"Chosin Few" Honored During 1st Marine Division 70th Anniversary
A memorial stands in honor of those Marines and sailors who fought at the Chosin Resevoir during the commencement of the Chosin Memorial service outside Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1, 2011. The memorial service was held before the opening ceremony of the 1st Marine Division’s 70th Anniversary. Events in recognition of the anniversary are being held Feb. 1-3.
Photo by Cpl Zachary Nola
MajGen Michael Regner, 1st Marine Division commanding general, speaks to members of the 1st Marine Division Association about the efforts being made in Afghanistan by current members of The Blue Diamond during the opening ceremony of the 1st Marine Division’s 70th anniversary at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo by Cpl Zachary J. Nola
Marine veterans of the Korean War bow their heads in prayer during the Chosin Memorial service outside Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo by Cpl Zachary Nola
MajGen Michael Regner, 1st Marine Division commanding general, shares a smile with members of the 1st Marine Division Association during the opening ceremony of the 1st Marine Division’s 70th anniversary at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo by Cpl Zachary Nola
MajGen Michael Regner, 1st Marine Division commanding general, speaks to members of the 1st Marine Division Association during the opening ceremony of the 1st Marine Division’s 70th anniversary at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1.
Photo by Cpl Zachary Nola
Denny Weisgerber, the vice president of the 1st Marine Division Association, addresses fellow association members during the commencement of the Chosin Memorial service outside Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo by Cpl Zachary Nola
Veterans of the Korean War sit during the Chosin Memorial Service outside Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo by Cpl Zachary Nola
By Cpl Paul Torres
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Veterans came together to honor the courage, valor and sacrifices made by Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division at the Chosin reservoir as part of the division’s 70th anniversary celebrations, at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Feb 1, 2011.
“The dedication of this memorial means the world to the Marines who fought in the Korean War, and especially for those who were at the Chosin Reservoir,” said Denny Weisgerber, retired staff sergeant and vice president of the 1st Marine Division Association. “The battle of the Chosin Reservoir was the Iwo Jima of the Korean War, and it means a lot to have something to remember all those men who sacrificed their lives.”
In November 1950, during the coldest winter North Korea had experienced in 100 years, U.N. forces were in pursuit of North Korean troops, when they were surprised by China’s entry into the Korean War.
The U.N. forces, most of them U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Division, fought for survival. Surrounded and outnumbered 8-to-1 by Chinese forces, the Marines embarked upon a 78-mile journey to the Sea of Japan to reconnect with American forces. The journey would take 13 days. Cut off from support, the Marines were still able to fight their way through 10 Chinese infantry divisions.
The courage shown by the Marines and sailors at the Chosin Reservoir was an example of their resolve to fight against what seemed like impossible odds. The attitude of those who served at the “frozen Chosin” set an example that is still remembered by Marines and sailors both young and old.
“When I look at the memorial and see a list of names, I remember my brothers as they fought and died out at the Chosin reservoir,” said George ‘Peepsight’ Pendas, retired captain and former president for the 1st Marine Division Association. “They left behind a legacy, and it is great to see that legacy of excellence being carried on by the Marines today.”
Related Content
- Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Presents A Chosin Reservoir "Walk Through History" Evening Dinner (Event)
- The Battle of Chosin (Video)
- Chosin 1950: When Hell Froze Over (Article)
- Book of the Month: Give Me Tomorrow (Book Review)
- Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center 60th Anniversary Celebration (Event)
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Historic Leatherneck Magazine Covers
"We've Fought In Every Clime And Place": Stamping out the Caco Insurrection in the Republic d' Haiti.
January 2002: The Marines engraved another mark in the rich history of the Corps when they came from more than 400 miles offshore to establish a forward operating base south of Kandahar in the war on terrorism. The Marine CH-46 helicopter on the cover, photographed by PH1(AW/SW) Greg Messier, USN, fought in the desert sand to land and resupply Marines such as the ones (inset) photographed by Sgt Joseph R. Chenelly.
January 2001: This firefight during the Frozen Chosin Reservoir Campaign of 1950 was painted by “Chosin Few” veteran Jack Cannon, who served with Company B, 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment and resides in the warmer climes of New Mexico. The cover was part of Leatherneck’s 50th anniversary salute to the Korean War veterans.
Leatherneck Poll
Recent comments
| koh tang battle, 3 marines left behind and forgotten. | 11 min 45 sec ago |
| Marine Family | 1 hour 31 min ago |
| mielno | 1 hour 54 min ago |
| Nam 68-69 | 2 hours 28 min ago |
| And a Mule just might win the Kentucky Derby | 6 hours 9 sec ago |
| Hill 488 | 7 hours 21 min ago |
| I understand why people | 9 hours 55 min ago |
| Bad A song, going in on June | 10 hours 32 sec ago |
Professional Marine Discussions
A location for professional communication and informal dissemination of information within the Marine artillery community.
Debate the issues in this month's magazine.
Discuss your Marine Corps and the issues it faces.
Today in USMC History
![]()
1900 - Marines landed at Taku, China, to establish Legation Guard at Peking.
Related Article: The Marines In China By LtCol C. H. Metcalf Marine Corps Gazette (Sept 1938)
















Comments
Korean War Tribute Day in San Pedro
The upcoming Korean War Tribute Day to be held aboard the SS Lane Victory on March 12, 2011. This event will serve to mark the 60th anniversary of the evacuation of 100,000 Korean refugees and 125,000 United Nations forces in December of 1950 just ahead of advancing North Korean forces. The SS Lane Victory played a significant role in the evacuation by safely moving 7,009 refugee south to Pusan in one voyage. We have the electronic version of the brochure that I can send you if you let me know the email address. We respectfully request your attendance at this event. This is a free event to the public and invite you and other veterans.
We look forward to your interest in this very unique event.
Best regards,
Ken Cha
562-802-1085 ken.mgr@gmail.com
Chosin
My father, Thomas F Keane, was WIA on 1-Dec-50 at the Chosin. He was with G/3/7. If anyone who reads this knows anyone from G/3/7 who served at the Frozen Chosin please contact me.
Lawrence G. Keane lkeane@nssf.org or 203-526-6773.
Chosin Few
My father was Cpl. Jimmie L. Rogers asst. MG He was with I Co. 3rd Batt. 1st Marines at Hagaru-ri. He was WIA on 29 Nov 50. He stayed in the Corp for many years after but never saw the appreciation that people are showing for the vets of Korea.If you knew of him or served in that area please contact
S/Fi
Lonnie Rogers
LRogklx@aol.com
Post new comment