U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 2 (of 5): The Inchon-Seoul OperationMontross, Lynn
History
U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 2 (of 5): The Inchon-Seoul Operation
Montross, Lynn
Korean War, 1950-1953 -- Campaigns; United States. Marine Corps -- History -- Korean War, 1950-1953
After the short, bitter clash, the surviving North Koreans retreated
through the rice paddies and hills leading to the Han River. Companies
E and F, supported by A/Tanks, fanned out from their perimeters and
mopped up. In 1/5’s zone, Lieutenant Colonel Newton committed Charlie
Company against the withdrawing enemy and inflicted more casualties.
Kimpo and the surrounding villages were secured by 1000, 18 September.
Half an hour later, Lieutenant Colonel Roise ordered Company D,
supported by tanks, recoilless rifles, and heavy machine guns, to
seize Regimental Objective Dog--Hill 131, which dominated the banks of
the Han River north of the airfield. Advancing under cover of naval
gunfire, the Marines occupied the high ground unopposed at 1145.[244]
[244] 1st MarDiv _SAR_, Annex Queen Queen.
In the 24 hours since leaving Ascom City, the 2d Battalion, 5th
Marines, had suffered four KIA and 19 WIA in driving over nine miles of
hills and rice paddies.[245] The rapid advance cost the North Koreans
100 dead in 2/5’s zone, ten prisoners, and one of the finest airdromes
in the Far East.
[245] _Ibid._
CHAPTER IX
Marine Air Support
_Helicopters and OYs in Support--Marine Air Units at Kimpo--Progress of
Eighth Army Offensive--Division CP Displaces to Oeoso-Ri--Advance of
RCT-1 to Sosa--Reports of Enemy Build-up--Preparations for Crossing the
Han_
At 1000 on the morning of 18 September an HO3S-1 helicopter became
the first American aircraft to land on Kimpo Airfield since June.
Mopping up operations had scarcely been completed, following the
enemy counterattack, when Captain Victor A. Armstrong of VMO-6 made
a vertical approach with General Shepherd and Colonel Krulak as
passengers. They were greeted by General Craig, the ADC, who had just
arrived in a jeep.
The field was in surprisingly good shape, considering the fighting it
had seen within the last few hours. As evidence that the enemy had
been surprised, one Russian-built fighter of the Yak III type and two
Stormovik type aircraft were found “relatively undamaged” and turned
over to Air Force Intelligence.[246] Several other Yaks and Stormoviks
had been destroyed by the enemy.
[246] 1st MAW, Annex Able.
On the return trip, Armstrong was requested by his passengers to fly
them across the Han for a preview of the outskirts of Seoul. Except
for scattered small-arms fire, the helicopter was allowed to proceed
without being molested by the enemy. There were few signs of extensive
NKPA preparations to be seen at this time.[247]
[247] Maj V. A. Armstrong interv, 16 Mar 55.
_Helicopters and OYs in Support_
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