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What happened to Task Force Drysdale on the road from Kot’o-ri to Hagaru-ri?
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Battle of the Chosin Reservoir
Men and armor of the U.S. 1st Marine Division during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, December 1950.
Task Force Drysdale, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale, was a mixed unit consisting of the 41 Independent Commando (Royal Marines), a Marine infantry company, an army infantry company, and various service and headquarters troops.1
On November 29, 1950, while attempting to move a convoy of tanks and supply trucks from Kot’o-ri to Hagaru-ri, the task force was ambushed by Chinese forces. The outcome of the engagement was as follows:1
- Reached Hagaru-ri: Approximately one-third of the force, including tanks and infantry, successfully fought through to their destination.1
- Returned to Kot’o-ri: Another third of the force managed to fight its way back to the starting point at Kot’o-ri.1
- Casualties and Captives: The remaining 162 officers and men were either killed or taken prisoner.1