R5301

Medal of Honor: Korean War

Army – Battle of Pork Chop Hill

Collins Cover Announcement

Medal of Honor - Army

Korean War

Battle of Pork Chop Hill — 1953

A pair of related infantry battles in the spring and summer of 1953 became known as the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. The U.S. 8th Cavalry Regiment first seized the hill which was 980 feet high in October of 1951. It was defended by various units, and on December 29, 1952 it became part of the U.S. Th Infantry Division's defensive sector. They were opposed by two divisions of the Chinese Communist Army.

The enemy began attacking outposts near Pork Chop Hill on March 23, 1953, and there were encounters during the next three weeks. On the night of April 16th the Chinese attacked and overran the hill with only pockets of U.S. soldiers defending small areas. Two companies commanded by Lt. Joe Clemons and Lt. Forrest Critterdon counterattacked and retook the hill. A third company commanded by Lt. Walter Russell was sent to reinforce, and the battle was won after unsuccessful counter attacks. 1959's movie "Pork Chop Hill" starred Gregory Peck as Lt. Clemons and Rip Torn as Lt. Russell.

In advance of the second Battle of Pork Chop Hill, the U.S. 7th Division rebuilt its defenses there during May and June. On the night of July 6th the Chinese again attacked the hill in strength, and it was defended by three U.S. companies. For the first three days, the battle was fought in a monsoon rain. After five days of fierce attacks and counterattacks, the U.S. forces withdrew as an armistice to end the war was imminent. Less than three weeks later, it was signed and the war was over.

My individually hand painted cachet shows two United States soldiers dug in to defend this famous battle site of the Korean War— Pork Chop Hill. Collins #R5301. $15.00.