Operation Item KW (id:#66967)

(March Madness 2024 The Korean War Pack ID: MM97)   [next]   [previous]

Un'gok, Hill 31A, South Korea 1953-03-19 (0 others)

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Overview:

The Marines' objective was a CPVA combat outpost on Hill 31A, which was made up of 400 yards of enemy trenches, pillboxes and caves, usually manned by a reinforced platoon, and supported by fire from nearby Hill 35A. In addition, feeder trenches ran down from Hill 31, a main CPVA position further to the north, and connected to those on Hill 31A. The USMC raid, codenamed "Operation Item" and ordered by LTCOL Platt (Commander, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines), was intended to capture prisoners and destroy the enemy's outpost defenses. The raiding force was made up of two reinforces platoons-the assault elements of which had been especially armend with twenty-four Thompson SMGs, seven flame throwers, and six satchel charges. Some supporting elements had been primarily tasked to fire rifle grenades. Preparatory fire by 4.2" mortars deliberately cratered the ground on the approaches to the enemy position in order to provide cover for the advancing marines. The mortars also conducted diversionary fire on nearby hills. As the mortar fire lifted, Marine tanks-in revetments high up on the slopes of the Marine's main line of resistance-fired at the enemy feeder trenches to interdict enemy reinforcements, and took enemy supporting fire positions under fire as well. Supported by these covering fires, the USMC raiding force made its advance toward the outpost.

Defender: Chinese (358th Regiment, 120th Division, 40th Corps)  

Errata (source)