Korean War: The Battle Begins for the "Frozen Chosin"

November 26, 1950 - The Chinese open the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir (right). Entering the Korean Conflict in October 1950, Communist Chinese forces quickly overwhelmed isolated United Nations troops in North Korea. Among those cutoff were parts of the US X Corps which included the US 1st Marine Division, elements of the US 7th Infantry Division, and 41 Independent Commando Royal Marines near Chosin Reservoir. Led by Major General Oliver P. Smith, the trapped forces fought a brutal 10-day battle in extreme cold and snow to break through the Chinese lines. In the process they effectively destroyed seven Chinese divisions before reaching safety. During the campaign, almost every UN soldier suffered from some degree of frostbite. Having escaped from Chosin Reservoir, Smith's men were evacuated from the port of Hungnam along with the rest of X Corps.

Photograph Courtesy of the US Department of Defense