Re: 1st MarDiv to Korea by back channel

[<SDonell73@aol.com>]

In a message dated 10/30/02 2:37:50 PM Pacific Standard Time, Jwscpd8@aol.com writes:


> Were the Marine units pulled to the rear in 1951 or what?  Anyone know?

John,

They were pulled to the rear in January 1951 for rest and recuperation after the Chosin Resrvoir. Then they were part of the forces rounding up guerillas that had slipt through the UN lines before being sent forward to secure the eastern side of the  Hwachon Reservoir.  During Operation Ripper, they were to the East of the 24th Inf Div. 

By 20 Jun 1951, they were overlooking the Punchbowl. From Sep 1951 thru the winter of 51-52 they attacked and held the northern edge of the Punchbowl. 

In March  52, CG 8th Army told them that he needed their strength to guard the area on the western edge of the MLR and to protect Seoul in case of a Chinese breakthrough. He referred to them as the "War Horse" of the 8th Army. So they moved their entire division along with some ROK Marines from E. Central Korea to the extreme western tip of I Corps on the MLR in a matter of days. They remained their for the rest of the war.

Sandy