The Marines breakout from the Chosin Reservoir started with the savage battle of East Hill with the 5th and 7th Marines attempting to rescue the surrounded 7th Infantry Division’s Regimental Combat Team. The Marines eventually formed up into a single column and began the fight through the Chinese Army encircling their positions. The breakout battle was fought in some of the most difficult and roughest terrain in Korea and in some the harshest winter weather conditions with temperatures reaching -35 F. The tenacity and fortitude of the Marines during the running battle kept the Chinese from pushing forward and overrunning the U.N. Corps south of Chosin. The embattled column reached the U.N. forces main perimeter on December 11th bringing the Chosin Reservoir breakout to a close. The 1st Marines Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its action; as were the 41st Royal Marine Commando and the Army’s RCT-31 that also fought in the Chosin River campaign. Fourteen Marines (along with two U.S. Army service members and a Navy pilot) were awarded the Medal of Honor and all who served in the campaign became known as the ‘The Chosin Few’.