U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, set fire to the battalion colors as part of the 73rd Burning of The Colors Ceremony held at Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov. 30, 2023. The battalion conducts the ceremony annually to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the Battle of Kunu-ri in the Korean War.
In the fall of 1950, U.N. forces pushed North Koreans to the Yalu River, but China's entry surprised U.S. and U.N. forces, leading to a withdrawal. The Sapper Steel Battalion was part of the 2nd Infantry Division, fighting and defending a U.N. position at Kunu-ri, which allowed the 8th Army to withdraw south.
The 2nd Engineer Battalion faced overwhelming odds against the Chinese, leading to Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alarich Zacherle’s decision to set fire to his battalion’s colors rather than have it taken as a trophy by overrunning Chinese troops.
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. David Poleski)
Date Taken: | 11.30.2023 |
Date Posted: | 01.10.2024 19:21 |
Photo ID: | 8173285 |
VIRIN: | 231130-A-VD088-1006 |
Resolution: | 9311x5994 |
Size: | 4.95 MB |
Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
Web Views: | 30 |
Downloads: | 2 |
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