Nearly 30 people attended a ceremony held by the Chosin Few – Oregon Chapter at the Korean War Memorial at Willamette National Cemetary May 26 honoring the 17-day battle at the Chosin Reservoir.
The bravery and tenacity of American forces in Korea was exemplified by the battle waged in atrocious weather with temperatures falling to minus 40 degrees F. The survivors of the campaign proudly, and appropriately, dubbed the Chosin Few. The US X Corps and the ROK I Corps reported a total of 10,495 battle casualties: 4,385 U.S. Marines, 3,163 US Army personnel, 2,812 South Koreans attached to American formations and 78 British Royal Marines. The 1st Marine Division also reported 7,338 non-battle casualties due to the cold weather, adding up to a total of 17,833 casualties. Despite the losses, the U.S. X Corps preserved much of its strength. About 105,000 soldiers, 98,000 civilians, 17,500 vehicles, and 350,000 tons of supplies were shipped from Hungnam to Pusan, and they would later rejoin the war effort in Korea.
Before the ceremony, the 6th ESB Marines delivered an absolutely outstanding performance as Color Guard and Full Rifle Detail before a packed audience of over 1,000 spectators including Scouts, Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, leaders and parents, at the Annual Flag Placement Ceremony in the Amphitheater at Willamette National Cemetery (aka “the Arlington of the West”), 25 May 2024.
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