Frozen Chosin Challenge

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Frozen Chosin Challenge

Endurance. Commitment. Remembrance. A “challenge” honoring all veterans by remembering the legacy of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

06/03/2026

This week’s recommended reading:
📚 O’Donnell, Patrick K., Give Me Tomorrow:
The Korean War’s Greatest Untold Story
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This book brings a deeply human perspective to the Korean War through firsthand accounts and survivor stories from the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. Patrick O’Donnell captures what it was like on the ground, where extreme cold, exhaustion, and constant combat tested every ounce of endurance and leadership.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on the men themselves. Their decisions, their fear, their courage, and the bonds they formed under pressure that most of us can hardly imagine.
It is intense, personal, and rooted in real voices from the battlefield.
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If you want to understand the human side of Chosin and the weight our troops carried, this is a powerful place to start.

06/01/2026

In light of celebrating Memorial Day last week, we honor the faces and stories of the survivors known as the “Chosin Few.”

These men endured brutal winter conditions during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Temperatures dropped far below zero. Frostbite, exhaustion, hunger, and constant enemy attacks became part of daily survival. Many carried those memories for the rest of their lives.

Today, we remember not only their sacrifice, but their humanity.

This post features portraits and stories from survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign shared by PBS American Experience.

Take a moment to reflect on their stories, their sacrifice, and the extraordinary resilience they carried through one of the harshest battles in military history.
🇺🇸 Honor the fallen
🇺🇸 Remember the survivors
🇺🇸 Preserve their legacy

05/27/2026

Cold. Exhausted. Outnumbered.
And still, they kept moving.

The men who fought at Chosin Reservoir faced brutal winter conditions, frozen gear, little sleep, and constant enemy pressure in the mountains of North Korea. Every step forward demanded grit, discipline, and trust in the people beside them.

They did not keep going because it was easy. They kept going because the mission and the men next to them mattered.

That spirit lives on through the Frozen Chosin Challenge.
Every mile logged. Every early morning workout. Every moment when quitting would be easier. It is a reminder that resilience is built one step at a time.

Train with purpose. Push a little farther. Honor those who endured far worse.

Who are you training with this week? Tag them below.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember the Marines, Soldiers, Royal Marines and Korean Marines who fought through unimaginable conditions at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War.

The breakout of the 1st Marine Division (with attached Army, Royal Marines and Korean Marine Corps) from the Chosin Reservoir will long be remembered as one of the inspiring epics in our military history.

The ability to fight through twelve Chinese divisions over a 78-mile mountain road in sub-zero weather cannot be explained by courage and endurance alone. It was “uncommon valor.”

Fifty-six casualties per mile from 17 Nov-24 Dec 1950
Killed in Action – 604
Died of Wounds – 114
Missing in Action – 192
Wounded in Action – 3,485
Non-battle casualties – 7,338

Many never made it home. Yet through extreme exhaustion, freezing conditions, and constant attacks and counterattacks they continued moving forward together.

The Frozen Chosin Challenge exists to honor their sacrifice, endurance, and brotherhood. Their courage deserves to be remembered, not just on Memorial Day, but every day.

🇺🇸 Remember the Fallen
🇺🇸 Honor the Veterans
🇺🇸 Carry the Legacy

05/22/2026

Looking to better understand the brutal reality of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign?

Recommended reading:
Hammel, Eric. Chosin: Heroic Ordeal of the Korean War
“Told from the point of view from the men in the foxholes and tanks, command posts and hospital wards, this is the definitive account of the epic retreat under fire of the First Marine Division from the Chosin Reservoir in the depths of a North Korean winter.”

This book captures the grit, leadership, suffering, and determination that defined the “Frozen Chosin.”
If you’re training for the challenge, this belongs on your reading list.

Have you read it yet? Drop your thoughts below.

05/19/2026

This past Saturday we celebrated Armed Forces Day and took time to honor every man and woman who currently serves in the United States Armed Forces.
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1950 🗓️
The year the first ARMED Forces Day was celebrated. That same year, North Korea invaded South Korea and many of the troops honored that day deployed within weeks.
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President Truman summed it up: “Armed Forces Day is a day for all Americans to pay tribute to the members of our Armed Forces.” Simple. Direct. No asterisks.
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Since 1950, it has been observed on the third Saturday of May every year. It also kicks off Armed Forces Week, which runs through Memorial Day weekend.
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Armed Forces Day vs Veterans Day vs Memorial Day
★Armed Forces Day (3rd Sat of May): Honors those currently serving on active duty
★Memorial Day (last Mon of May): Honors those who died in service
★Veterans Day (November 11): Honors everyone who has ever served
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The Frozen Chosin Challenge exists to honor that tradition of service, sacrifice, and resilience.
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To every service member past and present, thank you for your dedication and courage.
🇺🇸 Honor the Service
🇺🇸 Remember the sacrifice
🇺🇸 Carry the legacy forward

05/13/2026

This isn’t about competing – it’s about teamwork.
Push together. Encourage each other. Lead when it’s had. And make sure everyone who starts, finishes.

Leave no one behind.

Tag your team! Who are you taking on this challenge? Furry friends are welcome!

05/08/2026

Not local? No problem. The Frozen Chosin Challenge Courses are worth the trip. Here’s how far you are from the action at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State park:

St. Louis, MO – 2 Hour Drive
Springfield, MO – 2.5 Hour Drive
Memphis, TN – 4 Hour Drive
Little Rock, AR – 4.5 Hour Drive
Nashville, TN – 5 Hour Drive
Kansas City, MO – 5.5 Hour Drive
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky – 6 Hour Drive
Chicago, IL – 6.5 Hour Drive
Virginia Beach, VA. – 16 Hour Drive

Whether you’re road-tripping or making it a weekend getaway, this is your sign to take on the challenge.

Drop where you’re coming from and how far in the comments!

05/05/2026

The Warrior Course is for everyone.
A 4-mile, wheelchair-accessible route designed to be inclusive, scenic and empowering for all participants. Enjoy open fields, river views and a peaceful boardwalk trail along the Johnson Shut-Ins – complete with benches along the way for rest and comfort.

Show up, take it at your pace and be part of the challenge.

Signup link in our bio!
-hike

05/01/2026

Support the participants who come out to pay tribute to our veterans and to those who fought and gave so much during the Korean War.

Honor their sacrifices and recognize the dedication our Service members and First Responders continue to make every day.

If you’re looking for a sponsorship opportunity that truly gives back, this is it.

For more information email 📧 [email protected].

To donate visit the link in the bio.

Address

148 Taum Sauk Trail
Lesterville, MO
63656

Website

http://mokoreanwarmemorial.org/frozen-chosin-challenge/

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