Korean War (1950 – 1953) in Real Time

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Day 135 of the Korean War, November 5th 1950

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Land operations - Korean peninsula

During the night of 4–5 November, the Chinese People's Volunteers (PVA) mounted a full-scale assault on the 24th Infantry Division (United States), pushing back the 19th Infantry Regiment nearly 2 kilometers. The PVA subsequently turned west, advancing between the Taeryong and Chongchon rivers and threatening the rear of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade by cutting the Pakchon–Sinanju road. On November 5th the PVA attacked C Battery, 61st Field Artillery Battalion (United States) which was guarding a bridge near Kujin. The Commonwealth Brigade then successfully counterattacked the Chinese forces occupying a number of nearby ridgelines during the day but were in turn counter-attacked before being pushed off the high ground during the night. Following heavy fighting, the assault unexpectedly ceased after midnight and the PVA were observed beginning to withdraw. Commonwealth losses were 14 killed and PVA losses were 270 killed.

An estimated KPA battalion retreats northward toward Kilchu, a sizable town 32 km (20 mi) north of Songjin, 23 km (14 mi) inland from the coast, the farthest point inland for a town of any size along the whole length of the east coastal road. Situated beyond the reach of effective naval gunfire, it is a favorable place for the North Koreans to fight a delaying action. The ROK attack before daylight of November 3rd developed into a day-long battle which failed to win the town. The 1st Infantry Regiment (South Korea) together with the Cavalry Regiment (South Korea) on November 5th mange to encircled Kilchu, and captured it before noon. On the day of Kilchu's capture F4U Corsair air strikes from the 1st Marine Air Wing (United States) were credited with destroying 2 KPA tanks, 4 artillery pieces and 350 KPA dead.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 19th Bombardment Group initiates its campaign of incendiary bombing on North Korean cities and towns, starting with Kanggye. 21 B-29s dropped a total of 170 tons of fire bombs on the town, located just 20 miles away from the Chinese border. The bombing resulted in the destruction of 65% of Kanggye’s central area.

For the first time in the war No 77 Squadron RAAF flies missions in support of the Australian Army near Pakchon.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

At Chinnampo, high winds caused a number of moored mines to break free, which are then destroyed as they float on the surface.

Casa Grande-class dock landing USS Catamount (LSD-17) arrives at Chinnampo loaded with gear to act as a mother ship for 14 LCVP landing craft (four of which are rigged for sweeping moored mines and four for sweeping magnetic mines), which can search for mines in shallow water where other ships cannot go. Catamount is the first LSD to engage in minesweeping operations. Four 40-foot launches from Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) are also brought in and rigged as minesweepers. Although the LCVPs and small boats are useful searching for mines, the effort to use them to sweep is mostly a failure as the fast currents cause the boats to burn out their engines when trailing sweep gear.

Japan

Tribal-class destroyers HMCS Cayuga (RO4) and HMCS Athabaskan (G07) who are in Sasebo depart left in company for Hong Kong. V-class destroyer HMCS Sioux (R64), who is with Colossus-class light fleet carrier HMS Theseus (R64) on the west coast patrol, is to follow later.

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's chief of military intelligence, United States Army, General Charles A. Willoughby warns that the Chinese Communist forces have the potential to launch a large-scale counteroffensive at any time.

United States Army, General MacArthur in a special report to the United Nations draws attentions to the fact that UN forces “are presently in hostile contact with Chinese Communist military units.” Twelve pieces of corroborative evidence are presented, beginning with the observation of antiaircraft fire from the Manchurian concluding with a statement that a total of 35 Chinese prisoners have been captured in Korea as of November 4th.

United States Army, General MacArthur orders United States Air Force, United States Air Force, General George E. Stratemeyer, commanding general of Far East Air Forces (FEAF), to launch an intensive and widespread bombing effort to cripple enemy capabilities in northern Korea. All the bridges across the Yalu are to be destroyed at the Korean end, and, with a few exceptions (Rashin, the Suiho dam, and power plants), all installations, factories, means of communication, cities, and villages between the front line are to be demolished, using both explosive and incendiary weapons. UN aircraft are not to violate the border, however, and targets close to the border can only be attacked under visual conditions. This aerial offensive is to begin at 0300 on November 7th, Far East time (1300 EST, November 6th), and is to continue for a two-week period, during which combat crews will, if necessary, be flown to exhaustion.

[lordroel]

Day 136 of the Korean War, November 6th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Logistics difficulties forced the Chinese to end the First Phase Campaign and their forces are observed withdrawing northwards.

