Chapter XXVIII: Appendix: B

Korean War Chronology

_1950_

25 Jun North Korean People’s Army, with 60,000 troops and 100
Russian tanks, crosses 38th Parallel to invade South
Korea.

25 Jun United Nations Security Council calls for end of
aggression and withdrawal of NKPA troops.

27 Jun UN, adopting a U.S. resolution, proclaims NKPA attack
a breach of world peace. Asks member nations to assist
ROK in repelling invasion.

27 Jun Pres Truman orders U.S. air-sea units to support ROK
and for U.S. Seventh Fleet to neutralize Formosan
Strait.

28 Jun NKPA captures Seoul, South Korean capital.

29 Jun Pres Truman orders naval blockade of Korean coast;
authorizes Far East Commander, Gen MacArthur, to send
U.S. ground troops into Korea.

30 Jun Pres Truman receives Congressional authorization
to order into active service any or all reserve
components of Armed Forces, for a period of 21 months.

2 Jul CNO directs that Marine reinforced regiment with
supporting air be prepared for assignment to Far East.

2 Jul CinCFE requests Marine RCT-air unit for Far East.
This was inception of 1st Provisional Marine Brigade,
formed less than a week later.

3 Jul Inchon captured by North Koreans.

5 Jul-4 Aug UNC fights series of delaying actions in Korea.

7 Jul U.N. Security Council authorizes formation of a
United Nations Command as counterforce against NKPA
aggression.

7 Jul 1st ProvMarBrig activated at Camp Pendleton, under
BGen Edward A. Craig. Basic elements of 6,534-man
Brigade are 5th Marines and MAG-33.

8 Jul Gen MacArthur named Commander, UNC.

10 Jul CinCUNC asks Joint Chiefs of Staff to authorize
expansion of Marine Brigade to full war-strength
division.

12–14 Jul 1st ProvMarBrig embarks for Korean theater.

12 Jul LtGen Walton H. Walker named CG, Eighth U.S. Army in
Korea.

19 Jul CinCUNC makes 2d request for Marine division.

19 Jul Pres Truman authorizes Defense Dept to call up reserve
units and individuals.

19 Jul CMC alerts Marine Corps organized reserve units
for call to active duty following Presidential
announcement.

20 Jul CMC, Gen Clifton B. Cates, orders to duty Organized
Marine Corps ground reserve units, consisting of 22
units and 4,830 personnel. Partial callup for 6,000
air reservists in 30 Marine VMF and 12 MGCI squadrons.

20 Jul Taejon, temporary ROK capital, captured.

21 Jul CinCUNC makes 3d request for Marine division.

25 Jul UNC defense at Pusan deteriorates. CinCUNC orders 1st
ProvMarBrig directly to Korea.

25 Jul JCS directs Marine Corps to build 1stMarDiv to
war-strength.

31 Jul Masan and Chinju fall to enemy.

2–3 Aug 1st ProvMarBrig arrives Pusan. Moves to bivouac area
near Masan.

3 Aug First Marine air strike launched by VMF-214.

4 Aug Pusan Perimeter established by UNC in southeastern end
of Korea.

4 Aug First evacuation of casualties from Pusan by Marine
VMO-6 helicopters.

6 Aug First air mission flown by VMF-323.

6–8 Aug CinCUNC confers with U.S. military-diplomatic
officials about proposed Inchon amphibious landing.

7–13 Aug Marine Brigade engaged in first combat operations at
Chinju.

10 Aug First Marine helicopter rescue made by VMO-6 to
recover downed pilot.

10–24 Aug 1stMarDiv units embark for Korea.

16 Aug EUSAK X Corps activated for coming Inchon-Seoul
operation. Principal elements are 1stMarDiv and Army
7thInfDiv.

17 Aug Marine Brigade opens battle for Obong-ni (“No Name”)
Ridge, leading way to destruction of enemy bridgehead
at Naktong and first UNC victory in Korea.

17 Aug 7th Marines activated at Camp Pendleton and on 1 Sep
embarks for Far East, arriving 21 Sep.

1–5 Sep NKPA launches all-out offensive to break UNC perimeter
defense at Pusan. In Second Naktong Battle, Brigade
contains enemy at Yongsan.

13 Sep 1st ProvMarBrig deactivated and absorbed by 1stMarDiv
for Inchon operation.

15 Sep D-Day, Inchon amphibious assault, spearheaded by
1stMarDiv.

17 Sep 1stMarDiv (5th Marines) recaptures Kimpo Airfield.

19–25 Sep Enemy resistance at Pusan begins to collapse. NKPA
troops in retreat north from Pusan.

