Operation Ripper was a major offensive launched by United Nations forces in March, aimed primarily at Chinese and North Korean troops entrenched in South Korea. Led by General Matthew Ridgway, the operation commenced after a period of hard-fought battles that had seen the UN forces suffering significant setbacks. Ridgway sought to shift the war's momentum back in favor of the UN by retaking lost territory and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The planning and execution reflected not only military strategy but also the geopolitical complexities of the conflict, which had become a proxy war between the communist bloc and Western powers.

The assault began on March 7, focusing on several key objectives within the Korean Peninsula. It utilized a combination of artillery bombardments and coordinated infantry attacks, showcasing improved tactics and morale among UN troops. The offensive was marked by intense fighting, with both sides sustaining heavy losses. However, Ridgway's leadership proved crucial, as he was able to inspire his troops and effectively communicate the urgency of their mission to reclaim territory and defend South Korea against the advancing communist forces.

By targeting critical supply lines and fortified positions, the UN forces achieved initial successes, reclaiming areas near Seoul and pushing northward. Operation Ripper ultimately contributed to a series of engagements that would change the dynamics of the Korean War, setting the stage for subsequent offensives and the eventual stabilizing of front lines around the 38th Parallel. The operation was emblematic of the push-and-pull tactics that characterized the conflict.