The Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River occurred as the Korean War was entering a decisive phase in late 1950. United Nations forces, predominantly composed of American troops, had advanced into North Korea following initial successes against North Korean Army forces. However, the entry of Chinese forces into the conflict fundamentally shifted the balance. Chinese troops, numbering approximately 300,000, launched a surprise counter-offensive, intending to push UN forces back into South Korea.

The battle began in late November 1950, with UN forces, under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, encountering heavy resistance as Chinese troops advanced through rugged terrain. By early December, the Chinese forces had intensified their offensive, and on December 2, UN troops faced overwhelming odds. The ferocity of the assault, coupled with severe winter weather, led to significant UN casualties and confusion among their ranks.

As the battle progressed, UN forces began to retreat in an organized manner, but the Chinese military's effective tactics and overwhelming numbers created chaos, resulting in a complete expulsion of UN forces from North Korea. This battle exemplified the rapid and severe consequences of underestimating an opponent's resolve and capability.