Reference Entry
OPERATION TOMAHAWK
In the second year of the Korean War, United Nations forces under Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway were pushing north in a series of offensives to reclaim ground lost during earlier Communist advances. As part of this effort, planners designed an airborne operation to cut off retreating North Korean and Chinese units and support the drive across the Han River.
Dated Historical Context
A RECORDED MOMENT IN HISTORY
Operation Tomahawk in Korea
In the second year of the Korean War, United Nations forces under Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway were pushing north in a series of offensives to reclaim ground lost during earlier Communist advances. As part of this effort, planners designed an airborne operation to cut off retreating North Korean and Chinese units and support the drive across the Han River. On March 23rd, 1951, American paratroopers of the 187th Regimental Combat Team, joined by allied elements, dropped near Munsan-ni in Operation Tomahawk. They seized key road junctions and high ground, then linked up with advancing ground forces moving north from the Seoul area. Although the operation did not result in a dramatic encirclement, it disrupted enemy movements and showcased the flexibility of airborne troops in a limited war. Tomahawk stands as one of the largest airborne drops of the conflict and an important test of post–Second World War airborne capabilities.
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