Missourian on âThe Chosin Few.â
Seventy years ago, the 15,000 men of the First Marine Division observed Thanksgiving in North Korea. Temperatures approached -38 degrees, and the Marines were about to be attacked by over 100,000 Chinese. Mr. Willâs description, although somber, was a welcome diversion from many of this yearâs political commentaries. It was also a timely reminder to show our appreciation for heroes in our community.
My friend, John Scott, of Sullivan, was one of the 15,000 Marines spending Thanksgiving near the Chosin Reservoir.Â
The 192 Marines of his unit, Fox Company, were given the order to defend, at all cost, a mountain pass. If the Chinese gained control of the Tokdong Pass, the entire 1st Division would have been encircled.Â