ROK 9,844 casualties
US 726 killed
1,900 casualties
Total 11,862 casualties 4,121 casualties | Result Chinese victory | |
 | ||
Similar Korean War, Battle of Pakchon, Battle of Pyongtaek, Battle of Sunchon, Operation Ripper | ||
Battle of hoengseong
The Battle of Hoengsong was a battle during the Korean War. It took place between 11–15 February 1951. As part of the renewed Chinese assault on the UN strongholds in Korea, it was the first part of the CPVA Fourth Phase Offensive, and was fought between the Chinese and United Nations forces. The Chinese were victorious in this battle, having inflicted heavy casualties to the UNC forces in the two days of fighting. South Korean soldiers were ordered to lead the assault and the U.S. were ordered to support them, not lead the assault this time. Unfortunately, after the Chinese offensive began, retreating South Korean soldiers streamed south past U.S. support forces, allowing the Chinese to flank American positions. Soon, the Chinese owned the narrow, twisting valley north of Hoengsong and the road that ran through it, the only escape route. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers including field artillerymen, infantry, and logistics soldiers were killed by Chinese forces, resulting in one of the most lopsided defeats suffered by the U.S. military in the Korean War.
Contents
After being pushed back northward by UN Command's counteroffensives earlier during Operation Thunderbolt, the Communist forces halted the UN counterattack as well, temporarily regaining the initiative.
Popular culture
The battle was part of the scene in the Chinese movie Assembly, in which a team of Chinese artillery spotters target an American build-up of forces, which were then decimated after an artillery barrage.