The Battle of Changjin Lake was an important battle in the Korean War, also known as the Eastern Front of the Second Battle to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. The following is the historical background of the campaign:
1.Background:
Time: The Battle of Changjin Lake took place from November to December 1950.
Location: Changjin Lake is located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and is an important strategic location.
Participants: Chinese People's Volunteers and United ** (mainly US military).
2.U.S. Army Offensive:
On November 24, 1950, U.S. Commander-in-Chief Douglas MacArthur ordered the "Christmas Homecoming" offensive, ordering the U.S. 10th Army to march into the Yalu River and eliminate the North Korean resistance. The Chinese People's Volunteers sent the 9th Corps to cross the Yalu River without the knowledge of the United **, ambush the 10th Army, and protect the flank of the 13th Corps on the Western Front.
3.Campaign Progress:
On November 27, 1950, the Chinese People's Volunteers launched an offensive, and the advance of the United ** was frustrated, unable to stop the ** of the Volunteers, and turned to board the ship in the direction of Xingnan and retreated. Due to the influence of the Siberian cold snap, the temperature in the Changjin Lake area was extremely low, which led to a large number of non-combat attrition (mainly frostbite) on both sides of the war.
Due to the lack of logistical supplies, some of the volunteers had to carry out rapid marches, and discarded their cotton clothes during the march, which was far more affected by the climate than the American army. Due to the lack of heavy firepower and anti-aircraft firepower, the volunteers suffered heavy losses from the US air force, artillery bombardment, and rockets.
4.Campaign Results:
The Battle of Changjin Lake was a turning point on the eastern front of the Korean War, and the Volunteers finally assisted the Korean People's Army in recapturing the northeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. The successful breakthrough of the 1st Division of the US Marine Corps is considered its best moment. At the same time, the Battle of the Qingchuan River on the Western Front forced the U.S. Eighth Army to carry out the longest retreat in the history of the U.S. Army.