U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 3 (of 5): The Chosin Reservoir CampaignMontross, Lynn
History
U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 3 (of 5): The Chosin Reservoir Campaign
Montross, Lynn
Korean War, 1950-1953 -- Campaigns; United States. Marine Corps -- History -- Korean War, 1950-1953
The following day saw the publication of X Corps OpnO 4, specifying
subordinate unit missions. The 7th Infantry Division, together with the
92d and 96th Field Artillery (FA) Battalions, was instructed to mount
out of Pusan and to land at Wonsan on order (see Map 2). These tasks
were assigned to the 1st Marine Division:
1. Report immediately to the Attack Force Commander (Commander,
Amphibious Group One) of the Seventh Fleet as the landing force
for the Wonsan attack.
2. Seize and secure X Corps base of operations at Wonsan,
protect the Wonsan Airfield, and continue such operations
ashore as assigned.
3. Furnish logistic support for all forces ashore until relieved
by Corps Shore Party.[37]
[37] Special Report 1stMarDiv, in CinCPacFlt _Interim
Evaluation Rpt #1_, annex DD, 11; 1stMarDiv _Historical
Diary_ (_HD_), Oct 50; X Corps _OpnO 4_, 4 Oct 50.
As Almond’s order went out for distribution on 4 October, EUSAK’s 1st
Cavalry Division, bound for Kaesong, passed through the 5th Marines
northwest of Seoul. Simultaneously, the II ROK Corps began assembling
along the road to Uijongbu, captured by the 7th Marines the previous
day.[38]
[38] Smith, _Chronicle_, 54.
After 20 days in the line, the weary battalions of the 5th Marines
retired on 5 October across the Han River to an assembly area at
Inchon. They were followed on the 6th by the 1st Regiment, and
on the next day by the 7th Marines. The withdrawal of the latter
unit completed the relief of X Corps, and General Almond’s command
officially reverted to GHQ Reserve.[39]
[39] _Ibid._, 55.
October 7th also marked the displacement of the 1st Marine Division
command post (CP) to Inchon, where planning and reality had finally
merged to the extent that preparations for Wonsan could begin in
earnest. Two days earlier, Vice Admiral Struble had re-created JTF-7
out of his Seventh Fleet; and by publication of his OpnO 16-50 on
the same date, 5 October, he set in motion the operational elements
involved in the projected amphibious envelopment. His new task
organization, almost identical to that which had carried out the Inchon
Operation with historic dispatch, was as follows:
TF 95 (Advance Force) RAdm Allen E. Smith
TG 95.2 (Covering & Support) RAdm Charles C. Hartman
TG 95.6 (Minesweeping) Capt Richard T. Spofford
TF 90 (Attack Force) RAdm James H. Doyle
TF 79 (Logistical Support Force) Capt Bernard L. Austin
TF 77 (Fast Carrier Force) RAdm Edward C. Ewen
TG 96.8 (Escort Carrier Group) RAdm Richard W. Ruble
TG 96.2 (Patrol & Reconnaissance) RAdm George R. Henderson
TG 70.1 (Flagship Group) Capt Irving T. Duke
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