14-15 March 1951: ROK and U.S. troops liberated Seoul for the fourth and last time during the Korean War. Called Operation Ripper, this UN offensive was intended to push NKPA and CCF forces north of the 38th Parallel.

Conceived by Eighth Army commander Lt. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway, the operation kicked off on 6 March with the largest artillery bombardment of the Korean War. The 25th Div. quickly crossed the Han River and established a beachhead. Farther east, the U.S. IX Corps reached its first phase line on 11 March. Three days later, assault units pushed on to their next phase line. That night, the ROK 1st Inf. Div. and U.S. 3d Inf. Div. liberated Seoul.

For details, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Ripper

ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) A garishly painted C Co., 6th Tank Bn. M46 Pershing tank on the Han River prepares to cross the Han River with the 25th Inf. Div. (2) This Chinese propaganda painting shows a CCF soldier with a satchel charge preparing to kill himself and the GIs attacking his position outside of Seoul. (3) VMA-251 AD-4L Skyraiders on a strafing run in support of advancing ground troops. (4) VMA-332 F4U-4 Corsairs respond to a request for close air support. (5) A pair of 12th FBS, 18th FBW P-51Ds peel off to attack ground targets.