With the 70^th anniversary of the Chosin – or “Changjin” as it’s called here in Korea – Campaign fast approaching, I’d like to share a letter I received from retired United States Marine Colonel Warren Wiedhahn, the national president of The Chosin Few, an organization which honors and remembers all those who served, sacrificed, and died at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. 

Col. Wiedhahn’s letter explained that due to the pandemic, The Chosin Few 70^th Anniversary Reunion, scheduled for this fall in Washington, DC, has been postponed. 

But Col. Wiedhahn, who served as a 19-year-old Marine at Chosin, was quick to point out that “the epic and heroic ‘Breakout’ against two major enemies, the Chinese Army and the numbing 30 degree below zero winter weather, should be 'Remembered' in your local papers and TV stations.”

He asked that everyone do their part in “contacting a local reporter or news commentator to remind them of the heroic acts of bravery, courage and sacrifice performed by young Americans, our R.O.K. brothers, and our ever brave and faithful British Royal Marines, at the 'Frozen Chosin' in November and December 1950.”

If you know someone in your hometown who was at Chosin, have a relative or friend who served there, or are just a history buff who wants to pay tribute to the brave young men who fought in the mountains of North Korea 70 years ago this November, please give your news station a call. We owe it to our Korean War veterans and their families to remember them.

As a legacy member of The Chosin Few, I’ve had the great privilege of meeting and becoming friends with men who fought and survived the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, one of the most epic engagements in American history. These men are a rare breed of warrior, and I salute them for their dedication to our country and their fellow Americans.

Let’s not forget them on this, the 70^th anniversary of the battle that changed their lives forever.

Semper Fi!

Pictures above: Program covers from recent ceremonies in Seoul commemorating the Chosin Reservoir. 

One of the best books on Chosin, On Desperate Ground: The Marines at the Reservoir, The Korean War's Greatest Battle, by Hampton Sides, is an outstanding addition to the many books written about the epic battle.  

Ned met Hampton Sides when he visited Korea a few years ago doing research for this book. You can watch the book trailer below. 

Fall is always a special time of year, wherever you are in the world. 

Since we've been in Korea (hard to believe it's been five years!), Halloween has gained in popularity. Many businesses have Halloween decorations, and - as you can see in the pictures below - there's not a shortage of Halloween-related specials, including the "Halloween edition" of a Danish probiotic milk product and Korean cosmetics. 

I don't see any kids trick or treating yet, but maybe that's next? 

Always fun to see a little slice of Americana when you're thousands of miles away from home. Happy Halloween! 

Halloween in Korea and ginkgo trees at Seonyudo Park in Seoul. 

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