27 Sep 1stMarDiv recaptures Seoul. ROK Capital officially
liberated 29 Sep.

30 Sep Communist China Foreign Minister Chou En-lai warns:
“The Chinese people will not supinely tolerate
seeing their neighbors being savagely invaded by the
imperialists.”

30 Sep-1 Oct ROK 3d Div crosses 38th Parallel in pursuit of
retreating NKPA.

7 Oct UN General Assembly authorizes UNC forces to cross
38th Parallel to defeat NKPA.

10 Oct Wonsan, east coast port at 39th Parallel, captured by
ROK troops.

10 Oct Chinese repeat warning of intervention in Korean
conflict.

16 Oct First Chinese Communist troops secretly enter Korea
from Manchuria.

19 Oct Pyongyang, North Korean Capital at 39th Parallel,
captured by EUSAK.

26 Oct Chinese troops attack ROK units at Yalu River and
points south of Sino-Korean border.

26 Oct 1stMarDiv lands at Wonsan, establishes security for
port, and drives north.

1 Nov UNC forward elements reach positions along Yalu. First
Russian-built MIG appears along Yalu to attack U.S.
aircraft.

2 Nov Strong Chinese and NKPA forces attack EUSAK at Unsan,
causing withdrawal across Chongchon River. First
identification of Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) in
Korea.

3–7 Nov Initial Marine encounter with CCF. 7th Marines units
defeat major elements of 124th CCF Division.

6 Nov MacArthur warns JCS that movement of CCF across Yalu
threatens UNC position.

15 Nov Marine units reach Chosin Reservoir area in X Corps
drive north.

24 Nov MacArthur announced “win the war” offensive. EUSAK
begins advance toward Yalu.

26–27 Nov CCF, 200,000-strong, attack EUSAK troops forcing
withdrawal. 1stMarDiv isolated at Yudam-ni, west of
Chosin. MSR cut.

28 Nov-3 Dec 1stMarDiv turns back CCF attacks. Prepares to move
south. Regroups at Hagaru-ri for drive to Hungnam.

4 Dec Pyongyang recaptured by enemy.

5–7 Dec 1stMarDiv evacuates wounded by air and fights through
to Koto-ri.

6 Dec Innovation of using airborne TADC as tactical CP to
control air support.

10 Dec First Marine jet squadron to fly in combat, VMF-311,
begins operations.

11 Dec 1stMarDiv completes fighting breakout from Chosin
entrapment. Begins march to join rest of X Corps at
Hungnam.

15 Dec 1stMarDiv deployed from Hungnam to Pusan.

15 Dec UNC establishes new defensive line at 38th Parallel.

18 Dec-27 Jan Marine division routs enemy guerrilla forces in
Masan-Pohang-Sondong-Andong area.

23 Dec EUSAK CG Walker killed in jeep accident. Gen Matthew
B. Ridgway named to succeed him.

24 Dec Hungnam evacuation completed by X Corps.

29 Dec Large enemy buildup reported north of 38th Parallel,
preparing for new attack.

_1951_

31 Dec-1 Jan Enemy launches all-out offensive against UNC across
38th Parallel, pushing EUSAK back 10–12 miles.

4 Jan Seoul recaptured by Communists.

7–15 Jan Enemy offensive halted, UNC sets up new defense line
along Pyongtaek-Wonju axis, at 37th Parallel.

25 Jan UNC reassumes offensive. Operation THUNDERBOLT
launched by I and IX Corps to regain territory south
of Han River.

Jan-Feb 1stMarDiv continues antiguerrilla operations in Masan
area.

7 Feb Communists forced north of Han River. UNC retakes
Inchon peninsula.

mid-Feb 1stMarDiv reassigned from X to IX Corps.

21 Feb Operation KILLER, a general limited objective advance
by U.S. IX and X Corps, ordered by Gen Ridgway.
1stMarDiv reenters frontlines for operation.

7 Mar Operation RIPPER begins in central and eastern zones,
with advance across Han by IX and X Corps.

14 Mar Seoul retaken by U.S. Eighth Army for second time.

27–31 Mar 1stMarDiv occupies 28,000-meter sector north of
Hongchon. UNC elements reach 38th Parallel.

1–21 Apr 1stMarDiv in general advance north to the Hwachon
Reservoir.

8 Apr Operation RIPPER clears enemy troops from South Korea
east of Imjin River.

11 Apr Pres Truman relieves Gen MacArthur as CinCUNC,
replacing him by Gen Ridgway, CG, EUSAK. LtGen James
A. Van Fleet named Commander, EUSAK.

15 Apr UNC establishes defensive line along 38th
Parallel, or KANSAS Line. Enemy heavily emplaced
in Chorwon-Kumhwa-Pyonggang (“The Iron Triangle”)
assembly area.