A day after the end of the Kilchu battle, the count of all the North Korean dead has reached 530, the ROK captured 9 45mm antitank guns, 6 82mm mortars, and 10 heavy machine guns. The ROK Cavalry Regiment lost 21 killed and 91 wounded. Prisoners said the KPA 507th Brigade had defended the town. The local North Korean commander reportedly ordered the execution of a battalion commander whose unit had retreated.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Minesweeping operation at Hungnam commenced by CTG 95.6.

At Chinnampo, a Republic of Korea Navy, YMS escorts tugs and barges through the southern channel.

United States

United States Air Force, General George E. Stratemeyer, commanding general of Far East Air Forces (FEAF) sends a message describing United States Army, General MacArthur’s instructions to his Service superior, United States Air Force, General Vandenberg, who recognized the serious nature of the issue involved. He quickly brings the matter to the attention of United States Secretary of the Air Force Thomas K. Finletter, who, in turn, notifies the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense, Robert A. Lovett. Mr. Lovett at once hurried to the Department of State, where where he conferred with United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson
and Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Dean Rusk.

It was then about 1000 on the morning of November 6th, only three hours before the bombers were to take off. In New York, the US delegation at the United Nations was trying to induce the Security Council to consider the special report on Chinese intervention; clearly it was no time to risk alienating other nations by undertaking massive operations near the Chinese border. Mr. Rusk revealed that the United States had promised the British Government (which was holding a cabinet meeting that day to consider policy toward China) to consult it before taking any action that might affect Manchuria. Both he and Secretary Acheson felt that, in the absence of some compelling military reason for immediate action, the risk was very large in relation to the possible benefits. Mr. Lovett explained that his department did not know the full reasons behind the order but assumed that they were important.

Apparently the intention was to close off a major route for troops and supplies moving into North Korea from Manchuria. He was inclined to doubt the efficacy of the proposed bombing, since charts showed that the Yalu was shallow near its mouth and destruction of bridges would therefore not shut off troop movements, although rail traffic would be affected. A hasty telephone conference with Secretary Marshall resulted in an agreement that the air attack should be postponed until the President, who had gone home to Missouri to vote in the Congressional elections, could be consulted. Fortunately Secretary Acheson was able to reach the President promptly. Mr. Truman indicated that his major concern was for the safety of UN troops but agreed that General MacArthur should be asked to justify the attack before it took place. His first thought was that the Secretary should call the General personally; however, when it was suggested that the matter should be handled through military channels, he agreed and left it to Mr. Acheson and Mr. Lovett to handle the matter as they thought best. Secretary Lovett carried the President’s decision to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who at once sent the following brief message to CINCFE:

1. Consideration being urgently given to Korean situation at governmental level. One factor is present commitment not to take action affecting Manchuria without consultation with the British.

2. Until further orders postpone all bombing of targets within five miles of Manchurian border.

3. Urgently need your estimate of situation and reason for ordering bombing Yalu River bridges as indicated in telecon this date.‘

United States Army, General MacArthur’s reply, received by the Joint Chiefs of Staff that evening, depicted the tactical situation in a manner that was startlingly at variance with his message of 4 November, in which he had counseled against hasty decisions. He said:

Men and materiel in large force are pouring across all bridges over the Yalu from Manchuria. This movement not only jepoardizes but threatens the ultimate destruction of the forces under my command. The actual movement across the river can be accomplished under cover of darkness and the distance between the river and our lines is so short that the forces can be deployed against our troops without being seriously subjected to air interdiction. he only way to stop this reinforcement of the enemy is the destruction of these bridges and the subjection of all installations in the north area supporting the enemy advance to the maximum of our air destruction. Every hour that this is postponed will be paid for dearly in American and other United Nations blood. T he main crossing at Sinuiju was to be hit within the next few hours and the mission is actually already being mounted. Under the gravest protest that I can make, I am suspending this strike and carrying out your instructions. What I have ordered is entirely within the scope of the rules of war and the resolutions and directions which I have received from the United Nations and constitute no slightest act of belligerency against Chinese territory, in spite of the outrageous international lawlessness emanating therefrom. I cannot overemphasize the the disastrous effect, both physical and psychological, that will result Prom the restrictions which you are imposing. I trust that the matter be immediately brought to the attention of the President as I of Uncertainty believe your instructions may well result in a calamity of major proportion for which I cannot accept the responsibility without his personal an cf direct understanding of the situation. Time is so essential that I request immediate reconsideration your decision pending which complete compliance will of course be given to your order.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff must have been jolted by this message, with its accusing tone, its virtual appeal to the President over their heads, and its unexpected revelation of a dangerous situation. General Bradley telephoned President Truman and read the message to him. The President was well aware of the danger of a serious border violation. But, accepting the judgment of the theater commander, he gave his approval for the operation.14 Following a meeting with Secretaries Acheson and Marshall and Deputy Secretary Lovett, the Joint Chiefs of Staff sent General MacArthur a carefully worded message authorizing the attack on the bridges while at the same time stressing its dangers. They did not fail to point out that the situation he had depicted was “considerably changed” from that reported on 4 November. They continued as follows:

