Vol. 16, No. 1, Feb. 2010, Page 5

March to the Sea – The Day We Blew Up Hungnam (cont.)

APD 127 (USS BEGOR) arrived with a full load of demolition for the operation. The first targets selected were the giant overhead cranes. Explosive rubber hoses were hoisted up by block and tackle and secured, explosive charges were placed around their bases and then around all other dock facilities and buildings. Railroads were a prime target. We found some railroad cars loaded with aerial bombs, which proved to be an excellent source of explosives for our use. Another stockpile of bombs was located nearby and became a UDT supply area. While the APD crew ferried in explosives for us, we continued working around the clock. The major problem we encountered was loading explosives in the heavy traffic of both military personnel and civilians being evacuated. Miles of prima cord were utilized, and the problem with traffic was solved by stringing the prima cord from telephone poles. Despite Chinese attempts to break through, the line of U. S. troops held, and by December 24th, 105,000 troops were safely embarked on the waiting ships. General “Chesty” Puller and his First Marine Division would celebrate Christmas in Pusan. Two ships remained – the Flagship with Adm. Doyle and the APD to evacuate Detachment Bravo.
The last firing assemblies were completed and Bravo Detachment was receiving Chinese gunfire. As pre-arranged, the MK 13 flare was ignited and the scattered Detachment began their withdrawal to the end of the breakwater. The final charge was placed on the lighthouse. The Chinese troops were entering Hungnam…gunfire was increasing.

MUSTER: All hands accounted for.

Radio to Flagship “Imperative we fire NOW, Chinese will discover and cut our explosive train.

Flagship to Bravo: “Fire when you are ready.”

“FIRE IN THE HOLE”: The Port of Hungnam erupted in total destruction.

December 24, 1950 – Christmas Eve – Merry Christmas – Peace on Earth

Over 20 tons of explosives were detonated by this small detachment that day. The weather was cold and miserable, but work continued around the clock under extremely adverse conditions. I consider this operation to be one of the most memorable of my Naval career and its success is due to the magnificent performance of each and every one of this small band of UDT personnel.

Mack M. Boynton

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