Key Facts
- Launch date
- 6 March 1951
- Seoul liberated
- Night of 14–15 March 1951
- Average UN advance
- 30 miles (48 km) from start lines
- Chuncheon secured
- 22 March 1951
- Preceded by
- Largest artillery bombardment of the Korean War
- Seoul's capture sequence
- Fourth and final change of hands since June 1950
Strategic Narrative Overview
Launched on 6 March 1951 after a massive artillery bombardment, US I and IX Corps advanced from the west while X Corps and ROK III Corps pushed from the east. The US 25th Infantry Division crossed the Han and established a bridgehead. Seoul was liberated on 14–15 March by ROK 1st and US 3rd Infantry Divisions. Hongch'on fell on 15 March and Chuncheon on 22 March, the final major objective.
01 / The Origins
Following Operation Killer, which pushed PVA and KPA forces north of the Han River by 28 February 1951, US Eighth Army commander General Matthew Ridgway planned Operation Ripper to destroy enemy forces concentrated around Seoul and key towns to the east. The operation also sought to restore UN lines to the 38th Parallel, which had been abandoned during Chinese offensives the previous winter.
03 / The Outcome
By the end of March 1951, UN forces had advanced an average of 30 miles and reached the 38th Parallel. However, the primary goal of destroying PVA forces proved elusive, as enemy units repeatedly withdrew before suffering heavy losses. Chuncheon, a key supply hub, was found abandoned. The operation secured all geographic objectives but delivered limited attrition against the opposing forces.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Matthew Ridgway.
Side B
2 belligerents
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.