Combat· Korean War
Inchon-Seoul Campaign (Operation CHROMITE)
Inchon was MacArthur's bold gamble: an amphibious assault deep behind the North Korean army, aimed at the port of Inchon and the recapture of Seoul to sever the enemy's supply lines and collapse his offensive in the south.
The objective carried enormous risk, with some of the worst tides in the world, a fortified harbor island, and a seawall the assault troops would have to scale. The newly reconstituted 1st Marine Division formed the heart of the landing force, storming over the seawall, seizing the city, capturing Kimpo Airfield, forcing a contested crossing of the Han River, and fighting through to liberate Seoul in brutal street combat. The Marines provided the assault infantry, armor, and the close air support that made the operation work. The campaign shattered the North Korean position in the south and stands as one of the most decisive strokes in modern warfare.
Engagements in this conflict (6)
Record no. 44