The history of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines began on 1 April 1921 in San Diego, California. In September 1924, the battalion was deactivated with its personnel being absorbed by the newly organized 4th Marine Regiment. For the next twenty years 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was activated, re-designated, and disbanded on numerous occasions until being reborn on 1 January 1941.
Just over a year after its rebirth the battalion boarded ships for the Pacific Theater and World War II, where they saw their first action of the war at Guadalcanal. Under the leadership of the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, the Battalion distinguished themselves many times over for valor and bravery as they valiantly held their positions against the onslaught of a regiment of seasoned Japanese attackers.
It was also during this campaign that the legendary Sergeant "Manila John" Basilone became the first enlisted man in World War II to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Throughout the remainder of the war, the "First Team" distinguished themselves during many different campaigns, including Pelilieu and Okinawa. Finally, the Battalion deployed to North China for occupation duty at the end of the war.
Following the occupation duty, the "First of the Seventh" was sent to Camp Pendleton, California where they were deactivated on 5 March 1947.
However, in response to the Communist aggression in Korea, the Battalion was again called into action. On 21 September 1950, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines made an amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea. Once more the "First Team" distinguished themselves in the battle as they took part in operations such as HOOK, RENO, and VEGAS, as well as fighting their way to and from the Chosin Reservoir.
It was during the Korean Conflict that such names as First Lieutenant Frank Mitchell, Staff Sergeant Archie Van Winkle, and Lieutenant Colonel Raymond C. Davis became part of Marine Corps history as each were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Following the cessation of hostilities in Korea and through 1965, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines spent time both in Camp Pendleton and Okinawa while maintaining its combat readiness.
In August 1965, the Battalion was once again called to service, this time in the Republic of Vietnam. For the next five years, the "First Team" participated in numerous operations such as STARLIGHT, PIRANHA and OKLAHOMA HILLS. During these operations and many others, the Battalion was honored repeatedly, earning the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer four times and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer three times.
1st Battalion, 7th Marines was the first unit to man defensive positions in Saudi Arabia during Operation DESERT SHIELD in August of 1990. The unit was an integral member of Task Force Ripper. As DESERT SHIELD became DESERT STORM, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines participated in the diagonal thrust into the heart of Kuwait City, spearheading the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. The Battalion redeployed to Twentynine Palms, California in March of 1991.
On 11 December 1992, the first elements of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines arrived at Mogadishu, Somalia for Operation RESTORE HOPE. Battalion operations were conducted in Baidoa, Bardera, Oddur, Afgoye, and Mogadishu. 1st Battalion, 7th Marines relieved Task Force Mogadishu for occupation of the Stadium Complex in Mogadishu, Somalia on 25 January 1993.
On 24 April 1993, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines turned over their mission and area of operations in Mogadishu to the 10th Baluch Battalion and redeployed to Twentynine Palms.
In January 2003, the Battalion was once again called into action for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and consequently Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On 18 March 2003, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines crossed the Iraqi border from Kuwait on their march toward Baghdad. The Battalion saw significant combat action along the way to and in the streets of the Iraqi capital. On 23 April, the Battalion turned over control of their sector to the US Army and took up positions in the holy city of An Najaf. After countless extensions, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines redeployed to Twentynine Palms on 5 October 2003.
During the Battalion regeneration phase, the Battalion demonstrated exceptional creativity and organizational skill creating, developing and facilitating an extensive Security and Stability (SASO) training package. This training evolution was implemented in preparation for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II.
In August 2004, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to Western Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II. There the Battalion conducted security operations in the cities and roadways along the Euphrates River and Syrian boarder to include Husaybah, Karabilah, Sadah, Ubaydi, Al Qaim, Haditha, Hit and Haqlania. Involved in combat operations on a daily basis, the Battalion conducted mounted and dismounted urban patrols, cordon and knocks, Main Supply Route (MSR) security, sweep operations, and border security to clear the Battalion’s Area of Operation (AO) of enemy insurgents and provide stable conditions for the continued development of a legitimate Iraqi government.
In March 2005, the Battalion redeployed to Twentynine Palms and immediately began 10 months of intensive training in preparation for their return to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 05-07.
From February through September 2006, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to the Al Qaim Region in Western Iraq. During this tour, the Marines of the “First Team” enjoyed unprecedented success in battling the counterinsurgency and establishing legitimate civilian authority. The Battalion occupied 15 Platoon and Company battle positions which controlled over 5,000 square miles in the Western Euphrates River Valley. Each platoon was partnered with an Iraqi Army Platoon and members of the local constabulary. During the deployment, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines re-established a non-existent Iraqi Police Force to an end-strength of over 1,300 new officers and five police stations. Local Iraqi civil leaders were fully engaged by the Battalion leadership at all levels which yielded tremendous impact on security throughout the Al Qaim region and in so doing, created the model for Dispersed Operations throughout the Iraq theater.
