Operation Chromite
This month, we will be exploring Operation Chromite.
Overview:
Around 1950, the U.S. and USSR were engaging in a Cold War due to ideological differences. The U.S. wanted to expand their democratic ideas, which directly contrasted with the communist ideologies that the USSR exported. Both sought to influence particular nations, creating hotspots for military conflict across the globe; one of them was Korea. South Korea was under U.S. control while the North fell under Soviet influence. Although the situation was mainly dormant, a crucial turning point would be when North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, initiating the Korean War. North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel in a surprise attack, with the goal of reunifying the peninsula under communist rule.
Description:
The invasion was unexpected and existing U.S. troops in South Korea could not fend off the invaders. However, the UN was gaining territory in areas such as the Pusan Perimeter, so General and Commander-in-Chief MacArthur redistributed troops and supplies to invade Incheon. This was called Operation Chromite (formerly Operation Bluehearts) and was executed on September 15, 1950. The point of the operation was to push back North Korean invaders and maintain stability within the region. The exact objectives have been quoted from Naval History.
Objectives
Capture Wolmi-do, a fortified island in the Yellow Sea (connected by isthmus to the mainland), else the Navy convoy carrying Marines and Soldiers would be subject to deadly bombardment;
Land Marines and then follow-up personnel at coastal areas near Inchon and capture the city, thereby opening a way to Seoul and depriving NKPA of supplies that came into Inchon and traveled by road and rail via Seoul;
Seize nearby Kimpo Airfield for future use as a base for U.S. and allied aircraft;
Retake Seoul.
Success:
Initially, the operation was far from successful. In the first seven days, approximately 70 were killed, 470 wounded, and five missing. However, it was successful even given the very high risks, being cited as a “strategic necessity” by the Marine Corps University Press. After time, the KPA experienced a significant reduction in their presence in North Korea. Although the Korean War ended 3 years later, the operation was crucial to ensuring that it did not end in 1950 to communist rule.
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