We agree that the destruction of the Yalu bridges would contribute materially to the security of the forces under your command unless this action resulted in increased Chinese Communist effort and even Soviet contribution in response to what they might well construe as an attack on Manchuria. Such a result would not only endanger your forces but would enlarge the area of conflict and U.S. involvement to a most dangerous degree. However in view of first sentence your [message] you are authorized to go ahead with your planned bombing in Korea near the frontier including targets at Sinuiju and Korean end of Yalu bridges provided that at time of receipt of this message you still find such action essential to safety of your forces. & e above does not authorize the bombing of any dams or power plants on the Yalu River. Because of necessity for maintaining optimum position with United Nations policy and directives and because it is vital in the national interest of the U.S. to Pocahze the fighting in Korea it is important that extreme care be taken to avoid violation Manchurian territory and airspace and to report promptly hostile action from Manchuria. It is essential that we be kept informed of important changes in situation as they occur and that your estimate as requested in our [message of 3 November] be submitted as soon as possible.

United Nations

The United Nations is advised in a cable from United States Army, General MacArthur of proof that the People's Republic of China has entered the Korean War, based on the capture of prisoners of war from seven separate divisions of the Chinese army. The United States immediately scheduls a meeting of the UN Security Council for that Wednesday in order to consider MacArthur's recommendation that a large hydroelectric dam across the Yalu River should be destroyed if the Chinese armies are not withdrawn, along with all bridges that connected China to Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 137 of the Korean War, November 7th 1950

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Gleaves-class destroyer-minesweeper USS Doyle (DMS-34), seven AMSs and supporting units commenced clearance operations at Hungnam, North Korea.

United Nations occupied North Korea

Photo: Lieutenant Colonel I. B. Ferguson, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) near Pakchon, North Korea, November 7, 1950



United States

United States Air Force, General George E. Stratemeyer, commanding general of Far East Air Forces (FEAF) urgently request reinforcement of his fighter strength by something with higher performance than the F-8o. On the next day he was promised a wing of F-84s and one of F-86As.

United States Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall obviously inspired by a desire to prevent any estrangement between Washington and Tokyo and to do everything possible to create an understanding of the policy pursued by the administration sends United States Army, General MacArthur the following dispatch: This is a very ersonal and informal message to you from me. I have just talked to the Presi f ent in Independence, Missouri. Though absent from Washington he has been kept almost hourly aware of the latest developments as reported by you. The discussions and decisions here are heavily weighted with the extremely delicate situation we have before the Security Council of the UN at the present time whose meeting tomorrow may have fateful consequences. We all realize your difficulty in fighting a desperate battle in a mountainous region under winter conditions and with a multi-national force in all degrees of military pre aredness. I also understand, I think, the difficulty involved in conducting sue K a battle under necessarily limiting conditions and the necessit of keepin Is far distant headquarters closely informed of developments and B ecisions. owever, this a pears to be unavoidable-but I want you to know that understand your prob Pem. Everyone here, Defense, State, and the President, is intensely desirous of supporting you in the most effective manner within our means. At the same time we are faced with an extremely grave international problem which could so easily lead to a world disaster. Incidentally, for my personal information, do you feel that the hydroelectric and reservoir situation is probably the dominant consideration in this apparently last-minute move by the Chinese Communists incited by the Soviets to protect their interests in Vladivostok, Dairen, and Port Arthur.

The United States Marines ordered their only jet fighter squadron (VMF-311) to deploy to Korea.

Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur responds to United States Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall is in the same spirit, expressing deep appreciation for this “cordial and understanding message,” together with “complete agreement with the basic concept of localizing, if possible, the Korean struggle.” He goes on to explain why he does not believe that Chinese actions stemmed from concern for hydroelectric facilities on the border. The initial North Korean attack have been “launched with the complete moral and material support of the Chinese Communists,” at a time when there is no possible threat to those installations. Moreover, the importance of these facilities has been greatly exaggerated; they have suffered so severely from “Soviet post-war looting” that they are “clearly of insufficient consequence to become provocative of major war.” Ranging back into fifty years of history, General MacArthur finds the explanation for Chinese behavior in the changing “character and culture” of the nation; formerly divided, and animated by peaceful ideals, it had become increasingly unified, nationalistic, and aggressive. These tendencies have culminated under the present regime. General MacArthur has been convinced from the beginning that the Chinese Communist support of the North Koreans was the dominant one. Their interests are at present parallel to those of the Soviet, but I believe that the aggressiveness now displays not only in Korea but in Indo-China and Tibet and pointing potentially toward the south” reflects predominantly the same lust for expansion of power which has animated every would-be conqueror since the beginning of time.‘”

United States Army, General MacArthur draws the attention of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the appearance of hostile aircraft that have appeared from bases in Manchuria with almost complete impunity. “The effect of this abnormal condition upon the morale and combat efficiency of both air and ground troops is major,” he declares. The Joint Chiefs of Staff responds is: Situation and urgent necessity corrective measures being presented for highest United States level consideration.”

