U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 5 (of 5): Operations in West KoreaUnited States. Marine Corps
History
U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 5 (of 5): Operations in West Korea
United States. Marine Corps
Korean War, 1950-1953 -- Campaigns; United States. Marine Corps -- History -- Korean War, 1950-1953
_More Enemy Assaults in Late September_[224]
[224] Unless otherwise noted, the material in this section is
derived from: 1stMarDiv, 1stMar, 7thMar, 2/1 ComdDs, Sep
52.
Even though the enemy had concentrated his strongest infantry attack
in late September against the Korean Marines, his most frequent probes
were launched against center regimental positions held by Colonel
Layer’s 1st Marines. Here the enemy was more consistent in conducting
his defense. Chinese troops doggedly held on to the northern slopes
of several Marine outposts, notably Hills 124 and 122. In this center
regimental sector, the enemy initiated several attacks, the most
significant of these occurring on the 20th.
This action against the left sector manned by 2/1 centered about Hill
124, where Lieutenant Colonel Batterton’s battalion had established a
24-hour, squad-size outpost three days earlier. At 0345, Marines on
Hill 124 observed two green flares fired from a hill about 1,100 yards
to their front. At the same time the men of 2/1 observed numerous
figures moving about downhill from their own position. It soon became
evident that four enemy groups were converging on Hill 124 and
preparing to assault the Marine defenses which shortly came under fire
from enemy submachine guns and rifles. The main probe was a frontal
assault against Batterton’s men; it was made by about 20 Chinese and
lasted only five minutes. Afterwards, all four assault groups withdrew
but continued firing intermittently at the Marine squad. Nearly every
Marine on the hill suffered wounds, most of these minor. Enemy losses
for the action were placed at 22.
In this same sector Marines in late September attacked the northern
slope of Hill 122, where the enemy still maintained a foothold. The
proximity of Marine defenses at Bunker Hill to enemy positions,
separated in some places by as little as 30 yards, was the cause of
frequent contact and clashes. Marines raided the enemy side of Bunker,
using demolitions and portable flamethrowers to destroy trenches and
bunkers, and their occupants. Tanks and artillery assisted in these
brief offensive actions, usually undertaken at night. Flares were used
frequently to aid in identifying and striking targets and in assessing
the results.
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