The FReeper Foxhole Revisits Outpost Harry - Korea (June 10-18, 1953) - June 10th, 2005

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[snippy_about_it]

Lord,

Keep our Troops forever in Your care

Give them victory over the enemy...

Grant them a safe and swift return...

Bless those who mourn the lost.
.

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for all those serving their country at this time.


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The FReeper Foxhole Revisits

Outpost Harry
Korea June 10 - June 18, 1953

Outpost Harry was located in what was commonly referred to as the "Iron Triangle" in Korea. This was an area approximately 60 miles north of Seoul and was the most direct route to the South Korean capital. Outpost Harry's elevation was around 1280 feet high and positioned some 320 yards south of a larger landmass occupied by the CCF (Chinese Communist Forces) called "Star Hill" and some 425 yards northeast of United Nations positions. A service road that wound from the MLR (Main Line of Resistance) along an intermittent stream led to the rear of the outpost where a medical aid station and a supply point were located. The position contained a communication trench line which ran from the supply point forward some 400 yards to the top. At that point, the trench line joins another trench that makes a complete loop (circle) around the outpost with an additional finger that ran along the east ridge about 100 yards. The trench line was deep enough to walk around the perimeter unseen by the enemy. It was fortified with reinforced fighting bunkers, a command post and a forward observation bunker. It could accommodate approximately 150 infantrymen.

The outpost commanded an excellent view of the enemy positions as well as our own lines of defense. The elevation of the outpost was greater than any other friendly position within a mile. Since the Chinese did not have aerial observation, Outpost Harry was a strategic "military Hot Spot" and dearly desired by the Chinese. It's defense and preservation was viewed as critical because it blocked Chinese Communist Forces observation down the Kumwha Valley and shielded that portion of the MLR from enemy direct fire. If the UN forces lost the outpost, the U.S. Eighth Army would have had to withdraw approximately10 kilometers to the next defensible line, as shown in the photo at right. Furthermore, a CCF victory at Outpost Harry would have whet the appetite for more war and dishearten the American public to a point where it might accept an armistice term less favorable than was eventually was the case.

During the period of June 1-8, 1953, aerial reconnaissance indicated that the enemy Chinese Communist Forces were building for a major offensive. The enemy units identified were the 22nd & 221st Regiments of the Chinese Communist 74th Division.

King Company of the 15th. Infantry Regiment. was selected and ordered to occupy and defend Outpost Harry as they were considered a more experienced battle tested unit. It was a "Hold at all Costs" order with no withdrawal. With the background of "Peace Talks" on going, The CCF goal at this time was to inflect heavy casualties and to gain possible concessions at the truce table. King Company occupied Outpost Harry on the morning of June 6, 1953 through light enemy mortar fire. Upon reaching the summit and the outpost's fighting positions, King Company personnel along with the assistance of the 10th. Combat Engineers engaged in improving the fortifications. The trench line was deepened and expanded, bunkers reinforced, 55 gallons of napalm were installed and wired for firing, wire was strung, and communications improved. Meanwhile the company's defensive fire plan was developed and submitted to headquarters where the division artillery commander finally approved it.



On the evening of June 10th the Chinese launched their offensive by pounding the surrounding area and the outpost with artillery, mortar rounds and rocket fire. Around 2130 hours, and under the eerie glare of searchlights and parachute flares, the sudden blare of bugles and whistles signaled the enemy attack. Attacking in swarms, approximately 3600 enemy troops advanced forward throughout the night and the early hours of the next day. Despite an intense barrage of defensive firepower and the detonation of napalm, the invading CCF forces stormed the slopes of the outpost and soon penetrated the trenches. Over running the outpost they engaged King Company, 15th Infantry in hand to hand combat. The fighting became so intense that the Commanding Officer of King Company ordered his 39th Field Artillery Forward Observer to call in our artillery fire directly on the outpost. Fighting continued all night for possession of the outpost. In the early morning of June 11th advancing personnel of the 15th Infantry Easy and Charlie companies reinforced King Company to push the enemy forces back to their positions.

