General Zhang Renchu Chinese Military Leaders During the Korean War
6. Lieutenant General Zhang Renchu

Background and History Born in Hubei Province and died in 1969.

Activities in Korean War Commander of the 26th Army of the PLA 3rd field Army of the PLA 9th Army Group. They were engaged with the 1st Marine Division at the Chosin Reservoir in November-December 1950. The 26th Army consisted of:

76th Division,     77th Division,     78th Division,     88th Division.

The 9th Army Group began moving into Korea on November 5th. After the 20th CCF Army had moved in, followed by the 27th CCF Army, the 26th CCF Army followed, moving east to Linjiang and Huchang as army group reserve, and defending against any advance down the Yalu River by the US Army 7th Infantry Division. On December 2nd, General Song Shilun ordered the 26th CCF Army south from the Huchang River to take over the attack on Hagaru-ri. Movement of the 26th Army was slowed and delayed by air attacks. Further, according to one of the Chinese histories, some elements got lost in a snowstorm. The 26th Army failed to reach Hagaru and launch an attack on the 5th Marines. Advanced elements did reach East Hill and attempt to hold that. And, on the night of December 6th, as the 1st Marine Division was attacking towards Hagaru-ri, advance elements of the 26th Army did attack the column but failed to organize a coordinated attack. The 26th CCF Army suffered some 10,000 cold casualties

Lt. General
Zhang Renchu
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