Colonel Freeman's Mastery Of Mission Command

Colonel Paul Freeman commanded the 23rd Regimental Combat Team to victory at the Battle of Chipyong-ni, marking the first major victory by the United States Army over the Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) in the Korean War. This is an account of his heroism and supporting his brothers-in-arms. Colonel Freeman was able to demonstrate mission command through action. He used the following four mission command principles: build cohesive teams through mutual trust, create a shared understanding, provide a clear commander's intent, and accept the prudent risk.

Colonel Freeman was able to build cohesive teams through mutual trust, by utilizing engaged leadership, previous combat experiences, and promoting a positive command environment.

ADRP 6-0

In order to inspire Soldiers to win in battle, Colonel Freeman understood he had to gain their trust. His presence at training as well as fighting alongside his unit members on the battlefield, instilled confidence and reinforced trust in his Soldiers. He provided encouragement and confidence to his team. An example of that confidence was during an attack, Colonel Freeman, his executive officer, and his Soldiers laid out their weapons and consolidated ammunition for the last stand. Colonel Freeman displayed an even temperament and convinced his Soldier to believe that the conditions were not as bad as the seemed and he still had control of their destiny. Confidence spread as Soldiers who had observed Colonel’s demeanor told others that “the old man” was working to get us out of this tight spot.2 Subordinates expects to see their leadership accomplishing the mission while taking care of their well-being and sharing hardships and danger. The Battle of Twin Tunnels was the prelude to the Battle of Chipyong-ni the outcome made them a cohesive team.3 The adversity they faced from the Battle of Twin Tunnels were the building blocks for trust. Colonel Freeman drew from this experience to strengthen their bond. His charismatic

Colonel Freeman developed a clear commander’s intent based on this army doctrine. He utilized a unique balance of interpersonal skills and action. In my opinion, Colonel Freeman made use of the direct leadership skills as outlined in Field Manual (FM) 22-100, but relied heavily on his interpersonal, conceptual, tactical and technical expertise at the Battle of Chipyong-ni.10 His ability to utilize these skills aided in successfully beating the Chinese Communist Federation during the Battle of Chipyong-ni. Colonel Freeman ensured his intent was met by personally delivering a clear and concise message to the Soldiers.11 Although, he primarily addressed the human element of Soldiers in combat. Colonel Freeman was able to motivate subordinates and encourage initiative in the face of being ordered to stay and fight while surrounded. In spite of weeks of continuous combat during the Battle of Twin Tunnels, all units maintained their fighting effectiveness even though the battalion was at 75 percent strength for Soldiers and equipment while tanks and air defense artillery were at 60 percent fill. The 23rd RCT suffered an injury that may have changed the outcome of the battle. Their fearless leader Colonel Paul Freeman was wounded by shrapnel from a mortar round to his left leg. The wound was serious enough to evacuate him.