Col Freeman´s Devotion to His Soldiers and the Chipyong-Ni Mission

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COL Freeman’s ability to assess the situation and devotion to his Soldiers set the conditions for the 23rd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) to be successful in the Battle of Chipyong-Ni. Though outnumbered, the RCT overcame obstacles to defeat the Chinese Communist Forces (CCF). The RCT wrestled with the same issues like most of the Army. They were understrength, and their equipment was non-mission capable (NMC). In order to bring them to full strength, the Army recruited Soldiers from various units, including reserves, but these Soldiers lacked infantry skills and were out of shape. COL Paul Freeman arrived to assume command days before the RCT was to depart Fort Lewis to the Korean Peninsula. Days before the RCT marched to Chipyong-Ni, they were involved in the battle at Twin Towers and received many casualties. COL Freeman’s ability to drive the operations process was vital to the RCT’s mission success. The 23rd RCT received the mission to defend Chipyong-Ni in an attempt to bait the CCF to attack with a large force that could be defeated, but the RCT was at 70% strength following the battle at Twin Tunnels (some units were at 60%). The RCT received intelligence reports of multiple CCF Divisions marching towards Chipyong-Ni. COL Freeman requested the RCT be allowed to pull back 15 miles to prevent encirclement and was approved by MG Almond, but was overturned by LTG Ridgway. LTG Ridgway, the newly assigned Eighth Army Commander, did not allow retreat and always wanted to make contact with the enemy. He relieved his G-3 on the spot for giving him retreat contingency plans. Chipyong-Ni was once an important hub but was now a desolate city located in a valley with six hills overlooking the city. COL Freeman knew his 4500 man ... ... middle of paper ... ...ch Battalion. COL Freeman dedicated the reserves to regain the position lost by George Company. Rangers and the reserves regained the position. CCF endured their first tactical loss, while Eighth Army would not be defeated again. 23rd RCT were relieved by Task Force Crombez of 1st Cavalry Division. COL Freeman beloved by his men, finally left the RCT at noon on 15FEB1951 with tears forming in his eyes. He was devoted to his Soldiers and his ability to assess the situation and ultimately secured a successful mission in Chipyong-Ni. He would issue orders with a “handshake, a grin, and provided words of encouragement before dangerous missions.” Chipyong-Ni was that type of mission. He didn’t like the situation, but issued the order as if he thought of the idea. He set the climate that extended down to the lowest Private in the RCT, to be proud and be victorious.

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