Tom Acheson
posted this
18 February 2025
A side note....
Maybe some of our forum readers are not familiar with the use of the words “Frozen Chosin”. There was a battle in the Korean War starting in early November 1950 in brutal winter conditions. This was between UN forces (mostly American) and North Korean and China forces. Communist China troops had entered the war in October 1950. The UN forces were overwhelmed and had to withdraw, causing the battle to continue into November and then December. During the retreat the US forces earned the reputation of leaving no dead or wounded behind.
Today gun clubs conduct matches called Frozen Chosins in remembrance of the sacrifices made by our troops during the battle. Up here in Minnesota and I assume South Dakota, the matches are conducted in the winter, to take advantage of winter weather, to hope shooters appreciate the challenges of handling a rifle in cold weather. It is hoped that shooters use the guns our troops did at the time….am M-1 Garand or Carbine.
Our club has conducted (21) consecutive annual matches. (This was my 19th time). I do it to try to survive the cold (especially my toes and fingers), to use a Garand in a 3-pisition match and to feed my interest in WWII history. The December 1944 Battle of the Bulge experienced similar winter conditions, using the same guns.
Sorry for the length!
Tom
