anyone tell me what the writing means on this masogu-ri korean war map ?

[traderoftreasures]

i have found this map as well as others and they are all of the same age. there is also some ship info given to sailors on their way to korean war. are these of any value. and there is writing does anyone know what that means ?

 

[Mackaydon]

My WAG:
The map reflects an area of South Korea northeast of Seoul. More specifically, the area in writing (where "X" marks the spot--on the river) corresponds near the present day town of Bunwon (37.36.20N--127.20.53E). The line going east from the "X" could represent a path of march to the eastern end of that line. Perhaps the "X" represented a dropoff point.
Don....

 

[Montana Jim]

Macky is right...

You have a mil-spec map of the Korean Masogu-Ri area (1:50,000). It was probebly used by millitary operations planners mapping a route just like mackydon said. Of course, you left out the information we would really need to date the map, like a nice picture of the legend, or the date it was printed. It looks like some basic patrol planning or vehicle route showing a few phase lines and maybe a rally point or two.

 

[Mackaydon]

Another observation: The blue line does not represent, in my opinion, the path of an aircraft, but rather a walking route by someone or a group intending to keep off the paths/roads in the area; perhaps to avoid detection

 

[Mackaydon]

I believe this in your map: 1947 Korean War Topographic Map (Sheet 6626)
http://gmaps.kwp.org/50000/korean_war_project_smu_439.pdf

 

[Montana Jim]

Nice find on the map Don!

The blue line looks like rivers... I dunno which you are talking about.

 

[Mackaydon]

I'm talking about the E/W blue pencil line above the Ferry crossing on the river.

 

[traderoftreasures]

here are more photos

 

[traderoftreasures]

and some other map

 

[traderoftreasures]

and

 

[traderoftreasures]

and

 

[Mackaydon]

This fits: Maybe that blue line is a tracing of the training exercise route commanded by First Lt. Gilbert A. Fricke in 1951. The letter is signed by the one-star general whose name I cannot make out. As such, the map should have enhanced value--especially after the general's name is determined.
Don.......

 

[Mackaydon]

Intriguing, to say the least. Is the Brig. General a South Korean or US officer? Is the 'English' letter a translation of the Korean letter? Within two months after the date of this letter (Nov. 1951), US forces were in Seoul and retreating due to overwhelming Chinese forces attacking from the north. Maybe this map was a route of retreat--to get to the river and escape by boat. Maybe this 1st. Lt. could be found and introduced again to this map. Wouldn't that be a kick!!

 

[traderoftreasures]

yes i think the english writing is to translate the korean.

 

[Mackaydon]

Trader:
Have you thought about researching the serial number of 1st. Lt. Fricke, finding either he or his heirs and returning this map to him (them)?