Troops Defend Outpost Harry Against 13,000 Chinese Forces

On June 10, 1953, American and Greek troops faced a significant assault at Outpost Harry, a strategically critical position in the Korean War. As tensions escalated, Captain Martin Markley prepared his men from K Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, for an imminent attack by approximately 13,000 Chinese soldiers from the 74th Division. The battle would last for eight grueling days, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict.

Located in Korea’s Iron Triangle, Outpost Harry was positioned on a 1,280-foot hill, critical to maintaining observation and defense against enemy movements. With only about 150 American soldiers defending a hill barely 400 yards wide, the outpost was perilously exposed to the Chinese forces who were already entrenched on nearby Star Hill. Intelligence reports indicated that the enemy had amassed artillery and troops, preparing for a major offensive.

The assault commenced shortly after dark with a barrage of over 20,000 artillery shells raining down on Outpost Harry. As the American defenders took cover, they could hear the enemy forces approaching, bolstered by the sounds of whistles and bugles. “All total, there was a reinforced PVA regiment of approximately 3,600 enemy trying to kill us,” Markley recalled. The battle for Outpost Harry had begun.

Fierce Resistance and Heroic Acts

On the first night, the situation escalated as Chinese soldiers breached the perimeter and engaged in close-quarters combat. American forces mounted a fierce defense, with soldiers like Sgt. Ola Mize displaying extraordinary bravery. Mize, after already rescuing a wounded comrade, single-handedly charged an enemy machine-gun nest, managing to kill ten attackers before sustaining multiple injuries himself. His actions helped save many lives and earned him the Medal of Honor, which he initially declined, insisting that his entire platoon deserved recognition.

As dawn broke on June 11, the Chinese forces withdrew, leaving behind a landscape marked by destruction. Only a dozen Americans left the hill unscathed, while many others were either killed or injured. The Chinese returned the next night and continued their assaults, but U.S. commanders rotated fresh troops to the outpost, allowing for brief periods of rest and resupply.

Through a relentless series of attacks, American troops consistently repelled the overwhelming enemy forces. For example, Pfc. Charles Johnson fought valiantly, sustaining injuries yet choosing to help his fellow soldiers. His determination to hold a bunker against advancing Chinese troops ultimately cost him his life, leading to posthumous recognition with the Silver Star, later upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

Greek Forces Join the Battle

As casualties mounted, American commanders sought reinforcements from the Greek Expeditionary Force, which had been fighting alongside U.S. troops since December 1950. The Greek battalion, known for its resilience in previous engagements, took on the critical role of defending Outpost Harry. On June 16, Company P of the Sparta Battalion arrived, prepared to face the inevitable onslaught.

Chinese commanders concentrated their remaining forces for a final push on June 17, launching a coordinated assault featuring artillery bombardments followed by infantry charges. The Greek soldiers, drawing inspiration from their ancient predecessors at Thermopylae, held their ground. They engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat, successfully repelling waves of attackers and inflicting significant losses.

After two hours of intense fighting, the Chinese forces withdrew, marking the end of the last major assault on Outpost Harry. The battle had a staggering toll: Chinese forces fired over 88,000 rounds while Allied artillery responded with 368,000 rounds. The estimated Chinese casualties reached approximately 4,200 killed and wounded, while Allied losses included 102 American soldiers killed and 553 wounded.

The defense of Outpost Harry garnered recognition; five United Nations companies received Presidential Unit Citations, a historic honor for the first time awarded to so many units for a single mission. The American units recognized included Companies K, B, and A of the 15th Infantry Regiment, and Company F of the 65th Infantry Regiment.

The fighting at Outpost Harry took place just as armistice negotiations were underway in Panmunjom, only 50 miles away. Both sides recognized the strategic significance of the outpost, with Chinese commanders aiming to gain leverage in negotiations, while American forces sought to maintain their defensive positions.

By July 27, 1953, the armistice took effect, bringing an end to active combat. The successful defense of Outpost Harry played a crucial role in ensuring that the front lines favored United Nations forces when the fighting ceased.

More than seven decades later, the hilltop remains a significant location within the Demilitarized Zone. The sacrifices made at Outpost Harry serve as a stark reminder of the fierce fighting that characterized the Korean War. Capt. Markley and his men, alongside their Greek allies, not only defended their position but also played a vital role in altering the course of the conflict, ultimately contributing to the preservation of peace in the region.