A dispatch from Tokyo reports that Chinese and North Korean troops have broken contact with Eighth Army (United States) in a “surprise maneuver,” following repulse of their efforts to break through the UN line north of Anju. Likewise, the forces that have contested the advance of the First Marine Division (United States) toward Changju Reservoir abandoned the struggle.

[lordroel]

Day 138 of the Korean War, November 8th 1950

United Nations occupied North Korea

Weasel of First Marine Division communication section laying telephone wire across rice paddies in Hungnam area, 8 November 1950



United States

United States Air Force, General George E. Stratemeyer, commanding general of Far East Air Forces (FEAF) request of reinforcement of his fighter strength is granted when he is promised a wing of F-84s and one of F-86As.

American intelligence agencies among the the CIA are busy, preparing the best possible estimate of Chinese intentions based on the pooled information from all their sources. This estimate is furnished all high-level planning and policy groups, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The estimate concluded that between 30,000 and 40,000 Chinese were now in North Korea and that as many as 700,000 men, including 350,000 ground troops could be sent into Korea to fight against the United Nations forces. These Chinese forces would be capable of halting the United Nations advance by piecemeal commitment or, by a powerful all-out offensive, forcing the United Nations to withdraw to defensive positions farther south. The report concluded with a significant warning: A likely and logical development of the present situation is that the opposing sides will build up their combat power in successive increments to checkmate the other until forces of major magnitude are involved. At any point the danger is present that the situation may get out of control and lead to a general war.

United Nations

The United Nations Security Council decides due a Soviet protest, to discuss United States Army, General MacArthur’s special report on Chinese intervention. The Council also agrees to invite a representative of Communist China to attend the discussion.

[lordroel]

Day 139 of the Korean War, November 9th 1950

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Task Force 77 commences strike operations against the Yalu River bridges. The typical strike package consisted of 8 or more AD Skyraiders with either one 2,000-lb bomb or two 1,000-lb bombs, supported by F4U Corsairs with rockets and VT (proximity) fuzed bombs to suppress enemy antiaircraft guns, while F9F Panther strait-wing jet fighters provided high cover against any enemy aircraft threat. United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen, the commanding officer of Fighter Squadron VF-111 off Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47), was leading a group of F9F-2B Panthers when at least five MiG-15s from Antung Airfield (which could be seen across the Yalu River) engaged. As a dogfight amongst the jet fighters ensued, the AD Skyraiders scored three direct hits and five near misses on the Sinuiju road bridge and four hits with 2,000-pound bombs on the Manpojin railroad bridge. (It was no surprise that destroying a bridge was extremely difficult; the planking was easily replaced and hitting key structural points required pin-point accuracy). Despite heavy and accurate antiaircraft fire, all Skyraiders and Corsairs came back to the carrier safely. As the attacks on the bridges commenced, United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen engaged and shot down a MiG-15 flown by Soviet Air Force, Captain Mikhail Grachev of the 139th Guards Fighter Regiment, who was killed. This was the first U.S. Navy jet-versus-jet kill, and the first Navy kill of a MiG-15.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

B-29 lost on the first B-29 to encounter MIG: The RB-29A named “Over Exposed”, belonging to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the US Air Force, was sent to the Sinuiju area to assess the impact of a raid carried out by naval forces. The aircraft was accompanied by 8 F-80 Shooting Stars. Upon reaching the target, two MiG-15s from the 72nd Guards Fighter Air Regiment piloted by Soviet air Force, Major Bordun and Soviet air Force, Senior Lieutenant Dymchenko, engaged the RB-29 in an attack. The two pilots made two passes at the RB-29, causing it to catch fire and quickly descend toward territory controlled by the United Nations. Tragically, five crew members lost their lives when the RB-29 crash-landed during an emergency landing at Johnson Air Base in Japan.

[lordroel]

Day 140 of the Korean War, November 10th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

By personal letter to United States Army, General Almond commanding officer of the X Corps (United States), United States Army, General Wright outlined the general plan to be carried out by the Eighth Army (United States) and relays United States Army, General MacArthur's desire that the X Corps do everything possible to assist Eighth Army.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen, flying an F9F Panther jet fighter, struck a Russian piloted MiG-15 jet fighter in Korea. Although Russian historians dispute whether Russell Brown had downed a MiG-15 two days earlier, it is agreed that the Amen scored a kill, with the Russian MiG crashing into a small hill.