From September 2006-August 2007, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines conducted a comprehensive training cycle on a compressed timeline by executing five Battalion-level field exercises and Mojave Viper. These events prepared the Battalion for the next deployment to the Western Euphrates River Valley.
In August 2007, the “First Team” deployed to Hit, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 07.2. The Battalion was partnered with two Iraqi Army Battalions, two Iraqi Police District Headquarters, and five Iraqi Police Stations and continued its fight against the insurgency by conducting raids, desert interdiction operations, and cache searches. Not only did the Battalion achieve great success by detaining over 100 insurgents and locating many weapons caches, including some on the islands in the Euphrates, the “First Team” also set the standard by transitioning many of the cities back over to Iraqi control. This progressive approach toward counterinsurgency operations empowered the local government and security forces to “police their own” and facilitated force protection measures for Coalition Forces. In March 2008 the Battalion re-deployed back to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.
In April 2008, the Battalion began 10 months of intensive training in preparation for their return to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 09.1.
In February 2009, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to Karmah, Iraq where the Battalion conducted two near simultaneous Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority (RIP/TOA) with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines in Karmah and 1st Battalion, 4th Marines in Fallujah in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 09.1. The Battalion’s Combined Area of Overwatch (CAO) spanned 2,500 square kilometers and the Battalion partnered with two Iraqi Army Battalions, two Provisional Security Force Battalions, and 37 Iraqi Police Stations. The Battalion’s focus of effort was on developing the professionalism and coordination amongst the Iraqi Security Forces and supporting the development of government institutions and essential services. Through tactical combined operations, intelligence sharing and coordination meetings, the Iraqi Security Forces in Karmah become a much more proficient force and demonstrated the ability to neutralize the insurgency in Karmah with limited Coalition Force assistance. As part of the post Status of Forces Agreement of January 2009, the “First Team” shaped its CAO so that it could be managed by a much smaller coalition unit. The Battalion retrograded all of its equipment prior to redeployment and demilitarized all seven of its original fixed sites. During the deployment, the Battalion helped to strengthen the local government, improve essential services, and professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces which were instrumental to a free and sovereign Iraq. The Battalion redeployed to Twentynine Palms in September 2009.
From July 2010 1st Battalion 7th Marines deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, in support of the 31st MEU. Where the Battalion started our operation planning prior to boarding ship with a MEU-EX, and a COMM-EX. In August 2010 the Battalion sent an advance party to Board and setup the Marine network aboard the USS Denver (LPD-9). September 2010 1st Battalion 7th Marines boarded the USS Essex (LHD-2), USS Denver (LPD-9), and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49). The 31st MEU conducted a bilateral exercise with the Philippines Marines (PHILMARS). The exercise was turned into a Humanitarian effort. The 31st MEU after afloat for 3 months returned to Okinawa, Japan. The Battalion turned over with 2nd Battalion 5th Marines and redeployed back to Twenty nine Palms, California in January 2011.
Notable Persons
Medal of Honor - WWII -
GySgt John Francis Basilone
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942.
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Gen Raymond Davis
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity Hagaru-ri, Korea, 1 through 4 December, 1950
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Col Archie Van Winkle
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sudong, Korea, on November 2, 1950
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Cpl David Bernard Champagne
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on May 28, 1952
Medal of Honor - Korea -
PFC John Doren Kelly
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Radio Operator of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1952
Medal of Honor - Korea -
PFC Herbert A Littleton
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Herbert A Littleton (MCSN: 1084704), United States Marine Corps Reserve, For service set forth in the following citation: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 22 April 1951
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Sgt Frederick W Mausert, III
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader in Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 12 September 1951.
Medal of Honor - Korea -
1stLt Frank Nicias Mitchell
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 November 1950.
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Sgt James Irsley Poynter
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader in a Rifle Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during the defense of Hill 532, south of Sudong, Korea, on 4 November 1950.
Medal of Honor - Vietnam -
HM3 Robert R Ingram
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines against elements of a North Vietnam Aggressor (NVA) battalion in Quang Ngai Province Republic of Vietnam on 28 March 1966.
