Yalu River 1950–51

The Chinese spring the trap on MacArthur

Yalu River 1950–51 cover

Yalu River 1950–51

The Chinese spring the trap on MacArthur

Description

This gripping study details the crisis point of the Korean War: the UN advance across into North Korea and the following Chinese offensive that drove the forces back south of the 38th Parallel.

Following the Inchon landings and the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, UN forces crossed the North Korean border on 9 October and moved on the capital Pyongyang. Many in America believed the war would be over by Christmas, but some Washington diplomatic, military, and intelligence experts continued to raise dire warnings that the People's Republic of China might intervene. Nevertheless, General MacArthur decided to push on to the Chinese/North Korean border, the Yalu River.

On 25 October, Communist Chinese Forces unexpectedly attacked Republic of Korea forces near Unsan. Then, on 25 November, the day after MacArthur announced a 'final offensive to end the war', the Chinese 13th Army Group struck in mass against the Eighth Army in the north-west corner of North Korea, overrunning the US 2nd and 25th Infantry Divisions.

The Chinese attacks quickly shattered Truman's dream of a unified Korea. American, UN, and ROK forces could not hold a successful defensive line against the combined CCF and NKPA attacks. At the Chosin Reservoir, US Marine Corps and Army units retreated south whilst MacArthur's forces withdrew from Pyongyang and X Corps later pulled out of Hungnam.

Using expert research, bird's-eye views, and full-colour maps, this study tells the fascinating history of the critical Yalu campaign, including the famous retreat past the 38th Parallel.

Table of Contents

Origins of the Campaign
Chronology
Opposing Commanders
Opposing Forces
Opposing Plans
The Campaign
Aftermath
The Battlefields Today

Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published 20 Feb 2020
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472837240
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series Campaign
Short code CAM 346
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Clayton K. S. Chun

Clayton K.S. Chun, Ph.D., is on the U.S. Army War…

Illustrator

Johnny Shumate

Johnny Shumate works as a freelance illustrator li…

Resources

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