A formation of seven B-29s from the 307th Bomb Group was targeted by MiGs from the 28th Fighter Air Division. Major Kharkovskiy and Lieutenant Akimov received credit for bringing down one B-29 each. The US confirmed that a bomber from the 307th Bomb Group was lost.

Less than 36 hours after its arrival in Japan, the 437th Troop Carrier Wing (M) begins airlifting cargo on C-46s to Korea.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

A PBM Mariner flying boat locates and destroys nine mines northeast of Wonsan, outside the bay area.

United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen, the commanding officer of Fighter Squadron VF-111 off Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) flight of F9F Panthers again engaged four MiG-15s in a ten-minute inconclusive dogfight.

United Nations occupied North Korea

Photo: Colonel Lewis B. Puller cutting the birthday cake at his headquarters at Chingyong, 10 November 1950



United States

United States Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall transmitts to United States Secretary of State Dean Acheson the views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the French proposals for resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly. Marshall agrees with the State Department view that some form of reassurances to the Chinese Communists is called for. "I believe it should be made clear," he tells Mr. Acheson, "that a sanctuary for attacking Chinese aircraft is not explicitly or implicitly affirmed by an United Nations action."

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's chief of military intelligence, United States Army, General Willoughby intelligence report to the Department of the Army shows that the enemy's offensive potential has been materially strengthened. Particularly significant is a Chinese build-up in the Changjin-Pujon Reservoir area. Willoughby tells the Department of the Army that this build-up pose a serious threat to United States Army, General Edward Almond commanding officer of X Corps (United States) forces not only in the immediate area but also in the coastal area along the northeast shoreline of Korea. "It is believed," Willoughby states, "that this enemy concentration even now may be capable of seizing the initiative and launching offensive operations." He speculates that such operations might take the form of a concerted drive to the south in an effort to cut off U.N. forces then located to the north and east of Hungnam. Willoughby estimates that as of that date there might well be as many as 64,200 regular Chinese troops in Korea.

United Nations

A draft resolution calling for withdrawal of the Chinese forces from Korea and sponsored by six nations of the United Nations, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is placed before the Security Council of the United Nations. This draft resolution assured the Chinese that ". . . it is the policy of the United Nations to hold the Chinese frontier with Korea inviolate and fully to protect legitimate Chinese and Korean interests in the frontier zone...." (Department of Defense objections to the term "inviolate" obviously were unavailing.) Debate on the resolution then begins, over the objection of the Soviet delegate, who contends that the subject can only be discussed in the presence of a representative of Communist China. The session ends before a vote can be taken, and the matter is temporarily dropped.

[lordroel]

Day 141 of the Korean War, November 11th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

X Corps (United States) resumes advance north.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The recently-arrived destroyer Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer Buck (DD-761) is seriously damaged in a collision with Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer John W. Thomason (DD-760), and has to return to the U.S. west coast for repair.

United States

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's chief of military intelligence, United States Army, General Willoughby raises the previous figure (see November 10th) of regular Chinese troops in Korea from 64,200 to 76,800 (1)

(1) Later analyses of Chinese troop movements and order of battle during this part of November show that, in fact, the Chinese have, as of this date, moved 300,000 men, organized into 30 divisions, into Korea. In front of the Eighth Army stand 180,000 men and 120,000 are concentrated in front of United States Army, General Edward Almond X Corps (United States).

United Nations

Communist China notifies the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it will not participate in discussion of the special UNC report (see November 10th). This refusal, plus the breaking off of contact by Chinese forces in Korea, apparently convinces most of the Council members that no immediate action is necessary.

Hong Kong

V-class destroyer HMCS Sioux (R64) who had departed Sasebo,Japan on November 8th in company with Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier HMS Theseus (R64) after moving true heavy seas in order to avoid passing near eye of “Clara”, a typhoon, is badly battered and suffered considerable topside damage, including the loss of a whaler and five Carley floats, before she made it to Hong Kong.

[lordroel]

Day 142 of the Korean War, November 12th 1950

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Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 7th Infantry Division (United States) captured Kapsan County in Ryanggang Province, North Koreaon and starts moving toward Hyesanjin on the Yalu; although narrow mountain roads and subzero temperatures makes progress arduous, no Chinese have been encountered.

Aerial reports come in that indicate fresh KPA troops were moving south along the coastal road from the Ch'ongjin-Nanam area. Supported by tanks, this force, estimated at six to seven battalions, met the Capital Division (South Korea) just north of the Orang-ch'on, 48 km (30 mi) above Kilchu. In the resulting battle, it forced the 18th Regiment (South Korea) to withdraw south of the stream. Bad weather prevented effective close air support, and, since the scene of action was beyond the range of destroyers' guns, the Oregon City-class heavy cruiser USS Rochester (CA-124) was sent to provide naval gunfire support.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

On a mission to counter a raid on the Yalu River railway bridge, 32 fighters from the 151st Fighter Air Division and 28th Fighter Air Division took to the skies. The MiGs engaged in combat with the F-80 escort fighters while the B-29s targeted the bridge. Despite no reported victories for the MiG pilots that day, the United States Air Force reported that a B-29 from the 98th Bomb Group was damaged by the MiGs on November 12th and barely made it back to Kimpo, where it had to make an emergency landing.

