Operation Ripper

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Operation Ripper was a military operation during the Korean War intended to repel the People's Volunteer Army and North Korean troops from Seoul and to bring UN troops to the 38th parallel.

The operation was launched by U.S. military leaders on March 7, 1951, to drive enemy forces out of Hongch'on and Ch'unch'on and to reach "Idaho," a line drawn just below the 38th parallel in South Korea.

Operation Ripper was preceded by the largest artillery bombardment of the Korean War. U.N. forces moved into Seoul on the night of March 14, marking the fourth time the capital had changed hands since June 1950.

The enemy retreated north. U.N. troops ground forward, constantly descending sharp slopes or ascending steep heights to attack enemy positions that were sometimes above the clouds.

By the end of March, U.S. forces reached the 38th parallel.