Action like this continued. On the night of June 11th, Baker Company of the 15th and Baker Company of the 5th. RCT defended Harry. On the night of June 12th, Able Company of the 5th. RCT and Love Company of the 15th. Infantry Regiment defended Harry. They were supported by a detachment from the 10th. Combat. Engineer Battalion that got trapped on the outpost while on a mine laying detail. Charlie Company of the 5th. RCT took responsibility for Harry on June 13th and was replaced by companies P and N of the Greek Battalion. Finally, on June l8th the enemy forces called off their attack due to horrible loses inflected by the defending units.



George, Easy and Able Companies of the 15th Infantry as well as Dog Company of the 5th. RCT also participated in the defense. Other units supporting the action were the 65th. Infantry Regiment., the 10th Combat Engineer Battalion, the 10th, 39th, 58th, 555th, and 3rd AAA Artillery Units. Additionally, the 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, the 3rd Medical and the 3rd Signal Unit provided much needed resources for the defense of Harry.

Units receiving the Distinguished Unit Citation for their performance on Harry were King Company, 15th. Infantry Regiment for the night of June 10/11, Baker Company, 15 Infantry for the night of June 11/12, Able Company, 5th. RCT for the night of June 12/13 and Peter Company, Greek Battalion for the night of June 17/18. In the annals of United States Infantry history it appears that this is the only time this many rifle companies received this distinguished award for an engagement of this type. Also recognized for valor and heroism was Sgt. Ola Mize, of King Co., 15th. Infantry Regiment. who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions of the night of June 10-11th, 1953.

Some 39 years later, 11 veterans from around the country decided to hold a reunion in honor of the Outpost Harry Siege. That first reunion was held at Fort Stewart, Ga. It was decided at that time that it would be appropriate to meet yearly around the anniversary date of June 10th to commemorate those that defended and preserved the outpost and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thus the Outpost Harry Survivors Association was established.



Since that first reunion meeting, The Outpost Harry Survivors Association has grown to over 160 members. At the reunion in 2001 it was decided that any veteran that defended Outpost Harry, regardless of time served, was to be considered a regular member of the Association.

There was never a safe time to be on Outpost Harry. The Greeks had a name for it and it was called "Death Place". If you served on Harry, you knew that was true. We invite you to share our Outpost Harry web site in honor of all that served and put their lives on the line to preserve it against overwhelming enemy numbers.

Out motto is, "WE HELD". And indeed we did!

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FReeper Foxhole Armed Services Links

[snippy_about_it]

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Outpost Harry Command Report

"During the period 16 May to 5 June, the 15th Infantry had been relieved of its responsibility for the Outpost Harry sector. When reports from various higher staff sections had been correlated and evaluated, and the higher commanders were assured beyond any reasonable doubt that Outpost Harry was to be attacked by numerically superior Chinese force, it was ordered that the 15th Infantry Regiment, a more experienced and battle tried unit, be made responsible for the Outpost Harry sector no later than the 6th of June. This was accomplished by relieving the 2nd Battalion 65th Infantry, with the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry. The regiment prepared to meet the onslaught of the Chinese.



Following is a physical description of Outpost Harry, for most of the action from 10-18 June centered around this hill. Outpost Harry is situated some 425 yards northeast of the friendly MLR which is on a general southeast-northwest line from the Chorwon Valley to the Kumwha Valley. The hill is approximately 1280 feet high and is locate about 320 yards south, and part of a larger hill mass occupied by the enemy, referred to as Star Hill. The outpost commands a good view of the enemy terrain and his avenues of approach to the MLR position. Since the elevation of the outpost is greater than that of any friendly-held terrain within an area of a mile, the position affords early warning of enemy approach to the main battle line.

The road approach to the outpost from the MLR runs north along an intermittent stream to the rear of the outpost, where the supply point is located. From here, movements to the position must be accomplished dismounted.



The position itself contains a communications trench which runs from the supply point forward some 315 yards to the forward observer bunker on the northernmost slope. Here the trench joins another trench which makes a complete circle around the forward position of the outpost; this position of the outpost is referred to as The Loop. Approximately 80 yards to the rear of The Loop, along a finger of the ridge running to the right side of the outpost, an additional trench extends approximately 110 yards. This finger is mutually supporting with The Loop position and helps protect the probable avenues of approach into position. The left side of the outpost is steep enough to afford a natural barrier to the attacking enemy force.

