Herb Odell, Pfc.

1st Marine Division
Korea: Sept. 1950 - Dec. 1950

SECOND HITCH

When the Korean War started I reenlisted in the Marines. After a brief stay in camp Pendleton, I boarded a ship at San Diego with the elements of the 1st Marine Division and went to Japan where the Division was formed. From Japan the 1st Marine Division went to Inchon, Korea. We fought our way to Seoul and secured the area north of the city.

We then boarded troop ships and landed at Wonson, North Korea. We worked our way north to Koto-ri, then Hagu-ri and into Yudam-Ri.

In late November 1950 we found ourselves surrounded by Chinese. We were out numbered by ten to one. It was fairly obvious their sole purpose was to eliminate the 1st Division. Around December 3rd, we began our fight out of Yudam-Ri to the coast.

With inadequate equipment and temperatures dropping below 30 degrees, we were fighting against the odds and the elements.

We were losing a lot of men from frostbite. After losing men from frostbite and enemy fire it really got miserable. We were on alert 24 hours a day. No fires were allowed. Sleep? Well you’d sleep when you could.

After breaking through the Chinese forces at Hang-Ri the Division regrouped.

I was transferred to a new Company, JIG Company.

At the time it may not have seemed like it, but December 6th was my lucky day. I was wounded shot in the thigh, and suffering from frostbite to my hands and feet.

Its what is called The Million Dollar Wound.

I was evacuated on one of the last planes to fly out to the army hospital in Tokyo.

Later, I was taken to the Naval Hospital at Yokuska, Japan.