Battle of Chosin Reservoir

Following the United Nations advance into North Korea, Chinese forces entered the war in strength and attacked around the Chosin Reservoir in November 1950. The United States 1st Marine Division and attached army units were dispersed along narrow mountain roads in severe cold.

Under Oliver P. Smith, the Marines fought south towards the port of Hungnam while evacuating wounded personnel and maintaining cohesion under repeated attack. The withdrawal preserved much of the force but ended hopes of rapidly reunifying Korea.

Smith, Chinese intervention, Marine infantry and the environmental as well as military ordeal of the Korean War.