Free Republic
Browse · Search
VetsCoR
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The FReeper Foxhole Remembers Outpost Harry - Korea (June 10-18, 1953) - June 10th, 2003
http://btainc.com/OPHSA/OPHSA_Intro.htm ^ | Compiled by SAMWolf

Posted on 06/10/2003 4:43:29 AM PDT by snippy_about_it



Dear Lord,

There's a young man far from home,
called to serve his nation in time of war;
sent to defend our freedom
on some distant foreign shore.

We pray You keep him safe,
we pray You keep him strong,
we pray You send him safely home ...
for he's been away so long.

There's a young woman far from home,
serving her nation with pride.
Her step is strong, her step is sure,
there is courage in every stride.
We pray You keep her safe,
we pray You keep her strong,
we pray You send her safely home ...
for she's been away too long.

Bless those who await their safe return.
Bless those who mourn the lost.
Bless those who serve this country well,
no matter what the cost.

Author Unknown

.

FReepers from the The Foxhole
join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time.

.

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

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

Our Mission:

The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

To read previous Foxhole threads or
to add the Foxhole to your sidebar,
click on the books below.

Resource Links For Veterans


Click on the pix

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!



TOPICS: VetsCoR
KEYWORDS: freeperfoxhole; koreanwar; michaeldobbs; outpostharry; veterans
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-72 next last
To: snippy_about_it
Another interesting day in the Foxhole. Thanks.
41 posted on 06/10/2003 10:53:43 AM PDT by Diver Dave
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diver Dave
Thank you for stopping in and saying so!

Good to 'see' you.
42 posted on 06/10/2003 11:09:33 AM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: snippy_about_it
Ah, it can't be all that bad.
Once he's back, you'll have more time to hang out and play with us.

Or.. do what I do, find a corner, lurk, and generally be a bad influence on the younger generations.
"Now, remember kids. It's okay to point out that the Emperor has no clothes. Just make sure you run like heck afterwards."

Of course, I'm sometimes a bad influence on older generations. Found that my musical tastes sometimes rub off on those older than I.
Wonder why that is? *shrugs*
,*-) clunk.
43 posted on 06/10/2003 12:28:53 PM PDT by Darksheare (Nox aeternus en pax.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: larryjohnson
How nice Larry, love the last line!

Poem in there somewhere!! LOL
44 posted on 06/10/2003 1:15:04 PM PDT by Soaring Feather (God Bless our Military.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: SAMWolf; All
SAM, wherever you are, tell the in-laws it's break time. LOL!

Laid back Break Time!
45 posted on 06/10/2003 1:50:45 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: snippy_about_it
Thanks, for carrying on, Snippy. I like that Sam pays close attention to the Korea War. It really is the "lost" war and I confess I don't know much of its history.

BTW, my wife's a saint for putting up with her in-laws.

46 posted on 06/10/2003 2:02:30 PM PDT by colorado tanker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies]

To: colorado tanker; SAMWolf
My pleasure. SAM does a wonderful job.

He'll see your post eventually and in the mean time I'll be sure and tell him you appreciate the Korean War stories. Thanks for letting us know.

In-laws can be bad enough but to stay in your house for two weeks and take over your computer room...arrgh, I can't imagine what he's going through. lol.

I'm just sure SAM is behaving like a saint also. :)
47 posted on 06/10/2003 2:07:59 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: snippy_about_it
In-laws can be bad enough but to stay in your house for two weeks and take over your computer room...arrgh, I can't imagine what he's going through. lol.

Hey, to a guy the computer room is sacred territory. And if you're a Freeper, it's even more sacred than the remote control. :)

48 posted on 06/10/2003 2:20:00 PM PDT by colorado tanker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: colorado tanker
Hey, to a guy the computer room is sacred territory.

Hey, to some of us gals too. lol. At least it is at my house!!

49 posted on 06/10/2003 2:42:01 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 48 | View Replies]

To: snippy_about_it
LOL! (I love these threads.)
50 posted on 06/10/2003 2:43:37 PM PDT by colorado tanker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: manna
:)
51 posted on 06/10/2003 2:55:52 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: snippy_about_it
Hi Snippy! I don't have time to go through the thread right now, just enough time to say thanks for covering for me today.

52 posted on 06/10/2003 3:27:40 PM PDT by SAMWolf (If you can't make it good, make it big.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: SAMWolf
:)
53 posted on 06/10/2003 3:28:47 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: SAMWolf
Flowers again. Wonderful, thanks.

Of course you know...now I'm going to start to look forward to your in-laws visiting. hehehe.
54 posted on 06/10/2003 3:36:11 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: snippy_about_it

55 posted on 06/10/2003 4:18:57 PM PDT by GailA (Millington Rally for America after action http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/872519/posts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: GailA
Thanks GailA, that's pretty.
56 posted on 06/10/2003 4:20:27 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: All
Recent photos of our Soldiers in IRAQ


EVENING SERENADE — Soldiers of A Company 2d Battalion, 187 Infantry Regiment 101st Airborne Division, (Air Assault) relax after dinner on June 5. They are about to go out on a night patrol of Al Bajar, Iraq, located near the Iraq/Syrian border. A U.S. compound was attacked a week earlier resulting in curfews for Al Bajar. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens


TASK FORCE NEIGHBORHOOD — U.S. Army Spc. Linda Carvallo, a medic with A Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, examins a local resident with a gunshot wound near the Al Wasity hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Soldiers from A Company were supporting Task Force Neighborhood, organized to help rebuild the communities in Baghdad. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shama Parker


CIVIL AFFAIRS — U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Guidry, and Capt. John Smathers, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, talk to an Iraqi civilian about the improvement of living conditions in the surrounding area in downtown Baghdad, June 7. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jacob H. Smith

57 posted on 06/10/2003 4:29:06 PM PDT by snippy_about_it (Pray for our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: Johnny Gage
What's that variation in the second one from the bottom? The cockpit looks different.
58 posted on 06/10/2003 4:34:23 PM PDT by GATOR NAVY
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: GATOR NAVY; Johnny Gage


AD5W Skyraider (Douglas) "Guppy"
59 posted on 06/10/2003 6:22:31 PM PDT by PhilDragoo (Hitlery: das Butch von Buchenvald)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies]

To: GATOR NAVY; Johnny Gage
AD-5 (4-seat multirole version. Many variants of the AD-5 were capable of carrying up to 12 passengers in the rear fuselage).

AD-5W: (Redesignated EA-1E): Airborne early warning version.
60 posted on 06/10/2003 6:36:37 PM PDT by PhilDragoo (Hitlery: das Butch von Buchenvald)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-72 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
VetsCoR
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson