The "Lost Bastards" of Iron Ridge

During the

Battle of the Kumsong Salient

13 July to 21 July 1953

Compiled by

John R. Carpenter

Pages 642, 671 & 679

Click on page for larger image.

Click on pages for larger images.

These pages are from the book titled "The Korean War - Vol. 3."

This book tells the war from the Korean view point and has more details on the battles involving ROK military forces. It is well done.

Repeated attempts by the ROK Capital Division to retake the high ground north of 117A were twarted by CCF (Chinese Communist Forces) counter attacks. They were able to rescue some stranded units (hill 346 for example), but those on Iron Ridge (Hill 433) were not recovered. The Captial Division, due to very heavy casulities, had to be withdrawn as a fighting force starting on the 15th of July.

Page 642 shows the Captial Division frontage, positions and enemy forces. Bold print added. The rescue force may have come from the Kimwha up 117A.

Page 671 shows the front line on 15 July 1953. While the CCF was still attacking the line was generally held as shown.

Page 679 shows front line positions in June 1953, the loss by the end of June, the maximum penetration of UN lines by the CCF in July and the front line positions on 20 July 1953. While more ground was taken after this date it had to be given back after the Cease Fire.

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Hill 433

(432 on 1945 era map)

Click on image for larger view.

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Contents

Home - Introduction - Lost Bastards - Iron Ridge - Eastern Bunker -

Western Bunker - Radar Units - June 1953 - July 1953 - Aftermath - Comments - Notes

Iron Ridge & the Capitol Division