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Patriots Point to Host Symposium on the Korean War Battle of Chosin Reservoir

Chris Hauff Nov 10, 2015

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will commemorate the 65th anniversary of the most well-known battle in the Korean War, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, with a free 90-minute symposium on Thursday, December 3rd at 7:30 p.m. aboard the USS YORKTOWN.

A panel that includes three South Carolina U.S. Marine veterans who fought in this battle will share what it was like to fight the Chinese while also battling the extreme temperatures that often fell between 20 and 40 degrees below zero.   The symposium will also examine the Marines’ overarching goal to never leave a man behind.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir took place in November and December of 1950.  Leading up to the battle, United Nations forces had successfully pushed the communist North Koreans out of South Korea and then continued north.  After reaching a man-made lake named Chosin Reservoir, the 25,000 U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines were surrounded by roughly 150,000 Chinese forces.

“Chosin Reservoir was a battle unlike any 20151203 Chosin Reservoir square event photo 2our forces had ever faced before,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette.   “The extreme temperatures became almost as much of an enemy as the Chinese.   In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs is still processing cold related injury claims from the battle to this day.  The stories these men share are something everyone should hear.  We should all be eternally grateful for their service under such extreme conditions.  Their bravery and ‘don’t quit’ commitment are valuable lessons even more-so today. ”

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir: Surrounded, Not Defeated symposium is made possible by a gift from the SunTrust Foundation.  Admission and parking are free.  Though the event will be held aboard the USS YORKTOWN, guests are encouraged to dress warmly.

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2 thoughts on “Patriots Point to Host Symposium on the Korean War Battle of Chosin Reservoir

  1. Robert J. Brooks says:

    I can not make this trip but wish I could be there. I am currently looking for survivors of 2 BN E Co. 31st INF. Should anyone identify with this group, I would like to get in contact with them regarding a book that I am publishing on Ray Hooker Cottrell. Survivor of Chosin Reservoir campaign. Please advise if some type of announcement or contact can be made with one of these men. It is my understanding that there are only 7 known survivors. I really need to be able to speak with at least one of these men if they should attend. [email protected] If you could post this note or something similar at the symposium, I would deeply appreciate it.

  2. Chris Hauff says:

    Hi Robert, you can watch the livestream link by going to https://livestream.com/patriotspointlive/chosin

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