II Corps (South Korea)

History

The II Corps was created on July 24, 1950, just before the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, consisting of the 1st Infantry Division and the 6th Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter (July–September, 1950), its headquarters was at Hamch’ang.

Currently, its headquarters is located in Chuncheon.

Korean War

Liberation of South Korea

Lieutenant General Walton Walker of the US Army ordered that ROK Army units, scattered by the North Korean invasion, be organized into two corps. Thus the II Corps was born July 24, 1950, to defend the Pusan Perimeter.

Invading North Korea

On October 10, 1950, the II Corps advanced north of the 38th parallel through central North Korea. They were operating in support of the ROK I Corps which was under the command of General Walker. After encountering minimal resistance, the corps veered northwest.

Defeat at Ch'ongch'on

On October 24, hoping to end the conflict quickly, General Douglas MacArthur, Commander of UN forces, ordered an offensive to the northern border of North Korea and form a defensive line at the Yalu River. At the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River in October 1950, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army sent the 13th Army in to catch the II Corps off guard. In doing so, battles were fought in various places such as Onjong and Unsan. By November 4, 1950, the II Corps and the 8th Regiment of the US 1st Cavalry Division were destroyed.

Structure

Direct

Headquarters Unit

702nd Commando Regiment

142nd Intelligence Battalion

102nd Signal Group

302nd Security Group

1st Armor Battalion

12th CBRN Battalion

512nd Air Defense Battalion

Attached

7th Infantry Division

15th Infantry Division

2nd Engineer Brigade

2nd Artillery Brigade

2nd Logistic Support Brigade