One Sixth Memories - Korean War - Battle of Kunu-ri - Part 1

I attempted to recreate the Battle of Kunu-ri, a battle fought by the 2nd Infantry Division - and others - when Chinese forces entered the war in November of 1950.  The unit I served with in Korea was a part of this battle. The 2nd Engineers became the rear guard of the division during the retreat and were overrun. Most of the soldiers were killed or taken prisoners. Of those prisoners, most died in captivity. The few survivors were released three years later at the end of hostilities. The battalion burned its unit flag before being overrun so it wouldn't be kept as a trophy by Chinese forces.

Once again, all of these were taken on 35mm film in 2000/2001. 

Building the set: I used two large sheets of plaster board, chicken wire, and paper mache for the base and background.

Planning the Escape: US and Allied Forces had quickly marched through North Korea and approached the Yalu River in China. Unbeknownst to them, Chinese volunteer forces, numbering in the 100s of thousands and secretly crossed the border. Moving only at night, carrying only weapons and food, they stealthily moved into the battlefield. At hints of overwhelming forces, the US units prepare for their retrograde movement.

Preparing the Defense - Even though the battle was mostly fought while moving, I set up some hasty defensive perimeters.