Battle for the Punchbowl: The U. S. 1st Marine Division 1951 Fall Offensive of the Korean War Page: 232

This day, too, saw 2/5 receiving the most casualties. In addition, 1/5 was released
from reserve when it was relieved by elements of 2/1, and it marched to support 2/5 by
setting up on the same ridge, to the right of 812. The Marines of 1/5 held a long front of
two miles, running east along the ridgetop to the vicinity of the river. Marines of 3/5
deployed on the left to block the ridgeline between 812 and 751 as an enemy
counterattack would probably utilize that approach. However, much of 3/5 was still in
the same positions it had been in on September 16. "This left us [Easy and Fox
Companies 2/5] with our left flank dangling just down off the southern slope of Hill 812,
with the valley wide open to the North Koreans should they decide to use it for an end
run in the darkness."49
The 1st Battalion 1st Marines moved south about 1.5 miles after being relieved by
the 5th Marines. This battalion and 3/1 were ordered to relieve the 8th ROK Division to
the east (Hill 854). The other battalion of the 1st Marines, 2/1, moved south and became
division reserve.50
No "large" actions were had that day, but casualties continued to be had from the
long range fire of Hills 980 and 1052. However, the day was not uneventful. The day
began with the repulse by artillery of an enemy infiltration about 0500. Thereafter, at
0810, reinforced patrols (one rifle and machine gun squad each) stepped out from Easy
and Fox to explore the finger ridges to the north of 812 leading towards the portion of
the Soyang-gang hemming the area on the north. Another patrol departed from Dog
Company at 0915 to patrol the valley at Dog's right. No patrol met enemy resistance,
but a supply train of men was pinned down by enemy fire from 1052 and 980 when it
49 Gerald P. Averill, Mustang, 270; Lynn Montross, et al., The East-Central Front, 197; 1st Mar Div
"Historical Diary", September 1951, 23.
so 1st Mar Div "Historical Diary", September 1951, 23.

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