Medal of Honor - Vietnam -
PFC Ralph Ellis Dias
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on November 12, 1969
Medal of Honor - Vietnam -
Cpl Larry Eugene Smedley
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evenings of 20–21 December 1967
Description
The Battle of the Punchbowl, was one of the last battles of the movement phase of the Korean War. Following the breakdown of armistice negotiations in August 1951, the United Nations Command decided to launch a limited offensive in the late summer/early autumn to shorten and straighten sections of their lines, acquire better defensive terrain, and deny the enemy key vantage points from which they could observe and target UN positions. The Battle of Bloody Ridge took place west of the Punchbowl from August–September 1951 and this was followed by the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge northwest of the Punchbowl from September–October 1951. At the end of the UN offensive in October 1951, UN Forces controlled the line of hills north of the Punchbowl.
Phase 1: Yoke Ridge
At 06:00 on 31 August, the 7th Marines and two battalions of the 1st KMC launched the assault with an attack from Hill 793 up the eastern edge of the Punchbowl towards Yoke Ridge in the west and Tonpyong in the east. By late morning, despite heavy rain and enemy minefields, the assault units had reached Yoke Ridge and were engaging the KPA defenders. By the end of the first day, US/ROK force occupied the southeastern end of Yoke Ridge and had suffered 3 killed and 57 wounded (mostly by landmines), while the KPA had lost 129 killed, a further 218 estimated killed, 233 estimated wounded and 14 captured.
On 1 September, the 1st KMC moved west along Yoke Ridge, while the 7th Marines moved north, both assault groups clearing out KPA bunkers with grenades and flamethrowers. The KPA launched several small-scale counterattacks against the advancing Marines, but these were broken up by small-arms and mortar fire, artillery and several airstrikes. The US/ROK forces consolidated their positions in the evening under KPA mortar and artillery fire. On the night of 1/2 September, the KPA launch a night attack on the 1st KMC on Hill 924, driving them out of the position they had secured earlier that day. US/ROK losses for the day were 21 killed, 84 wounded, while the KPA had lost 72 killed, a further 218 estimated killed and 231 estimated wounded.
On the morning of 2 September, supported by heavy artillery fire, the 1st KMC recaptured Hill 924 and moved further west towards its next objective, Hill 1026 (38°19′28.92″N 128°08′20.4″E). After beating back several small KPA attacks, 3rd Battalion 7th Marines advanced towards Hill 602 (38°20′16.8″N 128°10′51.6″E) through heavily wooded terrain and following preparatory artillery fire and airstrikes, seized the hill by 14:30.[12] The KPA launched several company-size counterattacks on Hill 602, all of which were beaten back. US/ROK losses for the day were 75 killed, 349 wounded, while the KPA had lost 450 killed and 15 captured, a further 609 estimated killed and 345 estimated wounded.
At 04:00 on 3 September, the 1st KMC renewed their attack on Hill 1026, while 2nd Battalion 7th Marines assumed the defense of Hill 924. As they advanced, the 1st KMC encountered a large KPA force advancing towards Hill 924. The 1st KMC forced back the KPA and seized Hill 1026 by midday, beating back a KPA counterattack and advancing northwest to seize Hill 1055 (38°19′40.8″N 128°07′37.2″E) and west to take Hill 930 (38°19′37.2″N 128°06′54″E), thus securing all of Yoke Ridge. US/ROK losses for the day were 22 killed, 77 wounded, while the KPA had lost 10 captured, a further 294 estimated killed and 280 estimated wounded. Meanwhile, to the west of the Punchbowl, the ROK 35th Regiment, 5th Division advanced unopposed from the Kansas Line to Hill 450, approximately 3.3 km southwest of Hill 1026, while the US 2nd Infantry Division took Hill 1181, approximately 4 km southwest of Hill 930, against light resistance.
Phase 2: Kanmubong Ridge
Between 4–10 September, the 1st Marine Division and 1st KMC consolidated their positions on Yoke Ridge, established the Hays Line and built up ammunition and supplies for the second phase of the attack on Kanmubong Ridge. It was considered essential to seize Kanmubong Ridge, immediately north of Yoke Ridge, in order to defend the Hays Line and to allow X Corps to attack the KPA main line of resistance (MLR), which was believed to be located approximately 3 km north of it.The KPA used the lull in fighting to reinforce their positions on Hill 673 (38°20′52.8″N 128°11′39.48″E) opposite Hill 602.[20] The interim period saw active patrolling by both sides, and US/ROK losses were 30 killed, 186 wounded and two missing, while the KPA had lost 68 captured and an estimated 276 killed.
