"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
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
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.”
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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
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