, VMF-311, begins operations.
11 Dec1stMarDiv completes fighting breakout from Chosin entrapment. Begins march to join rest of X Corps at Hungnam.
15 Dec1stMarDiv deployed from Hungnam to Pusan.
15 DecUNC establishes new defensive line at 38th Parallel.
18 Dec-27 JanMarine division routs enemy guerrilla forces in Masan-Pohang-Sondong-Andong area.
23 DecEUSAK CG Walker killed in jeep accident. Gen Matthew B. Ridgway named to succeed him.
24 DecHungnam evacuation completed by X Corps.
29 DecLarge enemy buildup reported north of 38th Parallel, preparing for new attack.
1951
31 Dec-1 JanEnemy launches all-out offensive against UNC across 38th Parallel, pushing EUSAK back 10–12 miles.
4 JanSeoul recaptured by Communists.
7–15 JanEnemy offensive halted, UNC sets up new defense line along Pyongtaek-Wonju axis, at 37th Parallel.
25 JanUNC reassumes offensive. Operation THUNDERBOLT launched by I and IX Corps to regain territory south of Han River.
Jan-Feb1stMarDiv continues antiguerrilla operations in Masan area.
7 FebCommunists forced north of Han River. UNC retakes Inchon peninsula.
mid-Feb1stMarDiv reassigned from X to IX Corps.
21 FebOperation KILLER, a general limited objective advance by U.S. IX and X Corps, ordered by Gen Ridgway. 1stMarDiv reenters frontlines for operation.
7 MarOperation RIPPER begins in central and eastern zones, with advance across Han by IX and X Corps.
14 MarSeoul retaken by U.S. Eighth Army for second time.
27–31 Mar1stMarDiv occupies 28,000-meter sector north of Hongchon. UNC elements reach 38th Parallel.
1–21 Apr1stMarDiv in general advance north to the Hwachon Reservoir.
8 AprOperation RIPPER clears enemy troops from South Korea east of Imjin River.
11 AprPres Truman relieves Gen MacArthur as CinCUNC, replacing him by Gen Ridgway, CG, EUSAK. LtGen James A. Van Fleet named Commander, EUSAK.
15 AprUNC establishes defensive line along 38th Parallel, or KANSAS Line. Enemy heavily emplaced in Chorwon-Kumhwa-Pyonggang (“The Iron Triangle”) assembly area.
22 Apr-8 JulCCF launches all-out “Spring Offensive.”
23–27 Apr1stMarDiv halts CCF left flank breakthrough of IX Corps, establishes defense line in Chunchon vicinity.
30 AprUNC completes withdrawal to new defense line north of Seoul. Intelligence reports indicate CCF plans renewed attack.
1 May1stMarDiv reassigned to X Corps.
9 May1st MAW squadrons participate in FAF 300-plane strike on Sinuiju, near Yalu. Biggest raid of war to date.
16 MaySecond phase of enemy offensive begins. CCF drives south from Iron Triangle area, making penetrations 15–20 miles deep along the front.
20 MayFAF launches Operation STRANGLE, massive all-out interdiction effort.
21 MayUNC launches counter offensive, pushes enemy north of 38th Parallel again. 1stMarDiv drives toward Yanggu at eastern end of Hwachon Reservoir.
30 MayEighth Army back on KANSAS Line again.
1–16 Jun1stMarDiv advances northeast from Hwachon Reservoir to Punchbowl. Claws out daily gains of 1,000–2,000 meters, reaching objective despite heavy NKPA fire.
mid-JunUNC forces consolidate positions at 38th Parallel. UNC front approximately the same line as when Communist spring offensive began.
23 JunUN Soviet delegate, Jacob Malik, proposes cease-fire discussions.
30 JunUN notifies enemy of its readiness to discuss an armistice.
10 JulTruce talks begin at Kaesong and fighting dies down along front. UN delegation led by U.S. Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy. Communists represented by LtGen Nam Il, NKPA.
26 JulNegotiators at Kaesong agree on preliminary agenda.
5 AugUNC suspends truce talks because of armed enemy troops in neutral area. Cease-fire talks resumed 10 Aug.
22 AugCommunists halt cease-fire talks, charge UN aircraft has violated neutrality zone.
31 AugIn final UNC offensive action of war, 1stMarDiv opens assault at Punchbowl. UN launches limited attacks to straighten line.
5 Sep1stMarDiv gains initial objectives in Punchbowl area, new ridgeline to become part of Line MINNESOTA, EUSAK defensive line. Heavy attacks by IX Corps at Heartbreak and Bloody Ridge.
13 SepHMR-161 effects first Marine mass helicopter combat resupply maneuver, Operation WINDMILL I.
18 SepMarines advance to Soyang River, north of Punchbowl.
21 SepOperation SUMMIT, first helicopter deployment of a combat unit, lands 224 fully-equipped troops and 17,772 lbs of cargo in Punchbowl area.
25 OctFollowing two weeks of discussion between liaison officers, truce talks resumed at new site, Panmunjom.
28 OctCease-fire line agreed upon as present line of contact.
11 NovHMR-161 conducts first frontline relief of a Marine battalion, in Operation SWITCH.
12 NovGen Ridgway, CinCUNC, orders EUSAK Commander, Gen Van Fleet to cease offensive operations and begin active defense of UN front.
Nov-DecGeneral stalemate along Korean battlefront during truce discussions.
18 DecPrisoner of war lists exchanged by UN and Communists.
1952
2 JanUNC proposes principle of “voluntary repatriation” in POW exchange.
3 JanUNC proposal violently rejected by Communists.
Jan-AprDisorders in UNC prison camps as screening of prisoners begins.
