According to _Breakout_ by Martin Russ, the Army units up north were
so inept they were a burden on the marines, rather than help.

The only things the Marines did at Hungnam was march through the perimeter held
by the 3rd ID, board ships and leave.

What happened at Hungnam is irrelevant. Neither Russ's book nor my
posting was about Hungnam.

I would not consider myself an expert on the Korean War,

In that case, you might learn something by reading Russ's book.
You could also read the Congressional hearings cited in his book.

And see Dan Ford's posting.

vince norris.