22 Apr-8 Jul CCF launches all-out “Spring Offensive.”

23–27 Apr 1stMarDiv halts CCF left flank breakthrough of IX
Corps, establishes defense line in Chunchon vicinity.

30 Apr UNC completes withdrawal to new defense line north of
Seoul. Intelligence reports indicate CCF plans renewed
attack.

1 May 1stMarDiv reassigned to X Corps.

9 May 1st MAW squadrons participate in FAF 300-plane strike
on Sinuiju, near Yalu. Biggest raid of war to date.

16 May Second phase of enemy offensive begins. CCF drives
south from Iron Triangle area, making penetrations
15–20 miles deep along the front.

20 May FAF launches Operation STRANGLE, massive all-out
interdiction effort.

21 May UNC launches counter offensive, pushes enemy north of
38th Parallel again. 1stMarDiv drives toward Yanggu at
eastern end of Hwachon Reservoir.

30 May Eighth Army back on KANSAS Line again.

1–16 Jun 1stMarDiv advances northeast from Hwachon Reservoir
to Punchbowl. Claws out daily gains of 1,000–2,000
meters, reaching objective despite heavy NKPA fire.

mid-Jun UNC forces consolidate positions at 38th Parallel. UNC
front approximately the same line as when Communist
spring offensive began.

23 Jun UN Soviet delegate, Jacob Malik, proposes cease-fire
discussions.

30 Jun UN notifies enemy of its readiness to discuss an
armistice.

10 Jul Truce talks begin at Kaesong and fighting dies down
along front. UN delegation led by U.S. Vice Admiral C.
Turner Joy. Communists represented by LtGen Nam Il,
NKPA.

26 Jul Negotiators at Kaesong agree on preliminary agenda.

5 Aug UNC suspends truce talks because of armed enemy troops
in neutral area. Cease-fire talks resumed 10 Aug.

22 Aug Communists halt cease-fire talks, charge UN aircraft
has violated neutrality zone.

31 Aug In final UNC offensive action of war, 1stMarDiv opens
assault at Punchbowl. UN launches limited attacks to
straighten line.

5 Sep 1stMarDiv gains initial objectives in Punchbowl area,
new ridgeline to become part of Line MINNESOTA,
EUSAK defensive line. Heavy attacks by IX Corps at
Heartbreak and Bloody Ridge.

13 Sep HMR-161 effects first Marine mass helicopter combat
resupply maneuver, Operation WINDMILL I.

18 Sep Marines advance to Soyang River, north of Punchbowl.

21 Sep Operation SUMMIT, first helicopter deployment of a
combat unit, lands 224 fully-equipped troops and
17,772 lbs of cargo in Punchbowl area.

25 Oct Following two weeks of discussion between liaison
officers, truce talks resumed at new site, Panmunjom.

28 Oct Cease-fire line agreed upon as present line of contact.

11 Nov HMR-161 conducts first frontline relief of a Marine
battalion, in Operation SWITCH.

12 Nov Gen Ridgway, CinCUNC, orders EUSAK Commander, Gen Van
Fleet to cease offensive operations and begin active
defense of UN front.

Nov-Dec General stalemate along Korean battlefront during
truce discussions.

18 Dec Prisoner of war lists exchanged by UN and Communists.

_1952_

2 Jan UNC proposes principle of “voluntary repatriation” in
POW exchange.

3 Jan UNC proposal violently rejected by Communists.

Jan-Apr Disorders in UNC prison camps as screening of
prisoners begins.

22 Feb Communist Korean Foreign Affairs Minister charges
America with renewed bacteriological warfare attacks
in North Korea. Chinese Communist Foreign Minister
Chou En-Lai, issues similar statement on 8 Mar,
alleging U.S. flyers participate in “germ warfare.”

17 Mar 1stMarDiv reassigned from X Corps eastern-Korea
position to I Corps far western end of EUSAK line.
Takes over approximately 35 miles of Line JAMESTOWN on
24 Mar.

28 Apr Adm Joy presents UN “final offer,” insists on
voluntary repatriation principle.

7–11 May Rioting prisoners at Koje-do camp seize Gen Dodd and
hold him hostage, until order restored.

12 May Gen Mark W. Clark succeeds Ridgway as CinCUNC, upon
latter’s departure to assume NATO command from Gen
Eisenhower.

22 May MajGen William K. Harrison succeeds Adm Joy as chief
of UN delegation at Panmunjom.

Jun-Oct General stalemate along battlefront while truce talks
deadlocked on POW repatriation question. Sharp limited
objective attacks made by enemy against UNC defensive
line.

9–16 Aug First major Marine ground action in western Korea,
Battle of Bunker Hill (1st Marines).

19–20 Aug HMR-161 Operation RIPPLE introduces tactical
innovation of transporting 4.5-inch rocket battery
weapons and personnel to new firing position.