Aerial reconnaissance from 1 June to 8 June showed much increased enemy activity. This activity included construction of new anti-aircraft artillery positions, self-propelled gun revetments. artillery positions, supply bunkers, personnel bunkers, a new bridge and road improvements along the enemy main supply routes. An enemy offensive was obvious.



During the same period prior to the attack of 10 June, increased personnel sightings were reported during daylight hours. During the period of darkness, an increasing number of vehicle lights were reported, generally in the rear areas moving south and southwest toward the enemy's main battle positions. Prior to the attack CCF artillery battalions positioned to fire into the 3rd Infantry sector disclosed the enemy to be employing 102mm rocket for the first time in this area.

Also evident during this period was increased enemy counter battery fire on friendly artillery positions. Incoming artillery and mortar rounds reported in the regimental sector increased from an average of 275 per day to 670 per day, during the 4 to 5 days prior to the initial attack on the outpost. During the attacks on Harry, a tremendous volume of rounds fell in all of the regimental sector, including service units and regimental headquarters.



The enemy disposition at this time were not pinpointed; however; it was well known that there were in contact two unidentified battalions of The 22nd Regiment, 74th Division, in the left sector and two unidentified battalions of the 221st Regiment, 74th Division, in the right portion of the 15th regimental sector. The 221st Regiment, 74th Division was located in the sector immediately opposite outpost Harry. Reserves capable of intervention in the outpost Harry action were the two reserve battalions of regiments in contact with the 15th Infantry in the left sector, as well as three battalions of the 220th Regiment, unallocated which were in the 74th Division reserve.

Then began the concentrated enemy drive which was to last for a week and was to cost the Chinese dearly for every engaged minute. At 1950 hours on the night of 10 June the first CCF sightings were reported, and each sighting was engaged by mortar and artillery fire. At 2130 hours an ambush patrol west of OP Dick in the sector of the Greek Battalion reported Chinese numbering approximately 250 coming off Jackson Heights (in front of OP Tom). Mortar and artillery began falling on the 15th MLR as well as outposts Dick and Harry.



After a short but intense fire fight in the vicinity of Outpost Dick, including 2000 rounds of enemy artillery and mortar fire, the enemy withdrew. This was recognized as a possible enemy feint, and all units were alerted. At 2245, while attention was still focused on Outpost Dick, word came that the CCF were in the trenches on Outpost Harry. Bitter hand to hand combat was engaged in by members of Company "K", 15th Infantry and the Chinese were killed or driven from the trenches. The Chinese reinforced their attack four more times during the early morning hours, and as late as 0430 hours 11 June, were in the trench on the northern side of the outpost. In addition to a composite reserve local reserve committed by the 3rd battalion commander, Companies "E" and "C" 15th Infantry were committed to reinforce. One platoon of tanks from Heavy Tank Company, 15th Infantry, and one platoon of infantry were committed to the valley east of Outpost Harry as a diversionary force. This tank-infantry team proved to be of great value in channelizing the enemy attack.



About 0530 the morning of the 11th, a daylight CCF attack in battalion strength was repulsed by elements of the outpost. An hour later, evacuation of dead and wounded began. This continued through the daylight hours. Colonel Russell F. Akers Jr., Regimental commander, reorganized placing Company "B", 15th Infantry, on the outpost, and placing responsibility for defense of this section on the 1st Battalion. The day continued with intermittent shelling of the outpost.

[snippy_about_it]

............

On 12 June at 0005 hours the Chinese moving through their own and friendly artillery gained the trenches in the rear of the outpost: hand to hand fighting followed. At 0032 hours the CCF gained the trench on the northern slope of the outpost while friendly forces held the southern trench. Bitter fighting ensued and the CCF made numerous attempts to reinforce through the protective artillery ring. Company "B", 5th Regimental Combat Team, was used to reinforce. One platoon of tanks from Heavy Tank Company, 15th Infantry, and one platoon of infantry were committed to the valley east of Outpost Harry. as a diversionary force and again this force was highly successful in channelizing the enemy attack.



At daybreak, about 0545 hours, the enemy withdrew and all action ceased. Evacuation of the wounded and dead was begun and Colonel Akers took immediate steps to reorganize for renewed attacks, placing Company "A" 5th Regimental Combat Team on the outpost.

