Pages from Operation Chromite (Inchon Landing) - Korean War ...

The 5th I!arine Regiment forced the enemy in this area to withdraw to thesoutheast under cover of another enemy battalion occupying prepared posi-tions on the ridge line 3,000 yards southeast of the crossing site. Afterthe initial ?hase, the enemy offered only slight resistance to the advance.Aided by very heavy naval and aerial bombardment, the Marines advanced to apoint withinfour miles of SlKXJL.To the south the 1st hiarine Regiment bad advanced along the IKHON -SXCUI Highway against stiffening resistance; at 0430, 2d Battalion, 1st &.rineRegiment, received an attack by an estimated enemy battalion northeast of thevillage of SOSA. The attack was stopped by front line units with rifle fire,bayonets, bazookas, and itrenades. Iater the 2d Battalion became heavily an-gaged with the advance elements of an attackiw enemy force. Following ar-%illery concentrations the 2d Rattalion started a strong counterattack whichinflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. The rsmainder of the day all &wineunits held their positions on the outskirts of YOZGDUIJGPO. During the after-noon and throughout the night friendly air and artillery continued to bomb andshell the town in preparation for an assault the follarring morning*During the same day the 7th Infantry Division opened Its CP ashore. The31s.t RCT debarked and concentrated in the area of CRAESU-RI to secure the areato the south and protect the Division south flank. The 32d RCT advanced to theeast taking Objectives Baker, Charlie, Dog, and Igay against stiffening enemyresistance.The enem conducted a delaying action through skillful employment of anti-tank mines in conjunction with small arms, machine guns, and mortar fire. Inthe course of the action, the 32d Infantry Regiment seized the coammndingground overlooking YOMJDUNGPC from the west and south.gained positlone from which to begin an assault on SBDUI.The X Corps had nowOn 21September at 0630 the 1st Marine Regiment continued -its advancealongthe IN.lIiCN - SlWJL Highway to YONGDWGPO and attacked the enemy with 3Battalions; two from the northwest and one along the INCHON Road. The attackprogressed against light resistance at first, but became increasingly heavy,khe let Bn attacking from the FM was slowed in its advance by heavy casualtlea.I.4