29 Aug Largest one-day FAF air assault of entire war, “All
United Nations Air Effort” sends 1,403 sorties against
North Korean Capital, Pyongyang.

22–26 Sep First resupply of MLR regiment by helicopter in
Operation HAYLIGHT.

8 Oct UNC adjourns armistice talks “indefinitely”; complete
deadlock on POW question.

26–28 Oct Battle of the Hook (7th Marines).

4 Nov Dwight D. Eisenhower elected President.

17 Nov India introduces compromise truce plan at United
Nations.

2 Dec President-elect Eisenhower begins three-day tour of
Korea.

3 Dec UN General Assembly adopts compromise Indian
resolution by 54 to 5 vote.
_1953_

Jan-Feb Winter lull in fighting. Cease-fire talks remain
suspended.

2 Feb President Eisenhower, in State of Union message, ends
“neutralization” of Formosa Strait.

11 Feb Gen Maxwell D. Taylor assumes EUSAK command from Gen
Van Fleet.

22 Feb UNC proposes exchange of sick and wounded POWs, as
preliminary step in full exchange of prisoners.

5 Mar Premier Joseph Stalin of Russia dies. Georgi Malenkov
named to succeed him.

26–30 Mar 1stMarDiv combat outposts Vegas-Reno-Carson (5th
Marines) under heavy attack.

28 Mar Communists accept UN proposal to discuss exchange of
sick and wounded POWs.

30 Mar Chou En-lai indicates Communists will accept Indian UN
compromise proposal. Truce talks to be resumed.

12 Apr 1st MAW flies first night CAS missions, using
intersecting searchlight beams to mark enemy targets.

20–26 Apr Exchange of sick and wounded POWs, “Operation LITTLE
SWITCH,” takes place at Panmunjom, under direction of
Munsan-ni Provisional Command.

26 Apr Truce talks resumed at Panmunjom.

5 May 1stMarDiv relieved by U.S. 25thInfDiv; 1st Division
assigned mission of I Corps Reserve.

7 May Communists accept UN proposal that prisoners unwilling
to be repatriated be kept in neutral custody within
Korea, rather than be removed elsewhere to a neutral
nation.

28–30 May Savage fighting while truce details worked out by
negotiators. CCF launches regimental-strength attack
against I Corps sector. Heavy action in Nevada Cities
and Hook area outposts. Marine tanks and artillery in
support of defending 25thInfDiv line units.

6 Jun ROK national Assembly demands freedom for
anti-Communist North Koreans held in South Korean POW
camps. Civilian demonstrations break out in various
EUSAK and I Corps localities.

8 Jun Agreement reached on POW question. POW nonrepatriates
to be turned over to five-member neutral commission to
decide disposition of POW cases. Pres Rhee declares
armistice terms unacceptable to South Korea.

9 Jun ROK National Assembly unanimously rejects truce terms.

10–17 Jun Communists launch heaviest offensive in two years
against ROK II Corps sector in Kumsong area. Heavy
penetrations, with ROK II Corps pushed 4000 yards
south to new MLR.

18 Jun Breakout of 25,000 North Korean anti-Communist
prisoners from South Korean POW camps, assisted by
ROK guards. Release ordered by Pres Rhee as protest
against proposed armistice.

18–20 Jun Communists accuse UNC of complicity in freeing
prisoners; truce talks suspended.

23–25 Jun Pres Rhee continues opposition to truce terms. Walter
Robinson, U.S. Asst. Sec. of State for Far East and
Gen Mark Clark start confidential talks with Rhee.

7–8 Jul COPs Berlin-East Berlin (7th Marines right regimental
sector) under attack during Marine relief of
25thInfDiv.

8 Jul 1stMarDiv assumes operational control of its former
MLR sector, relieving 25thInfDiv.

8 Jul Communists agree to resume armistice negotiations;
talks reconvened 10 July.

11 Jul Robertson announces that Pres Rhee will no longer
oppose truce terms.

11 Jul Maj John F. Bolt, VMF-115, becomes first Marine jet
ace with kill of his fifth and sixth MIGs.

13–20 Jul CCF launches even larger offensive than June attack
along central Korean front. IX and ROK II Corps MLR
reestablished south of Kumsong River.

19 Jul Negotiators at Panmunjom reach agreement on truce.

19 Jul Marine outposts Berlin-East Berlin overrun; I Corps
decrees positions should not be retaken.

24–27 Jul Heavy enemy attack in Berlin Complex (“Boulder City”)
area held by 7th and 1st Marines.

27 Jul Cease-fire agreement signed at Panmunjom at 1000.
Fighting ends. Armistice effective at 2200.

5 Aug-6 Sep Final exchange of prisoners in Operation BIG SWITCH,
at Panmunjom.