Hill 317

Hill 317 and adjoining country, site of battles between 3 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and Chinese forces, known as Operation Commando. Hill 317 was a strongly defended Chinese position that was captured by 3 Battalion RAR during the battle of Maryang San in October 1951. During five days of fierce fighting, Australian troops dislodged a numerically superior enemy from a position of great strength and retained Hill 317 while under heavy enemy fire. For their action in the battle of Maryang San, the men of 3 Battalion RAR won altogether two Distinguished Orders, nine Military Crosses, two Distinguished Conduct Medals, nine Military Medals, one Member of the Order of the British Empire and fifteen mentions in despatches.