United States

Bay-class escort carrier Bairoko (CVE-115) and the Independence-class light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29) are pressed into service as an aircraft ferrys for USAF jets.

[lordroel]

Day 143 of the Korean War, November 13th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

UN forces of X Corps (United States), based in Hungnam, North Korea, began moving northward, with a regiment of the 1st Marine Division (United States) advancing into the Changjin Reservoir area.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

A formation of nine B-29 bombers targeted the bridges in Sinuiju, while eight MiGs from the 72nd Guards Fighter Air Regiment were dispatched to counter the raid. However, they were unable to reach the B-29s as they encountered strong resistance from the escort fighters and ran out of time.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV-32) has to refuel before conducting 130 strike sorties during the next two days (which is about average for the TF-77 carriers).

United States

The United States Department of State makes a cautious approach to various countries. Five governments closely allied to the United States-those of the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, France, and Australia are informed that it might become necessary to authorize UN aircraft to engage in “hot pursuit” of enemy aircraft that fled into Manchuria after attacking UN forces. All five governments reacted unfavorably; they expressed fears of the spread of the conflict and indicated that any such action should be taken only after a formal UN decision had been announced and Chinese reaction had been tested. The US Ambassador in The Hague cabled his opinion that the Netherlands and possibly other NATO members might disassociate themselves from any such unilateral decision by the United States. To some degree, the reaction of these countries may have been inspired by fears of Soviet intervention. Intelligence obtained by the United States through “reliable channels” report that a Soviet diplomat in Peiping had told Ambassador of India to China K. M. Panikkar that the Soviet Air Force would enter the fray if UN aircraft bomb Manchuria.

United Kingdom

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Clement Attlee and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ernest Bevin propose a plan for ending the Korean War, by establishing a buffer zone between Chinese and United Nations forces that would extend 60 to 100 miles south of the Yalu River. When the proposal became public, it was criticized in the United States as a betrayal comparable to the Munich Agreement of 1938 and United States Army, General MacArthur replies that "to yield to so immoral a proposition would bankrupt our leadership and influence in Asia and render untenable our position both politically and militarily."

Australia

Australian Prime Minister informs the United States through diplomatic channels that the Australian Government believes that Chinese intervention has created a new situation in Korea which called for careful examination. He recommends "military caution" and forecast that the consequences of Manchurian border incidents can be so grave that it might be best "temporarily to ignore Chinese Communist provocation to the extent possible."

[lordroel]

Day 144 of the Korean War, November 14th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 7th Marine Regiment - 1st Marine Division (United States) wearing their heavy arctic parkas, trudge in subzero weather toward Hagaru-ri over a road covered with an inch of snow. Vehicles froze up on the move and the men themselves had difficulty in moving forward. Entering Hagaru-ri, the Marines find it burned out by previous bombing attacks and practically deserted. Natives tell them that the 3,000 Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA) soldiers occupying the town had departed three days earlier, going north and west. A PVA soldier from the 377th Regiment, 126th Division (Chinese People's Volunteer Army), captured near Hagaru-ri during the day, says elements of his division were east of the reservoir.

