A Fully Researched Award For Heroic Combat In North Korea.

[CtahhR]

SECURITY INFORMATION

Hq 3rd Bn, 38 Inf
MAK KOL (CT311282) KOREA
5 Oct 52

MONTHLY S-2 JOURNAL SUMMARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1952

Period Covered: From 0118001 Sep 52
To 3018001 Sep 52

The greater portion of the period was spent in active defense of the same positions the Battalion was defending in August. The Battalion continued an agressive policy, dispatching a minimum of two patrols each night.

Item Co had a small force on HILL 180 continually; their mission being to observe surrounding terrain for suspected enemy positions and movement.

An Observation Post on HILL 287 was manned by six men of the Bn I and R Section. They spotted and reported enemy activity on HILLS 222, 204, 228, and 228.9, thereby facilitating the laying of effective fire from organic and supporting weapons on these areas. An enemy Observation Post on HILL 204 was rendered useless to the Chinese by the destructive fire of the 50 cal MG to the rear of the Battalion OP. The same MG harrassed CCF moving through commo trenches; many "possible hits" were reported.

In addition, the Battalion OP assisted in reporting the location and caliber of incoming enemy mortar and artillery rounds. By taking sound and flash azimuths to the active enemy weapons they were able to call for and adjust effective counterfire upon them.

Patrolling was the main offensive effort; patrols set up ambushes at points where enemy activity had been spotted in a vain attempt to capture a PsW. Two contact patrols accomplished their mission admirably; one inflicted upwards of 15 enemy KIA and an untold number of enemy WIA, the other resecuring the left flank of HILL 266 (Baldy) and holding until attacking force passed through them. The latter patrol was instrumental in winning back HILL 266 with a minimum of casualties and material. Areas patrolled most frequently in the attempt to capture a prisoner were HILL 190 at CT253316, HILL 192 at CT250317, the SIDAMAK VALLEY via CT249322, and the open ground North of HILL 266, vic CT246337.

Enemy mortar and artillery fire showed a marked increase on 15 Sep, and continued an upward climb; main target areas being HILL 266 and Easy Check Point. At 1850 hours 18 Sep HILL 266 received an unprecedented TOT; fifteen minutes later the enemy launched a vicious Battalion sizes attack, ignoring the devastating fire of supporting weapons and their own artillery barrages which they ran through. The enemy secured HILL 266 and held until the night of 20 Sep, when the 2nd Bn attacked and recaptured the vital outpost during the morning hours.

The 3rd Bn was relieved by the 1st Bn on 23 Sep at 1155 hours, and moved into reserve at Mak kol shortly afterward.

OFL:
STIEBER
Acting S-2