Battle of Chuam-ni

Part of the Korean War

Date	14–17 February 1951
Location	Chuam-ni, South Korea
Result	U.N victory

Belligerents

United Nations

China

Commanders and leaders

Unknown

Casualties and losses

United States:
114 killed
98 wounded

Australia:
4 killed
16 wounded

unknown

United Nations

United States:
114 killed
98 wounded

The Battle of Chuam-ni was a battle fought between 14–17 February 1951, at Chuam-ni, South Korea, as part of the Chinese and North Korean offensive towards Wonju during the Korean War. The battle was for control of the supply line Route 24.

Due to insufficient strength in troop numbers, a gap of about 12 miles (19 km) between the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment and the 23rd Regimental Combat Team. The Chinese having become aware of the gap, prepared to exploit the gap in its offensive on Wongju. On 12 February 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment manning positions upon Hill 444 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Chip'yong-ni were attacked by two Chinese battalions and was withdrawn to positions northwest of Wonju. During the morning of the 13 February, air observers noted Chinese troop movements towards the gap toward the 2nd Division's 2nd Reconnaissance Company east of Chuam-ni.

The 2nd Reconnaissance Company having been sent out to patrol Route 24 in the gap in the defensive line around Wongju, were reinforced with "L Company", 9th Infantry Regiment at 12:00 on 13 February. Almost immediately they were attacked by a Chinese forces from the northeast, which was repulsed. The Chinese then tried to encircle the two companies bringing about the withdrawal of the companies to a blocking position on Route 24 at Chuam-ni.

On 14 February at 05:00, the Chinese, consisting of a regiment of the 116th Division of the 39th Army, launched an attack against the 2nd Reconnaissance Company and "L Company", 9th Infantry at Chuam-ni. Suffering large casualties, the two companies withdrew south along Route 24. Having been surrounded, the companies fought a fighting withdrawal suffering further casualties. The total casualties suffered by the 2nd Reconnaissance Company and "L Company", 9th Infantry were 114 killed and 98 wounded. Chinese casualties were also heavy. The result of the withdrawal was that the 23rd Regiment had been cut off.

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Wikipedia