"Heartbreak Ridge" is a narrow, rocky, mountain mass running north and
3 south with HILLS 931, 894,
and 851 dominating the MUNDUNG-NI and SATAE-RI Valleys.
The south and east slopes were extremely
steep. From these slopes the "Punchbowl" and HILL 1179
could be seen in the distance. Both prominent
objectives had already fallen into our hands. Initially heavy
vegetation covered the slopes of Heartbreak Ridge
but air strikes and artillery destroyed all individual concealment.
In each valley bordering the ridge were two important roads and
stream beds. The roads were secondary
class routes, but a road capable of moving military equipment
was built in a short time. Also, a twisting,
boulder-strewn stream bed in each valley furnished an approach
for tanks. Narrow gorges and deep defiles
presented difficult engineering problems which were overcome
during the engagement. Enemy bunkers
guarded the key ridges of approach. Due to a moderate slope
to the west and north, the enemy supplies
were moved up in positions with a minimum amount of labor. |