On the night of 12 June at 2200 hours, enemy artillery and mortar fire preceded a CCF attack on the outpost which was broken up by friendly defensive fires. CCF were in the trench for a short time but were forced to withdraw. Fighting ceased at 2247. However at 0208 the CCF attacked from the north, northeast, and northwest of the outpost. Bitter hand to hand fighting ensued as the enemy gained the trench on the northern slope of the outpost. Company "L", 15th infantry, reinforced and by 0450 hours the enemy was driven from the trenches and forced to withdraw. A platoon of tanks from the 64th Tank Battalion plus one platoon of infantry were dispatched to the valley east of outpost Harry and operated successfully as a diversionary force. All action ceased with the exception of friendly counter battery and counter mortar fire. Evacuation of wounded and dead was begun, and the regimental commander took immediate steps to reorganize for renewed attacks, placing Company "C", 15th Infantry, on the outpost.



Daylight hours were utilized to clean the trenches and refurbish weapons' positions in anticipation of another attack during the hours of darkness. On the night of 13-14 June, at approximately 0255, enemy artillery and mortar fire preceded a CCF screening action against the outpost from the east and west for the purpose of protecting recovery of their dead. This screening force was broken up by friendly defensive fires. Action became sporadic, with light enemy artillery and mortar fire falling on the outpost and MLR. By 0440 the enemy withdrew and all action ceased. The regimental commander took immediate steps to reorganize for renewed attacks, placing Company "G", 15th infantry on the outpost.

During the night of 14-15 June, at about 0125 the Chinese moving through friendly artillery and defensive fires, gained the trenches on the rear of the outpost, and intense hand to hand fighting followed. At 0222 hours, friendly forces held the outpost with the enemy reinforcing in the bitter hand to hand action. Company "E", 15th Infantry was committed to reinforce. One platoon from Heavy Tank Company and one platoon of Infantry were again dispatched as diversionary force. At 0345 the enemy withdrew and action ceased; the regimental commander again reorganizing for new attacks, placed Company "A", 15th Infantry on the outpost.



The night of 15-16 June was a quiet night on the outpost, and the following morning the regimental commander placed the GEF Battalion in the area of the outpost Harry sector in order that his US battalions, all of which had suffered heavy causalities, could refit and reorganize. During the night of 16-17 June there was no significant action, permitting much needed engineer work on the outpost to be accomplished by Company "P", GEF Battalion and elements of Company "B", 10th Engineer (C) Battalion.

On the night of 17-18 June, the Chinese returned at about 0052 hours, moving through their own and friendly artillery and mortar fire to attack Outpost Harry from the northeast and northwest. The enemy was repelled and forced to withdraw, but stayed in the area. At 0240 the enemy attacked from the north under intense artillery and mortar fire. The CCF gained the trenches of the outpost on the northern slope at 0313. Bitter hand to hand fighting ensued with the enemy making numerous attempts to reinforce through the protective artillery ring. Company "N", GEF Battalion was committed to reinforce. One platoon of tanks from Heavy Tank Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, and one platoon of Greek Infantry were dispatched to the valley east of Outpost Harry as a diversionary force. By 0402 hours the enemy was forced out of the trenches on the outpost, and all action ceased with the enemy withdrawing, having fired 22,000 rounds in support of this attack.



The enemy forces employed against Outpost Harry during the period 10-18 June were tabulated by Intelligence Sections to be substantially as shown in the following table:

10-11 June - A reinforced CCF regiment (Approx. 3,600 CCF)
11-12 June - A CCF regiment (approx. 2,850 CCF)
12-13 June - A reinforced CCF regiment
13-14 June - An estimated 100 CCF
14-15 June - An estimated 120 CCF
15-16 June - Negative
16-17 June - Negative
17-18 June - A CCF regiment.



During this period the entire 74th CCF Division was utilized against this position and at the end of the engagement was considered combat ineffective. Enemy rounds fired in support of their attack during the period 10-18 June amounted to 88,810 rounds over 81 mm size: friendly mortar and artillery units in conjunction with friendly tank fires were 368185 rounds over 81mm size."

