2nd Infantry Division (South Korea)

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2nd Infantry Division
제2보병사단
2nd Division ROK.svg
Shoulder sleeve insignia
ActiveMay 12, 1949 - December 6, 2019
Country South Korea
Branch Republic of Korea Army
TypeInfantry
RoleZone defense
SizeDivision
Part ofIII Corps (South Korea)
Garrison/HQYanggu County, Gangwon Province
Nickname(s)"Furious Wave"
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		Maj. Gen. Jang Gwang-seon
Notable
commanders		Col. Yu Sung Ryol

The 2nd Infantry Division (Korean: 제2보병사단, Hanja: 第二步兵師團) is a military formation of the Republic of Korea Army.

Organization[]

  • Headquarters:[1]
    • Air Defense Artillery Battery
    • Armor Company M-48A5K
    • Chemical Company
    • Signal Battalion
    • Reconnaissance Battalion
    • Engineer Battalion
    • Support Battalion
    • Medical Battalion
  • 17th Infantry Regiment
  • 31st Infantry Regiment
  • 32nd Infantry Regiment
  • Artillery Regiment

History[]

It was formed during the Korean War and was part of the defensive line in the Third Battle of Seoul.

The 17th Infantry participated in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter.[2]

Beginning on December 26, 1950, Communist Chinese Forces struck hard at United Nations units on the western approaches to Seoul. Supporting attacks occurred as well in the central and eastern parts of the line. The Chinese hit the ROK units hard, and again several units broke. Two out of three regiments of the 2nd Division fled the battlefield, leaving the 17th Regiment to fight alone and hold its position for hours despite heavy losses. General Ridgway reluctantly ordered a general, but orderly, withdrawal, with units instructed to maintain contact with the enemy during their retreat, rather than simply giving up real estate without inflicting losses on the enemy.[3]

In the near future, the 2nd Division is expected to go through reorganization to become the Quick Reaction Division. The headquarters is expected to be relocated to Yangpyong County and to exercise the right of command of the two special assault brigades, currently under the command of Army Second Operations Command. Its current forces are to be either dissolved or reassigned to nearby corps and divisions.

References[]

  1. ^ Pike, John. "2nd Infantry Division". www.globalsecurity.org.
  2. ^ Webb, William J. The Korean War: The Outbreak. United States Army Center of Military History. CMH Pub 19-6.
  3. ^ Stewart, Richard W. The Korean War: The Chinese Intervention. United States Army Center of Military History. p. 28. CMH Pub 19-8.
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