The Saber and Scroll
the Chinese onslaught , with the exception of Task Force MacLean , which was spread out across the eastern shore of the Chosin Reservoir . Task Force MacLean withdrew to Hagaru with approximately 75 percent killed in action and 50 percent of the remaining forces able to continue fighting . 12 Additionally , Smith and Colonel Lewis “ Chesty ” Puller had ordered a convoy to move from Koto-ri to Hagaru in order to reinforce Hagaru . The PVA was able to ambush the convoy and separate it into three . One-third was able to press on to Hagaru , while another third was forced to return to Koto-ri . The remaining third did not survive the battle .
The PVA did not fare much better and received heavy casualties from their attacks on Yudam-ni and Hagaru compared to casualties for the Americans , which ranged from 30-50 percent . The PVA 58th Division was nearly completely destroyed , as was much of the 20th Corps . To the east , the PVA successfully turned back the US Eighth Army at the Battle of the Ch ’ ongch ’ on River inflicting heavy loses . In response , MacArthur ordered the X Corps to withdraw from the Chosin Reservoir . The issue became how to move the entirety of the X Corps out of the battlespace under threat of Chinese attack , which had become more precarious once the PVA 26th Corps , comprised of the 76th and 77th Divisions , arrived at Hagaru on December 6 . Almond initially wished to fly out all troops from Yudam-ri and Hagaru , but Smith refused to abandon the Marines ’ heavy equipment and artillery . Smith famously declared that those garrisons would “ attack in a different direction ” and head to Hagaru . 13
The withdrawal involved the movement of all United Nations forces south to the port of Hungnam with the 7th Marines in the lead and the 5th Marines covering the rear flank . The 26th Corps attacked Hagaru on the night of the 6th but were repulsed as the 7th Marines continued to clear the route between Koto-ri and Hagaru . The breakout continued well for the Americans , but the PVA began to destroy roadways and bridges in order to trap the X Corps north of Hungnam . This included the pivotal Funchilin Pass south of Koto-ri . With the bridge destroyed , the Chinese were successful in stopping the retreat of US forces and had a solid defensive point . The Marines contested the defenders and were able to airdrop several bridges to allow for the Marines ’ withdrawal to Hungnam , although the Chinese continued attacks on Hungnam . 14
Evacuations at Hungnam had begun as early as December 8 , while the Eighth Army continued south . Supporting aircraft and naval gunfire were able to aid in the defense , while the remaining X Corps personnel and equipment was evacuated , along with approximately one-third of the Korean refugees . The last ship departed Hungnam on December 24 , and the port was destroyed to prevent its use by Chinese forces , which took what remained of the port the following day . 15 The original intent of the withdrawal was to Wonsan north of the 38th Parallel , but X Corps returned to South Korea in early 1951 instead .
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