| US CITATION FOR ROYAL ARTILLERY | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 8160 |
| Catalog #: | 219429 | |
| Clip Number: | 219429-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | UN 2561 A | |
| Timecode: | 01:37:36 - 01:43:15 | |
| Location: | London | |
| Year Shot: | 1953 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | CEREMONIES: Honors, Military LOCATIONS/EUROPE: UK, England, London WAR & CONFLICT/KOREA: Misc | |
| Description: | US CITATION FOR ROYAL ARTILLERY Citation for Royal Artillery gunners' action in Korean War, read by American Major Fisher-Hoch who commanded the company in action. Woolwich, London. Various shots of parade ground, troops stand to attention in front of Major Fisher-Hoch on dais. American Major Fisher-Hoch, "…this Presidential citation for the action of Charlie Troop on the Imjin River. The citation reads as follows: The first Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, British Army and the C Troop the 170th Independent Mortar Battery, Royal Artillery attached, are sighted for exceptionally outstanding performance of duty, and extraordinary heroism in action against the armed enemy near Solma-ri, Korea. The defending units were overwhelmingly outnumbered. The 83rd Chinese Communist Army drove the full force of its savage assault at the positions held by the First Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment and attached unit. The route of supply ran southeast from the battalion between the two hills. The hills dominated the surrounding terrain northwest to the Imjin River. Enemy pressure built up on the battalion front during the day 23rd of April. On the 24th of April the weight of the attack … The courageous soldiers of the battalion and attached unit were holding the critical route selected by the enemy for one column of the general defensive designed to encircle and destroy 1st Corps. These gallant soldiers would not retreat, as they were compressed tighter and tighter in their perimeter defense, they called for close in air strikes to assist in holding firm. Completely surrounded by tremendous numbers, these indomitable resolute and tenacious soldiers fought back with unsurpassed fortitude and courage. As ammunition ran low and the advancing hordes moved closer and closer, these splendid soldiers fought back viciously to prevent the enemy from overrunning the position and moving rapidly to the south. Their heroic stand provided the critically needed time to regroup other first corps units and block the southern advance of the enemy. … Every yard of ground they surrendered covered with enemy dead until the last gallant soldier of the fighting battalion was over powered by the final surge of the enemy masses. The first battalion Gloucestershire Regiment and C Troop 170th Independent Mortar Battery displayed such gallantry, determination and esprit de corps in accomplishing their mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions, as to set them apart and above other units participating in the same battle. Their sustained brilliance in battle, their resoluteness and extraordinary heroism are in keeping with the finest traditions of the renowned military forces of the British Commonwealth and reflect unsurpassed credit on these courageous soldiers and their homeland. By command of Lieutenant Colonel General van Fleet.” Various shots of troops on the parade ground. | |
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