In the aerial view, north of the Han river is Seoul.
Operation Ripper
The city of Seoul had changed hands many times throughout the course of the war, and it would finally be controlled by the South after Operation Ripper, also known as the Fourth Battle of Seoul. Operation Ripper was designed by General Matthew Ridgeway to capture Seoul and accompanying strategic locations along the 38th parallel. On March 6th, 1952 US lead armies and the South Korean army began their advance surrounding Seoul. Instead of directly crossing the Han River, a river that runs directly south of Seoul, Operation Ripper’s course was set to encircle Seoul which would drive out the the North Korean and Chinese army.
Through March 14 and 15, 1952, the operation had been successful North Korean and Chinese soldiers fled Seoul. Seoul was again under the control of the Allies, and in their possession for good. Allied troops advanced another 30 miles north. This campaign totally cut off any access the North Koreans and Chinese previously had to the South. This battle was the final significant advance made during the war. From then on, only skirmishes and dog fights kept the war going. The war had turned to a stalemate. |
General Matthew Ridgeway, commander of Operation Ripper.
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