United States Army, General Almond commanding officer of the X Corps (United States) has been doing some planning of his own and sends a letter to General Wright United States Army, which, in effect, was quite in line with the order to plan for a westward move after clearing the town of Changjin. General Almond tells General Wright: I have your letter of 10 November relaying the CinC's directive that the X Corps be made fully familiar with Eighth Army's plan in order to be prepared for any possible change for a strong effort in coordinating with Eighth Army's attack. Two members of my planning staff have just returned from Eighth Army with a draft copy of General Walker's Operation Plan No. 15, yet to be published in final form. They discussed Eighth Army's plan at some length with General Walker and certain members of his staff. As you may already know, the Eighth Army plan is for a very deliberate and thorough advance to objectives distant only an average of some 20 miles North of present front line positions. You will recall that during your recent visit with us at WONSAN we presented X Corps capabilities of making an all-out effort, with not less than two US divisions, to the west in the event of an enemy breakthrough or envelopment of Eighth Army's right flank. We have devoted continuing efforts in planning possible operations not only to further the CinC's overall objective of securing all of North Korea within our assigned zone as expeditiously as possible but also to assist Eighth Army's effort. With the containment by Eighth Army of the Communist offensive in that area, coupled with the unchanged overall mission, it now appears to me to be inadvisable, at this stage of Eighth Army and X Corps operations, for X Corps forces to operate in any strength to the west. The principal reason for this conclusion is that the only two feasible vehicular routes to the westward in X Corps zone, short of CHOSIN Reservoir, are the YONGHUNG-TAEPYONG-NI and the WONSAN-YANDOK roads. Since both of these routes enter the Eighth Army zone in rear of General Walker's present front lines, any advance in strength to the westward over them would appear to be a fruitless operation. Even contacting the Eighth Army right flank in the vicinity of ONYANG-NI with more than foot troops would require a major engineer road-building effort in the mountains to the eastward thereof. In view of the foregoing, I am convinced that X Corps can best support Eighth Army's effort by continuing its advance to the north, prepared to move westward if desirable when X Corps elements are well north of CHOSIN Reservoir, and they will be prepared to trap and destroy any enemy forces engaging Eighth Army which depend upon a line of communication through MANPOJIN. North of CHOSIN Reservoir suitable lateral routes to the west appear to exist but these routes would have to be verified when that area is reached. Thus, X Corps Operation Order No. 6, 11 November 1950, directing advance in zone to the north border of Korea is in accordance with Part II, CX67291, and is I believe, at present the most important contribution we can make to the overall operation in Korea. The success of this advance will result in the destruction of Chinese and North Korean forces in the reservoir area, which might otherwise be employed on the Eighth Army front, and will place X Corps units in a position to threaten or to cut enemy lines of communication in the Eighth Army zone. As a corollary, X Corps will secure the important hydroelectric power installations in its zone and will be well along toward completing its ultimate mission prior to the advent of severe winter conditions. I fully appreciate the CinC's desire for us to assist the Eighth Army in every possible way. I trust that my analysis of present X Corps capabilities explains our views here and hope that energetic execution of my Operation No. 6 will place assistance to the Eighth Army before the cold weather now upon us is much more severe.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: A Vought F4U-4B Corsair from Marine Fighter Squadron 323 (VMF-323) "Death Rattlers" aboard the U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116) during operations off the Korean coast on 14 November 1950.



United States

F-84s and one of F-86As; began loading at San Diego on the Bay-class escort carrier Bairoko (CVE-115) and the Independence-class light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29).

[lordroel]

Day 145 of the Korean War, November 15th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 7th Marine Regiment - 1st Marine Division (United States) complete its movement into Hagaru-ri, and United States Marines, Colonel Litzenberg makes arrangements for a perimeter defense. The 1st Battalion (United States) protects the northwest approaches, the 2nd Battalion (United States) the southern and the 3rd Battalion (United States) the northeast approaches to the town. The 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines - 1st Marine Division (United States) arrive at Kot'o-ri, beginning the concentration of the rest of the 1st Marine Division (United States) in the Chosin Reservoir area behind the 7th Marines. The 5th Marines now guard the main supply route back to Hamhung.

United States Army General, MacArthur instructs United States Army, General Almond commanding officer of the X Corps (United States) to open an attack to the west after his inland flank forces reached the town of Changjin, 40 km (25 mi) north of the Chosin Reservoir. 50 km (30 mi) west of Changjin lay Kanggye and a junction with the arterial road and rail line connecting Manp'ojin and Huich'on. The road and track obviously served as enemy supply routes, and it is MacArthur's intention that X Corps (United States) westward attack will cut them. Apprehensive that the supply line of the attack force will become precariously extended in any drive westward from a point as far north as Changjin town, Almond offers the alternative of an attack over the road leading into the Eighth Army zone from Yudam-ni at the western edge of the Chosin Reservoir. The enemy supply routes are to be cut at the village of Mup'yŏng-ni, 90 km (55 mi) west of Yudam-ni and 65 km (40 mi) north of Huich'on. Almond intends that the 1st Marine Division (United States) make the westward effort into Mup'yŏng-ni and then press an attack northwestward to the Yalu, pinching out in the process II Corps (South Korea) on the Eighth Army (United States) right. MacArthur agrees to the change and instructed Almond to begin the attack as soon as possible.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Mine sweeping operations commenced at Songjin.

7th Marine Regiment - 1st Marine Division (United States) reached Chosin Reservoir.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

A B-29 bomber from the 93rd Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group, suffered a crash while attempting to take off from Kadena Air Force Base. The aircraft was deemed irreparable due to the extent of the damage and was written off. Despite the crew sustaining injuries, all members were safely rescued.

Photo: Four North American F-51D Mustang fighters of No. 2 Flying Cheetah squadron of the South African Air Force warm up before take-off on their first combat mission in Korea on 16 November 1950. No. 2 Sqn. SAAF was first attached to the 6002nd Tactical Support Wing of the U.S. Far East Forces, later to the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group



China

The Swedish Ambassador to Communist China reports that Chinese Communist movements toward Korea are on a large scale.

