The Battle of Chipyong-ni took place in the frigid winter of 1951 amidst the larger context of the Korean War, which had erupted in June 1950. As Chinese forces entered the conflict in late 1950, their aggressive tactics aimed to push UN troops further south. By February 1951, the Chinese were on the offensive, intent on regaining territory lost during the earlier UN counteroffensive. The strategic location of Chipyong-ni, a small village surrounded by ridges and valleys, was of great importance as it positioned UN forces to block further Chinese advances toward Seoul.

During the battle, the 23rd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, reinforced by elements of the French battalion, dug in to defend their positions against waves of Chinese infantry. The Chinese forces utilized massed attacks and overwhelming numbers, creating an intense and fierce confrontation. The UN forces, however, skillfully executed combined arms tactics, employing artillery and air support, which played a crucial role in stemming the tide of the assault. After three days of heavy fighting, the pinned UN forces managed to repel the overwhelming Chinese attacks, culminating in a significant defensive victory.

Chipyong-ni would later be regarded as a pivotal moment in the Korean War. The successful defense not only prevented the encirclement and potential destruction of UN forces but also turned the momentum back in favor of the United Nations. Following this battle, the UN forces would transition to the offensive in the spring and summer of 1951, eventually leading to the stalemate and armistice negotiations that would shape the outcome of the war in the years to follow.