THE BATTLE · FORCES
Forces Involved
The men and units who fought at Chosin Reservoir—outnumbered but never outfought.
~30,000
UN Forces
Marines
Army
Royal Marines
~120,000
Chinese Forces
9th Army Group
12 Divisions
United Nations Forces
American Marines and soldiers, along with British Royal Marine Commandos, formed the UN contingent at Chosin.
1st Marine Division
Commander: MG Oliver P. Smith
~15,000 troops
Main combat force at Yudam-ni and Hagaru-ri
5th Marine Regiment
7th Marine Regiment
1st Marine Regiment
11th Marines (Artillery)
7th Infantry Division
Commander: MG David G. Barr
~3,000 troops
East side of reservoir operations
31st Infantry Regiment (Task Force Faith)
32nd Infantry Regiment (elements)
41 Commando, Royal Marines
Commander: LtCol Douglas Drysdale
~300 troops
Attached to 1st Marine Division
British Royal Marine Commandos
Chinese People's Volunteer Army
The 9th Army Group, comprising three field armies with 12 divisions, was tasked with destroying UN forces at Chosin.
20th Army
Commander: Zhang Yixiang
~40,000 troops
Attack on Yudam-ni (western flank)
58th Division
59th Division
60th Division
89th Division
26th Army
Commander: Zhang Renchu
~40,000 troops
Blocking force south of Hagaru-ri
76th Division
77th Division
78th Division
88th Division
27th Army
Commander: Peng Dehuai
~40,000 troops
Attack on east side of reservoir
79th Division
80th Division
81st Division
94th Division
Chinese Challenges
Logistics: Troops arrived without winter clothing. Many Chinese soldiers froze to death before combat.
Supply: Limited ammunition and food. No artillery or air support against UN forces.
Casualties: Chinese losses were catastrophic—estimated 40,000-80,000 casualties from combat and cold.
Continue Learning
Explore the major engagements of the battle