Airmen participate in ruck march

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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) --  Members from the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center here participated in the 436th Security Forces Squadron's 11th Annual Ruck March held March 20.

The annual 6.2-mile march is a fundraiser to honor the veterans of the Korean War who fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

"About seven of us participated in the march for camaraderie, fitness and to give back to the veterans in commemoration of what they did in Korea," said Staff Sgt. Herbert Dungca, an AFMAO dignified transfer member.

The battle was fought between Army Lt. Gen. Edward M. "Ned" Almond's X Corps, comprised of nearly 20,000 Army and Marine troops, against 120,000 Chinese troops. The American forces underwent a 27-mile, six-day retreat through mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures.

After 17 days of fighting in sub-freezing temperatures, the X Corps broke free of the Chinese lines after inflicting more than 40,000 casualties, while the American forces suffered approximately 15,000. Approximately 2,500 were killed in action, 5,000 were wounded and 7,500 suffered severe frostbite and other cold injuries.

"It was a perfect day, but it was definitely a challenge walking 6 miles with a 30-pound load," Sergeant Dungca said. "We didn't win (the competitive march), but everyone finished and had fun."