The 7th Marines received orders to launch an attack at 03:00 on 11 September from the Hays Line through a narrow valley, across a tributary of the Soyang River and then uphill towards Hills 680 (38°21′00″N 128°10′51.6″E) and 673, with Hill 749 (38°21′43.2″N 128°11′39.48″E) as a further objective. Supporting the 7th Marines would be the 1st Tank Battalion with artillery support from the 11th Marines. 3/7 Marines were tasked with capturing Hill 680, but despite extensive preparatory artillery fire, their advance proceeded slowly with the KPA defenders able to providing interlocking fire from their bunkers, and by the end of the day, 3/7 Marines were forced to dig in some 300 feet (91 m) south of the summit. 1st Battalion 7th Marines (1/7 Marines) were tasked with capturing Hill 673, but strong opposition from the well-protected KPA bunkers forced them to stop short of their objective. US/ROK losses for the day were 11 killed and 68wounded while the KPA lost 25 killed and 6 captured.
On the night of 11/12 September, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines (2/7 Marines) moved to the rear of Hill 673, cutting off the KPA on the hill. By 14:00, Hill 673 had been secured for the loss of 16 killed and 35 wounded, while the KPA had lost 30 killed and 3 captured and an estimated 185 killed. Sergeant Frederick W. Mausert III was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the assault on Hill 673. On the night of 12 September, the 1st Marines relieved 1/7 and 3/7 Marines on Hill 673; 2/7 Marines could not be relieved, as they were closely engaged on Hill 749, so 2nd Battalion 1st Marines (2/1 Marines) moved forward to relieve them the following day.
On 13 September, 2/1 Marines were ordered to seize Hill 749 and then move northwest to take Hills 812 (38°22′4.8″N 128°10′55.2″E), 980 (38°22′19.2″N 128°09′10.8″E), and 1052 (38°22′4.8″N 128°08′42″E), while 3/1 Marines would move west from Hill 680 to take Hill 751 (38°21′12.6″N 128°09′25.2″E) and then attack northwest to Hill 1052.[29] Hill 749 proved to be a heavily defended fortress of bunkers, covered trenches and tunnels and part of the KPA MLR. 2/1 Marines seized the summit at 12:10, but were soon driven back; they finally gained control of the summit by 15:00, but it would be 20:25 before they could relieve 2/7 Marines on the reverse slope of the hill. 3/1 Marines' advance towards Hill 751 was delayed by mines and the more urgent needs for supporting arms on Hill 749; by evening, 3/1 Marines dug in short of Hill 751, where they endured mortar fire and 10 KPA counterattacks during the night. 13 September saw the first operational use of Marine helicopters in combat, with the HRS-1 helicopters of HMR-161, operating from forward base X-83 near Cheondo-ri, conducting 28 flights to resupply the Marines near Hill 793 and evacuate 74 casualties.
On 14 September, the two Marine battalions continued their assaults from the previous day. 2/1 Marines had to clear KPA bunkers in a wooded area to the north of Hill 749 before advancing along the ridgeline towards Hill 812. By 15:30, the attack had bogged down in the face of frontal and flanking fire. During this assault, Private First Class Edward Gomez smothered a KPA hand grenade with his body, saving the lives of the rest of his machine-gun team, for which he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 3/1 Marines, supported by accurate airstrikes, was able to seize most of Hill 751 by dusk and had dug in when the KPA counterattacked at 22:50. Marine losses for the day were 39 killed and 463 wounded, while the KPA lost 7 captured and an estimated 460 killed and 405 wounded.
In the early morning of 15 September, 3/1 Marines fought off a 100–150 man KPA counterattack, killing 18 and wounding an estimated 50. Another counterattack was broken up 14:50,[clarification needed] and Marine tanks subsequently destroyed 10 KPA bunkers in front of Hill 751. 3/1 Marines on Hill 751 were ordered to hold for further orders, while 2/1 Marines was ordered to continue clearing Hill 749. Delayed preparatory fire, limited air support, and a tenacious KPA defense meant that 2/1 Marines were unable to make any appreciable gains by nightfall and had to withdraw to their previous positions, having suffered 70 wounded. On the night of 15 September, the 5th Marine Regiment moved forward to relieve the 1st Marines and continue the assault on the Kanmubong Ridge.
