Marine Corps History

1950 -Korean WarLE1508 : Pages 71-83

Changes In The CorpsWomen allowed to joinFirst time : WWI

Commandant Resisted the Change

1942 Women’s Reserve was formed

18,460 women reserves during WWII

Only a small group remained in 1945

Integrated into the Regular Marine Corps

Changes ContinuedBlacksFirst served during Revolutionary War

Segregation began in 1798 (reorganization)

Began Integration in 1940’s (Pres. Roosevelt)

Blacks had separate training facilities

First black commissioned officer in 1948

WWII Demobilization1945 = 485,000 Marines on duty

Congress declared that the Corp’s peacetime strength should not exceed 107,000.

1947 = 85,000 Marines on duty

The Korean War25 June 1950: North

Korean People’s Army

(NKPA) crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea.

KoreaGen. MacArthur asked for the Marines to repel the North Korean attack.

Marines went to the Pusan Perimeter to assist the US Army.

After securing the Pusan Perimeter, the Marines prepared to attack at Inchon.

Amphibious Assault on Inchon1st Marine Regiment commanded by Col. Chesty Puller.

Inchon’s tides change 30 feet in 3 hours

15 Sep 1950: Unopposed attack on Inchon

25 Sep 1950: Marines advanced to Seoul

1st MAR. DIV. Heads for Wonson and then the Chosin Reservoir.

The Chosin ReservoirOBJECTIVE: Seize Hydroelectric Station

2 Nov, Enroute: Encountered Chinese Communist Forces

Chinese Retreated & Marines moved to Koto-Ri13 Nov: 1st Regiment advanced to quickly and reached the reservoir to soon.

The 8th Army was still 80 miles away from being in place on the left flank of the Marines.

“Frozen” Chosen continued27 Nov: Marines ordered to move, they began to move and attack west.

At night the temperature would drop to –20 F.

8 Chinese Divisions came out of the mountains and surrounded the Marines.

The Marines had to fight their way out or be destroyed.

Attacking in a different direction

Marines fought their way back to Hungnam by 2 Dec.

Marines casualties = 730 lives

Chinese casualties = 25,000 lives

Last Major OffensiveThe Punch BowlLarge circular valley

Several inconclusive battles

Poor Air Support from Air Force

The End of the War27 July 1953 : Ceasefire

DEVELOPMENTS :Cold weather boots

Flak Jackets

Helicopters

President TrumanSigned Public Law 416 which

restructured the Marine Corps

3 Divisions and 3 Air Wings

Marine Corps Acronyms:N.C.O.

Non Commissioned Officer

C.C.F.Chinese Communist Forces

M.S.R.Main Supply Route

N.K.P.A.North Korean Peoples Army

R.O.K.Republic Of Korea

Questions