The Burmese Embassy in Peiping expresses the view that the Chinese Communists are ready to go to any length to aid the North Koreans and that they are fostering mass hysteria based upon an alleged United States intention to invade Manchuria.

Japan

G-2 at GHQ of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP), United States Army, Major general Willoughby staff forecast that the most likely sequence of enemy moves would be (1) Conduct of offensive operations. (2) Reinforce with communist forces from outside Korea. (3) Conduct guerrilla operations. (4) Defend. Then, in amplification of this forecast, Willoughby's officers reported:

Information received from Chinese Nationalist military sources, during the past few days gives strong support to an assumption that the Chinese Communists intend to "throw the book" at United Nations forces in Korea.... It is fast becoming apparent that an excessive number of troops are entering Northeast China.... Such a marshaling of troops cannot be explained in terms of redeployment . . . or demobilization. It seems doubtful that the Chinese Communists, if intending to intervene in Korea would wait until this late in the war. On the other hand it seems incredible that the Chinese Communists have deluded themselves with their own propaganda and fear a United States attack on Manchuria.

[lordroel]

Day 146 of the Korean War, November 16th 1950

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Tactical organization of Escort Carrier Task Group (TG 96.8) under command of United States Navy, Rear Admiral, R. W. Ruble,(COMCARDIV 15).

Baltimore-class cruiser USS St. Paul (CA 73) commenced operations with Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 77) at Kyojo Wan. Oregon City-class heavy cruiser USS Rochester (CA 124) off Songjin for Gun Fire Support as part of COMCRUDIV 5.

Hong Kong

Tribal-class destroyers HMCS Cayuga (RO4), HMCS Athabaskan (G07) and V-class destroyer HMCS Sioux (R64) return back to Korean waters.

Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur is told that the Chinese Communists have probably deployed twelve divisions of trained soldiers in Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 147 of the Korean War, November 17th 1950

YouTube (UN Forces advances under air cover)



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Harbors of Hungnam, Chinnampo, Inchon and Kusan opened and safe for all shipping.

Carrier strike operations resumed, despite continuing abysmal weather conditions at sea, with gale force winds and heaving seas making recovery probably the most dangerous part of the mission.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Ernest G. Small (DD-838), alongside the aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV-32), not visible, to transfer mail, during operations in Korean waters, 17 November 1950



Netherlands

The Netherlands passed along to the United States Government information from Peiping that Chinese intervention in Korea is motivated by fear of aggression against Manchuria. If U.N. forces halt fifty miles south of the Yalu, the Netherlands believes, there will be no further intervention.

[lordroel]

Day 148 of the Korean War, November 18th 1950

Air operations - Korean peninsula

For the first time, a USAF fighter group moved to North Korea. The 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, which had also been the first fighter group based in South Korea, settled at Yonpo airfield, near Hungnam.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Eight (F9F) jets of Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 77) engaged eight to 10 MIG-15's with one MIG-15 shot down, five damaged.

Photo: Yalu River bridges at Sinuiju, North Korea, under attack by planes from USS Leyte (CV-32). Three spans have been dropped on the highway bridge, but the railway bridge (lower bridge) appears to be intact. The Manchurian city of Antung is across the river, in upper right. Photograph is dated 18 November 1950



Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur informs the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the Eighth Army (United States) offensive will begin on November 24th and would be aimed principally at enemy concentrations between Huich’on and Kanggye. “The air attack of the last 10 days,“ he adds, “has been largely successful in isolating the battle area from added reinforcement and has greatly diminished the enemy flow of supply.“

[lordroel]

Day 149 of the Korean War, November 19th 1950

YouTube ( Winter is Coming!)



Air operations - Korean peninsula

In the first massed light bomber attack of the Korean War, 50 B-26s from Japan dropped incendiary bombs on Musan, North Korea, on the Tumen River border with China. The attack destroyed 75 percent of the town’s barracks area.

No. 77 Squadron RAAF transferrs to Hamhung (Yonpo) airfield on east coast of North Korea, resumes flying operations.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Fleet Activities Unit activated at Hungnam.

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and two destroyers are detached and ordered to the United States for overhaul.

Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur is told that "it would appear logical to conclude that Chinese Communist leaders are preparing their people psychologically for war." On the same day that the Eighth Army (United States) struck northward in its general offensive, G-2 at GHQ of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP), United States Army, Major general Willoughby reports that "Even though Chinese Communist strategy may not favor an immediate full-scale war, preparations for such an eventuality appear to be in progress."

Soviet Union

Moscow broadcast promises of a great offensive which will destroy the U.N. armies.