ASL Map Spotlight: The Fight For Seoul

The Forgotten War module is the first official non-World War 2 module for the Advanced Squad Leader system. It opened up a new front for the ASL system: the Korean Conflict. Le Franc-Tireur’s The Fight for Seoul captures the intensity of the Second Battle of Seoul that led to the liberation of that city by U.S. Marines and ROK Marine Corps from KPA forces. Never-seen-before terrain combinations will raise new and challenging issues to the field commanders of your ASL army. Let’s take a look at the map and some of the history.

The Fight For Seoul Map

This map and action can be found in Le Franc-Tireur’s Advanced Squad Leader historical module: The Fight For Seoul.

Download The Fight For Seoul VASL Map

The Second Battle of Seoul

The Second Battle of Seoul was a pivotal battle of the Korean War that occurred when United Nations (UN) forces recaptured the South Korean capital of Seoul from its North Korean occupiers in late September 1950. The battle was part of Operation Chromite, a daring amphibious landing at Incheon led by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, which aimed to cut off the North Korean supply lines and open a second front in the war. The battle involved intense urban warfare, as the UN forces faced fierce resistance from the North Korean defenders, who had fortified the city with mines, booby traps, snipers, and machine guns.

The UN forces that landed at Incheon on September 15, 1950, were composed of the X Corps, commanded by Major General Edward Almond, and included the 1st Marine Division, led by Major General Oliver Prince Smith, and the 7th Infantry Division, led by Major General David G. Barr. The X Corps also received support from the South Korean Army, the British Royal Marines, and the Canadian Army. The North Korean forces in Seoul were estimated to be around 7,000 troops, mostly from the 25th Infantry Brigade and the 78th Independent Infantry Regiment, under the command of General Choi Yong-kun and General Wol Ki Chan. The North Koreans also had some Soviet-made T-34 tanks and Yak fighter planes at their disposal.

The advance from Incheon to Seoul was slow and bloody, as the North Koreans tried to stall the UN offensive and buy time for reinforcements and withdrawal. The North Koreans launched a counterattack with their T-34 tanks on September 16, but were ambushed and destroyed by the UN forces. The North Koreans also attempted to bomb the Incheon harbor with their Yak planes, but did little damage. The UN forces encountered numerous obstacles, such as roadblocks, minefields, and ambushes, as they moved towards Seoul. The 1st Marine Division reached the outskirts of Seoul on September 22, while the 7th Infantry Division secured the right flank south of the city.

The battle for Seoul began on September 23, as the 1st Marine Division entered the city from the west. The North Koreans had prepared a strong defense, using the buildings, streets, and bridges as fortifications. The UN forces had to fight house-to-house, block-by-block, and street-to-street, facing heavy fire from the North Korean snipers, machine guns, and mortars. The UN forces also had to deal with the civilian population, who were caught in the crossfire and often used as human shields by the North Koreans. The UN forces used tanks, artillery, and air strikes to support their infantry, but also caused extensive damage to the city and its infrastructure.

The battle for Seoul lasted for six days, from September 23 to September 28. The UN forces gradually pushed the North Koreans out of the city, clearing the main landmarks, such as the Seoul City Hall, the Seoul Railway Station, the National Assembly Building, and the Government House. The UN forces also secured the Han River bridges, which were vital for the movement of troops and supplies. The North Koreans put up a stubborn resistance, especially in the northern parts of the city, where they made their last stand. The North Koreans also launched several counterattacks, hoping to recapture some of the lost ground, but were repelled by the UN forces.

The battle for Seoul ended on September 28, when the UN forces declared the city liberated. The UN forces raised the South Korean flag over the Government House, and held a ceremony to mark the occasion. General MacArthur and President Syngman Rhee attended the ceremony, along with other UN and South Korean officials. The UN forces also released thousands of South Korean prisoners of war, who had been held by the North Koreans in Seoul. The UN forces also captured many North Korean prisoners of war, who were interrogated and sent to POW camps.

The Second Battle of Seoul was a major victory for the UN forces, as they regained the South Korean capital and dealt a severe blow to the North Korean morale and prestige. The battle also marked the end of the North Korean offensive in the south, and the beginning of the UN counteroffensive in the north. The battle also had significant political and psychological implications, as it restored the legitimacy of the South Korean government and boosted the confidence of the South Korean people. The battle also demonstrated the determination and courage of the UN forces, especially the U.S. Marines, who earned the nickname “the Seoul City Sue” for their heroic performance.

The Second Battle of Seoul was also a costly and destructive battle, as it resulted in heavy casualties and damage on both sides. The UN forces suffered 313 killed and 50 wounded, while the North Korean forces suffered thousands of killed, wounded, and captured. The civilian casualties were also high, as many innocent people were killed or injured by the crossfire, the explosions, or the collapsing buildings. The city of Seoul was also devastated by the battle, as many of its historical and cultural landmarks were destroyed or damaged. The city also faced a humanitarian crisis, as many of its residents were left homeless, hungry, and traumatized by the war.

The Second Battle of Seoul was one of the most important and memorable battles of the Korean War, as it marked a turning point in the course of the conflict. The battle also showed the brutality and complexity of urban warfare, as well as the human cost of war. The battle also highlighted the role and contribution of the UN forces, especially the U.S. Marines, who fought with skill and valor to liberate the city. The battle also demonstrated the resilience and spirit of the South Korean people, who endured the hardships and horrors of war, and welcomed the UN forces as their liberators.

.END OF BRIEFING.

ASL Map Spotlights are meant to be quick history lessons on available historical Advanced Squad Leader actions. These short articles are meant to highlight both a short history of the battle portrayed for players unfamiliar with the setting, as well as show the ASL map on which it plays out.