Operation Ripper Operational Plan - March 3, 1951

On March 3, 1951, during the Korean War, the United Nations Command issued the operational plan for Operation Ripper. This plan outlined a major offensive aimed at recapturing the South Korean capital of Seoul and driving Chinese and North Korean forces north of the 38th parallel.

Context

Following the Communist Chinese intervention in late 1950, United Nations forces had been pushed back significantly. The tides began to turn again with Operation Thunderbolt, which helped stabilize the front lines south of the Han River. By early March 1951, General Matthew Ridgway, the commander of the United Nations and U.S. Eighth Army, sought to exploit enemy weaknesses and regain lost territory through a coordinated offensive.

Objectives

Operation Ripper was planned with several key objectives:

• Recapture of Seoul: Regaining control of the South Korean capital, which had changed hands multiple times during the conflict.
• Destruction of Enemy Forces: Targeting Chinese and North Korean military units to reduce their capacity to wage war.
• Advance towards the 38th Parallel: A strategic push to reposition UN forces north, preparing the ground for further advances into North Korean territory.

Execution Plan

The operation involved a series of phased advances by the Eighth Army and the U.S. I and IX Corps. Each phase aimed to incrementally secure strategic locations, starting from the Han River line, moving progressively toward Seoul and beyond. The tactics involved heavy use of artillery and air support to soften enemy defenses before infantry advances.

Key Components

• Amphibious and Airborne Tactics: Integration of amphibious assaults alongside conventional ground operations to outmaneuver enemy forces.
• Psychological Warfare: Use of propaganda and other means to weaken enemy morale.
• Rapid Mobilization: Emphasis on mobility and speed to outpace Chinese and North Korean defenses.

Aftermath and Significance

Operation Ripper officially commenced on March 7, 1951, and was largely successful in achieving its initial objectives. By mid-March, UN forces had recaptured Seoul, dealing a substantial blow to the Chinese and North Korean forces operating in the south.

Operation Ripper is notable for its demonstration of effective coordination among allied forces, showcasing improved morale and operational capability of UN troops. This operation provided a pivotal psychological advantage, reaffirming UN commitment to the Korean Peninsula and setting the stage for future offensives.