RUR advance to Hill 630.

The Korea Medal with ribbon

The advance to the River Han continued and an attack was planned against enemy positions on the north-west spurs of Hill 630. The 1st Battalion The Royal Ulster Rifles was moved forward to an assembly area about 800 metres short of the Chinese positions. Although a preparatory artillery plan was fired, the Brigade Headquarters called off the attack as it was decided there was insufficient daylight left. The Battalion then moved into a hasty defensive position for the night.

It was bitterly cold at a height of 2,100 feet and the Riflemen were only lightly clad. For the arduous climb earlier in the day, they had lightened their loads; they carried no rations and no blankets. Immediate resupply was essential. Unfortunately the porters lost their way on their first attempt to locate 1 RUR's position, but on their second attempt found the Battalion at dawn.

(The United Kingdom's Korea Medal, above right, was awarded to those who participated in the Korean War between 2 July 1950 and 27 July 1953. A separate United Nations Korea medal was also issued for service from 27 June 1950 - 27 July 1954.)