Speaker Series: Korea – All Roads Lead To Hagaru

Come to the American Heritage Museum for a journey to the frozen tundra of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. During one of the coldest winters in recorded history, the Chosin Reservoir was the sight of a major battle in 1950 with American and United Nations forces fighting Chinese forces in what is often considered the most brutal battle in American history. Set within the Korean War, the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir saw over 100,000 Chinese Communist Forces attack and surround the U.S. 1st Marine Division who had only 20,000. Many senior leaders thought there was no hope, yet the Marines bitterly held on and the key to their survival was holding the surrounded village of Hagaru. The defense of Hagaru brought together a diverse host of service members ranging from U.S. Marines to attached British Royal Marines with four Medals of Honor awarded for actions directly related to the Defense of Hagaru.

Major Michael Manougian will host this immersive discussion on Korean War leadership and history. We will learn from and analyze decisions made by the senior Chinese Commander Peng Dehua, the 1st Marine Division Commander Major General O.P. Smith, the 1st Marine Regiment Commander Colonel Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, and the British 41st Independent Commando Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Douglass Drysdale. Decisions these commanders made during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir and months prior to the battle would have lasting consequences and implications for determining who would hold Hagaru and whether the 1st Marine Division would survive or not.