Page 17 - Don Mason, Master Chief, Korean War

MASON

The Division's total front line extended about 18000 yards, with
different Regiments defending the same areas at different times,

along with other UN forces. One of the most bitterly contested

battlegrounds was called 'The Hook'.

The Hook was part of an east-west ridge four miles northwest of the

confluence of the Samichon and Imjin Rivers. Some of the most

savage hand-to-hand fighting happened there. The Marines fought

several bitter actions around the Hook as well, and about a mile

southwest in attacks on Chinese-held Hill Detroit.

The distance from the enemy along the general divisional front

differed widely in many places. The Hook saw U.S. troops actually

sharing the same feature as the Chinese, only some 300 yards apart.

So close to the enemy, day-to-day living conditions were very

tenuous.