What many may not realize about the Korean War is that the dangers extended beyond the enemy on the battlefield.
Veterans who survived have stories of the harsh conditions and the bitter cold they endured. Nowhere was this more evident than during the Battle of Chosin.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Raymond Davis said in an interview that, “temperature dropped to 40 below zero” Everything was frozen.
With heavy snow and ice, the conditions were unbearable, and many succumbed to the brutal weather.
The 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division faced a surprise attack, leaving them stranded in temperatures plunging to 50 below zero, all while under relentless gunfire.
Billy Gene Devasher, a survivor of the battle, recalled as many as 236 men who were either frozen or wounded during the battle.
During the harsh winter, medics were more essential than ever in dealing with frostbite, hypothermia, and battle injuries.
The Battle of Chosin was an extremely brutal part of military history, and we should not forget those who fought through it. Learn more here.
We honor all members of the greatest generation for what they went through to preserve freedom throughout the world. That’s why we support legislation to give back to those who gave the most. See what we are working on here.
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