(This command report courtesy of Martin Markley)

Additional Sources:

www.infantry.army.mil
www.ngb.army.mil
www.korea.army.mil
www.army.mil
www.theforgottenvictory.org
www.homestead.com/92ndafa

[snippy_about_it]

After the front line stabilized in November 1951, along what eventually proved to be the demarcation line between North and South Korea, the fighting over the next 20 months degenerated into a battle for outposts, whose possession served more political and propaganda purposes than military. In some respects it was like the trench warfare of World War I.


This can give you an idea of the intensity of the combat in an outpost fight

The battle for Outpost Harry began on 10 June 1953 with the following units heavily engaged in its defense: 15th Infantry Regiment; 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team; and the Greek Expeditionary Forces Battalion.

After nine days of repeated assaults, the Chinese bid to gain control of the critical terrain between the Chorwan and Kumhwa Valleys had failed. The entire Chinese 74th Division was committed to this operation and was rendered combat ineffective by 18 June. Estimated Chinese casualties were 1,673 dead and 3,800 wounded. United Nations casualties included 102 dead, 533 wounded, and 44 missing in action. In support of their attack, the Chinese fired approximately 88,810 indirect fire rounds in the Outpost Harry sector. United Nations forces countered with approximately 368,185 rounds. By the end of the nine day battle, Outpost Harry resembled a cratered moonscape.

[snippy_about_it]

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Thanks to quietolong for providing this link.

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We here at Blue Stars For A Safe Return are working hard to honor all of our military, past and present, and their families. Inlcuding the veterans, and POW/MIA's. I feel that not enough is done to recognize the past efforts of the veterans, and remember those who have never been found.

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NOW UPDATED THROUGH JULY 31st, 2004




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[alfa6]

Forgotten War Bump for the Freeper Foxhole

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[NYTexan]

Great thread! Didn't even know it was recurring.

Guess I spend too much time on the Nascar & Canteen threads.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Snippy.

[Iris7]

I hear there is a popular book in China, a history of the Korean war. I understand that the book says that the Chinese Army lost five million men dead.

I think that number should have been much bigger.

MacArthur was relieved for saying an amphibious landing in China was in order. He could have been thinking of landing on the Dalian penninsula, but Beijing is only a hundred miles from the coast - - -

[GailA]

Good morning, going to be hot and muggy again today.

[E.G.C.]

Good morning, Snippy and everyone at the Foxhole.

[The Mayor]

My computer is still dead..

June 10, 2005

Eyewitness

Read:
1 John 1:1-7

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you. —1 John 1:3

Bible In One Year: Ecclesiastes 1-3

"You don't want to interview me for your television program," the man told me. "You need someone who is young and photogenic, and I'm neither." I replied that we indeed wanted him because he had known C. S. Lewis, the noted author and the subject of our documentary. "Sir," I said, "when it comes to telling the story of a person's life, there is no substitute for an eyewitness."

As Christians, we often refer to sharing our faith in Christ as "witnessing" or "giving our testimony." It's an accurate concept taken directly from the Bible. John, a companion and disciple of Jesus, wrote: "We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you" (1 John 1:2-3).

If you know Jesus as your Savior and have experienced His love, grace, and forgiveness, you can tell someone else about Him. Youth, beauty, and theological training are not required. Reality and enthusiasm are more valuable than a training course in how to share your faith.

When it comes to telling someone the wonderful story of how Jesus Christ can transform a person's life, there is no substitute for a firsthand witness like you. —David McCasland

Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesus' precious blood,
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give. —Whittle

Jesus doesn't need lawyers, He needs witnesses.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
How Can I Share My Faith Without An Argument?

[Soaring Feather]

Good Morning everyone.

[Darksheare]

Dunno where I've seen that pile of dunnage before, but I've seen that pic.
There'sone that goes with it showing spent brass empties.

[Professional Engineer]

Good morning ladies. Flag-o-Gram.

Gen. Jimmy Doolittle

[stand watie]

GM, snippy!

free dixie HUGS,sw

[Professional Engineer]

Hi miss Feather

[Samwise]

Hey there, PE. What's up?

[Professional Engineer]

Hey Dark Sith Master. Kellogg's is putting light saber spoons in their kids cereals right now. Take a look here, Saberspoons

They come in red, green, or blue. All except for the custom, one off, version Spiderboy has. One of his is yellow.

Heh heh heh

[Darksheare]

Coolbeans!