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A battle was fought around the Chosin (Changjin) Reservoir located in North Korea from November- December, 1950. The 1st Marine Division was overwhelmed by the Chinese Army. In their efforts to escape with their lives and the lives of many North Korean refugees, the Marines had to compromise much. They lacked food, warm clothing, sleeping quarters, equipment, ammunition, and transportation. Freezing temperatures caused death and frostbite that lead to amputations. They were out of communication with family. These 30 days of conflict and compromise resulted in the Marines fighting their way out along a narrow, mountainous road to Hungnam. They helped evacuate approximately 100,000 North Korean refugees who wanted freedom from communist influence. They never retreated. "Whatever we were
in that frozen long-ago and whatever we are now, we are bound as one for life in an exclusive fraternity of honor. The only way into our ranks is to have paid the dues of duty, sacrifice and valor by being there. The cost of joining, in short, is beyond all earthly wealth." The Chosin Few, Inc© All
military photos taken from public domain, United States Government.
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