Patriots Point to Host Symposium on the Korean War Battle of Chosin Reservoir

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will commemorate the 65^th anniversary of the most well-known battle in the Korean War, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, with a free 90-minute symposium on Thursday, December 3^rd at 7:30 p.m. aboard the USS YORKTOWN.

A panel that includes three South Carolina U.S. Marine veterans who fought in this battle will share what it was like to fight the Chinese while also battling the extreme temperatures that often fell between 20 and 40 degrees below zero.   The symposium will also examine the Marines’ overarching goal to never leave a man behind.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir took place in November and December of 1950.  Leading up to the battle, United Nations forces had successfully pushed the communist North Koreans out of South Korea and then continued north.  After reaching a man-made lake named Chosin Reservoir, the 25,000 U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines were surrounded by roughly 150,000 Chinese forces.

“Chosin Reservoir was a battle unlike any

our forces had ever faced before,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette.   “The extreme temperatures became almost as much of an enemy as the Chinese.   In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs is still processing cold related injury claims from the battle to this day.  The stories these men share are something everyone should hear.  We should all be eternally grateful for their service under such extreme conditions.  Their bravery and ‘don’t quit’ commitment are valuable lessons even more-so today. ”

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir: Surrounded, Not Defeated symposium is made possible by a gift from the SunTrust Foundation.  Admission and parking are free.  Though the event will be held aboard the USS YORKTOWN, guests are encouraged to dress warmly.