About

                                                                 SHIP'S CREST: 

Shield: The conflict between invading Communist forces from the North & the UN offensive from the South, is symbolized by the interaction of red and light blue on the shield. Red also stands for courage and bloodshed; the gold devotes excellence and high ideals. The Marine Corps and U.S. Army are represented by the swords, raised at the ready. The rays symbolize the flame of combat and the frigid environment in the area of the Chosin Reservoir, from which the ship takes its name.

Crest: The demi-dragon, breathing fire, represents the threat from China. The demi-trident symbolizes Naval power; gold represents excellence and courage in battle.

Seal: The complete arms emblazoned upon a white field enclosed by a blue oblong border bearing the inscription “USS CHOSIN” around the top and “CG 65” around the base all in gold and all within a continuous gold rope edging the border.

Motto: “Invictus” - Latin for invincible or unconquered.

                                                                                                    HISTORY 

CG 65 is the first U.S. NAVY warship named in commemoration of the First Marine Division’s breakout from a Chinese Communist encirclement at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War in the bitter winter of 1950. Historians term the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir as the most savage battle of modern warfare. It is compared to Tarawa, the bloodiest battle of World War II.

The battle of Chosin was fought in the mountains of North Korea, near Manchuria. It pitted about 15,000 allied ground troops, mostly elements of the U.S. First Marine Division, a regimental combat team of the U.S. Army’s Seventh infantry Division, and elements of the British Royal Marines against 120,000 Chinese Communists in 10 Divisions who had been ordered to annihilate them “to the last man.” Following the landing at Inchon and the seizure of Seoul, Korea, in September 1950, the First Marine Division reembarked on amphibious ships and transferred to the east coast of Korea. Landing at Wonson, the Fifth and Seventh Marines were sent to Hamhung to prepare for the advance on the Yalu. The First Marines initially remained near Wonson.

In November 1950, eight of those Chinese Communist Divisions struck the First Marine Division. Major General Oliver P. Smith ordered the Marines to reverse direction and overcome the Communist roadblocks. The attack in the new direction — the breakout — continued for 13 days until Marines linked with Army troops in the Hungnam perimeter.

By December, the Division had closed to Hungnam after a deliberate and calculated withdrawal, one that cost the enemy an estimated 25,000 dead as opposed to 730 Marines killed. Skillful troop leadership and stubborn determination enabled the Marines to avert disaster that at first seemed inevitable.