At midnight on 16 September, under cover of an intense mortar and artillery barrage, the KPA 91st Regiment of the 45th Division launched a major counterattack against Hill 749; the attacks continued until 04:00, but were repeatedly repulsed for few gains and an estimated 1200 KPA killed. Corporal Joseph Vittori was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in countering the KPA assault. At dawn, 2/1 Marines resumed the assault from Hill 749 to Hill 812 making slow progress against the KPA dug in along the ridgeline. On Hill 751, 5th Marines were ordered to take Hill 812 and Hill 980 and began their assault at 08:30, however both the assault lines made little progress in the face of KPA machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. 3/5 Marines attacking towards Hill 980 had to pull back to their line of departure after 2 hours, while 2/5 Marines attacking towards Hill 812 were held up until 17:00, but by 19:00 had managed to secure ground 400 m southeast of Hill 812. Marine losses for the day were 24 killed, 127 wounded and 1 missing, while the KPA had lost 169 killed and 25 captured and an estimated 418 killed and 540 wounded.
Orders for 17 September were to continue the previous day's assaults. A dawn artillery barrage on Hills 812, 980 and 1052 inflicted significant casualties on the KPA defenders, who were eating meals in the open. 2/5 Marines advanced towards Hill 812 at 07:00 making good progress against until a KPA mortar and artillery barrage fell on the recently captured positions, the Marines then had to advance slowly neutralizing the KPA bunkers one by one. By 13:45, the summit of Hill 812 had been secured, but the KPA remained dug in on the reverse slope and had to be cleared out in close-quarters fighting. After securing Hill 812, 1/5 and 2/5 Marines began to attack west towards Hill 980, making good progress against the unprepared KPA defenders until they reached a granite point later named The Rock, where heavy machine gun fire from KPA bunkers on Hills 980 and 1052 stopped any further advance. The 5th Marines were then ordered to halt their attack and dig in on the most defensible terrain. The previous day, General Van Fleet had visited the 1st Marine Division Command Post and then ordered X Corps to suspend all major operations after 20 September, as further attacks along the Hays Line could no longer be justified,[49] and he wished to concentrate all of X Corps' fire support to conclude the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. Marine losses for the day were 13 killed and 88 wounded, while the KPA had lost 155 killed and 37 captured and an estimated 100 killed and 191 wounded.
On 18 September, the Marines dug in and consolidated their positions, while the KPA launched several counterattacks and continued to fire from their dominating positions on Hills 980 and 1052. Marine losses were 16 killed and 98 wounded.
On the early morning of 19 September, the KPA twice attacked 2/5 Marines' western outpost near The Rock, but the attacking forces stumbled into their own minefield, suffering serious losses. Marine losses for the day were 16 killed and 98 wounded, while the KPA lost 9 captured and an estimated 50 killed and 55 wounded.
After midnight on 20 September, the KPA launched an intense mortar and artillery barrage on the Marines between The Rock and Hill 812. At 02:30, the barrage lifted and a company of KPA attacked past The Rock towards Hill 812, cutting off several outpost units. American artillery responded, firing over 1600 rounds between 02:40 and 04:50. The Marines counterattacked at 05:00, forcing the KPA to withdraw, allowing the Marines to reoccupy their original positions by 06:30. Marine losses in the attack and counterattack were 2 killed and 31 wounded, while the KPA had lost 30 dead and 11 captured and an estimated 20 killed and 15 wounded.
Also on 20 September, east of the Kanmubong Range, the ROK 8th Infantry Division was struggling to secure Hill 854 (38°22′37.2″N 128°13′44.4″E). 1st Marines were ordered to assist the 8th ROK, but the attack did not begin until 17:30 and quickly bogged down in the face of well-defended KPA bunkers. 1st Marines began to dig in at 17:00, having gained only a small amount of ground for the loss of 7 killed and 24 wounded. On 21 September, 3/1 Marines resumed the assault on Hill 854, and by 17:45, it had been secured for the loss of 2 killed and 31 wounded. KPA losses on Hill 854 were 159 killed and 29 captured with an estimated 150 killed and 225 wounded.
Aftermath
The UN offensive in the Punchbowl area concluded on 21 September, however the KPA continued to probe the UN lines and direct fire on their positions. Following the conclusion of the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge to the west, UN forces consolidated their positions and the line of hills north of the Punchbowl formed part of the new frontline, now named the Minnesota Line.[57] The failure to press on and capture Hills 980 and 1052 was viewed by many Marines as a tactical error as those heights overlooked the UN lines and numerous casualties resulted in the stalemate period that followed.[58]
The 1st Marine Division was awarded its third Presidential Unit Citation of the war for its actions during the periods from 21–26 April, 16 May-30 June and 11–25 September 1951.
The KPA captured Hill 812 from the ROK 12th Division in June 1953.
The Korean Demilitarized Zone now runs along the line of hills captured by the UN forces in September 1951. The Eulji Observatory is located on Yoke Ridge looking directly across to the Kanmubong Ridge in North Korea.