22 FebCommunist Korean Foreign Affairs Minister charges America with renewed bacteriological warfare attacks in North Korea. Chinese Communist Foreign Minister Chou En-Lai, issues similar statement on 8 Mar, alleging U.S. flyers participate in “germ warfare.”
17 Mar1stMarDiv reassigned from X Corps eastern-Korea position to I Corps far western end of EUSAK line. Takes over approximately 35 miles of Line JAMESTOWN on 24 Mar.
28 AprAdm Joy presents UN “final offer,” insists on voluntary repatriation principle.
7–11 MayRioting prisoners at Koje-do camp seize Gen Dodd and hold him hostage, until order restored.
12 MayGen Mark W. Clark succeeds Ridgway as CinCUNC, upon latter’s departure to assume NATO command from Gen Eisenhower.
22 MayMajGen William K. Harrison succeeds Adm Joy as chief of UN delegation at Panmunjom.
Jun-OctGeneral stalemate along battlefront while truce talks deadlocked on POW repatriation question. Sharp limited objective attacks made by enemy against UNC defensive line.
9–16 AugFirst major Marine ground action in western Korea, Battle of Bunker Hill (1st Marines).
19–20 AugHMR-161 Operation RIPPLE introduces tactical innovation of transporting 4.5-inch rocket battery weapons and personnel to new firing position.
29 AugLargest one-day FAF air assault of entire war, “All United Nations Air Effort” sends 1,403 sorties against North Korean Capital, Pyongyang.
22–26 SepFirst resupply of MLR regiment by helicopter in Operation HAYLIGHT.
8 OctUNC adjourns armistice talks “indefinitely”; complete deadlock on POW question.
26–28 OctBattle of the Hook (7th Marines).
4 NovDwight D. Eisenhower elected President.
17 NovIndia introduces compromise truce plan at United Nations.
2 DecPresident-elect Eisenhower begins three-day tour of Korea.
3 DecUN General Assembly adopts compromise Indian resolution by 54 to 5 vote.
1953
Jan-FebWinter lull in fighting. Cease-fire talks remain suspended.
2 FebPresident Eisenhower, in State of Union message, ends “neutralization” of Formosa Strait.
11 FebGen Maxwell D. Taylor assumes EUSAK command from Gen Van Fleet.
22 FebUNC proposes exchange of sick and wounded POWs, as preliminary step in full exchange of prisoners.
5 MarPremier Joseph Stalin of Russia dies. Georgi Malenkov named to succeed him.
26–30 Mar1stMarDiv combat outposts Vegas-Reno-Carson (5th Marines) under heavy attack.
28 MarCommunists accept UN proposal to discuss exchange of sick and wounded POWs.
30 MarChou En-lai indicates Communists will accept Indian UN compromise proposal. Truce talks to be resumed.
12 Apr1st MAW flies first night CAS missions, using intersecting searchlight beams to mark enemy targets.
20–26 AprExchange of sick and wounded POWs, “Operation LITTLE SWITCH,” takes place at Panmunjom, under direction of Munsan-ni Provisional Command.
26 AprTruce talks resumed at Panmunjom.
5 May1stMarDiv relieved by U.S. 25thInfDiv; 1st Division assigned mission of I Corps Reserve.
7 MayCommunists accept UN proposal that prisoners unwilling to be repatriated be kept in neutral custody within Korea, rather than be removed elsewhere to a neutral nation.
28–30 MaySavage fighting while truce details worked out by negotiators. CCF launches regimental-strength attack against I Corps sector. Heavy action in Nevada Cities and Hook area outposts. Marine tanks and artillery in support of defending 25thInfDiv line units.
6 JunROK national Assembly demands freedom for anti-Communist North Koreans held in South Korean POW camps. Civilian demonstrations break out in various EUSAK and I Corps localities.
8 JunAgreement reached on POW question. POW nonrepatriates to be turned over to five-member neutral commission to decide disposition of POW cases. Pres Rhee declares armistice terms unacceptable to South Korea.
9 JunROK National Assembly unanimously rejects truce terms.
10–17 JunCommunists launch heaviest offensive in two years against ROK II Corps sector in Kumsong area. Heavy penetrations, with ROK II Corps pushed 4000 yards south to new MLR.
18 JunBreakout of 25,000 North Korean anti-Communist prisoners from South Korean POW camps, assisted by ROK guards. Release ordered by Pres Rhee as protest against proposed armistice.
18–20 JunCommunists accuse UNC of complicity in freeing prisoners; truce talks suspended.
23–25 JunPres Rhee continues opposition to truce terms. Walter Robinson, U.S. Asst. Sec. of State for Far East and Gen Mark Clark start confidential talks with Rhee.
7–8 JulCOPs Berlin-East Berlin (7th Marines right regimental sector) under attack during Marine relief of 25thInfDiv.
8 Jul1stMarDiv assumes operational control of its former MLR sector, relieving 25thInfDiv.
8 JulCommunists agree to resume armistice negotiations; talks reconvened 10 July.
11 JulRobertson announces that Pres Rhee will no longer oppose truce terms.
11 JulMaj John F. Bolt, VMF-115, becomes first Marine jet ace with kill of his fifth and sixth MIGs.
13–20 JulCCF launches even larger offensive than June attack along central Korean front. IX and ROK II Corps MLR reestablished south of Kumsong River.
19 JulNegotiators at Panmunjom reach agreement on truce.
19 JulMarine outposts Berlin-East Berlin overrun; I Corps decrees positions should not be retaken.
24–27 JulHeavy enemy attack in Berlin Complex (“Boulder City”) area held by 7th and 1st Marines.
27 JulCease-fire agreement signed at Panmunjom at 1000. Fighting ends. Armistice effective at 2200.
5 Aug-6 SepFinal exchange of prisoners in Operation BIG SWITCH, at Panmunjom.