Korean War (1950 – 1953) in Real Time

[lordroel]

Day 29 of the Korean War, July 23rd 1950

YouTube (The Allied Cluster f**k at Taejon)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: American troops blasting Yongdok with their 105-mm howitzer. 23 July 1950. Yongdok, Korea



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 6132d Tactical Air Control Group (Provisional) established a Tactical Air Control Center adjacent to the Joint Operations Center at Taegu, South Korea.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

As the southward retirement of friendly forces continues, the responsibility for fire support is turned over to the destroyers and United States Navy, Admiral John Higgins onboard the Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119) sails for Sasebo.

Japan

United States Navy, Rear Admiral Hartman, Commander Cruiser Division 3, arrives at Yokosuka with Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Helena (CA-75) and Destroyer Division 111, while Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133) which had been ordered ahead, entered Sasebo. On reporting to Commander Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE), Admiral Hartman was instructed to take over command of all naval forces engaged in escort, support, and blockade, with the exception of the ROK Navy. Pursuant to these orders Helena and the destroyers sailed at once for Sasebo.

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) reaches Yokosuka with her cargo of Mustang fighters for the Fifth Air Force, having established a new trans-Pacific record by steaming from San Francisco to Tokyo Bay in eight days and 16 hours.

United States Army, General Wright upon MacArthur's instructions circulates to the GHQ staff sections the outline of Operation CHROMITE. CHROMITE calls for an amphibious operation in September and postulated three plans: (1) Plan 100-B, landing at Inch'on on the west coast; (2) Plan 100-C, landing at Kunsan on the west coast; (3) Plan 100-D, landing near Chumunjin-up on the east coast. Plan 100-B, calling for a landing at Inch'on with a simultaneous attack by Eighth Army (United States) is favored. This same day United States Army, General MacArthur informs the Department of the Army that he has scheduled for mid-September an amphibious landing of the 5th Marines and the 2nd Infantry Division (United States) behind the enemy's lines in co-ordination with an attack by Eighth Army (United States).

[lordroel]

Day 30 of the Korean War, July 24th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: South Korean rolsiers of the 23rd Korean Infantry, have set up a 50 cal machine gun, under the coaching of American soldiers of the 35th Combat Team, 25th Inf Div at Kangku Bridge, firing on the city of Yongdok, Korea," 24 July 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

Fifth Air Force moved its advanced headquarters from Japan to Taegu, South Korea, locating it next to the Eighth Army (United States) Headquarters in Korea for ease of communication and coordination. Far East Air Forces established the advanced headquarters as Fifth Air Force in Korea.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Dissatisfied with the ad hoc escort arrangement made for the Pohang landing, Commander Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE)established a dedicated Escort Element (CTE 96.50) under Royal Navy, Captain A.D.H. Jay, initially comprised of Black Swan-class sloops HMS Black Swan (L57), HMS Hart (U58) and River-class frigate HMS Shoalhaven ((K535).

Aircraft repair ship and light aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (I72) sails for the British Commonwealth Air Group (BCAG) base at Iwakuni to collect the unserviceable aircraft left by Royal Navy Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier HMS Triumph (R16) and to deliver spares.

South Korea

The ROK Army reorganized itself with two corps and five divisions. I Corps (South Korea) controls the 8th Division (South Korea) and Capital Division (South Korea); ROK II Corps (South Korea) controls the 1st Division (South Korea) and 6th Division (South Korea). The 2nd Division (South Korea) was inactivated and its surviving elements are integrated into the 1st Division (South Korea). A reconstituted 3rd Division (South Korea) is placed under direct ROK Army control. The principal reason for doing this was the division's isolated position on the east coast, away from effective co-ordinated control by I Corps with the 8th and Capital Divisions westward across the main Taebaek Range. The ROK divisions held the east central and eastern parts of the United Nations line. To the right (east) of the American troops was, first, the ROK II Corps headquarters at Hamch'ang, with the 1st Division (South Korea) and 6th Division (South Korea) on line in that order from west to east. Next, eastward, was I Corps headquarters at Sangju (briefly at Andong), with the 8th and Capital Divisions on line from west to east; and, lastly, the 3rd Division (South Korea) was on the east coast under direct ROK Army control.

Photo: Railroad cars loaded with barbed wire at Taegu RTO (Railway Transportation Office), Korea, 24 July 1950



Japan

The UN Command was formally established in Tokyo, Japan, commanded by United States Army, General MacArthur, who assigns responsibility for ground action in Korea to United States Army, Lieutenant General Walton H. Walker, Commander, Eighth Army (United States), naval action to United States Navy, Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy, Commander, Naval Forces, Far East and air action to United States Air Force, General Stratemeyer, Commander, Far East Air Forces.

[lordroel]

Day 31 of the Korean War, July 25th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of Yongdong (July 22–25, 1950): In the village of Yongdong in southern South Korea. The newly arrived 1st Cavalry Division (United States) was ordered there to cover the retreat of the 24th Infantry Division (United States) after the Battle of Taejon. The 1st Cavalry Division soldiers, however, were untried in combat and the 3rd Infantry Division (North Korea) was able to outmaneuver them and force them back. Though the Americans lost the town, their artillery inflicted substantial casualties on the North Koreans and delayed them for several crucial days, allowing the United Nations Command time to set up the Pusan Perimeter.

Photo: Artillery gun crew waits for the signal to fire on the enemy, somewhere in Korea. 25 July 1950



United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff instruct Commandant, US Marine Corps, General Clifton B. Cates, to bring the First Marine Division (United States), minus one regimental combat team to full war strength.

South Korea

At a meeting in Taegu, between U.S. Army and South Korean Army officials, a joint plan was made for dealing with the problem of South Korean refugees being infiltrated by North Korean soldiers. Six policies were implemented immediately, with the first one being "Leaflet drops will be made north of U.S. lines banning the people not to proceed south, that they risk being fired upon if they do so. If refugees do appear from north of U.S. lines they will receive warning shots, and if they then persist in advancing they will be shot." A secret letter, sent the next day from by John H. Muccio, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, to Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk described the policy. The policy would be carried out the next day at No Gun Ri.

Japan

Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Helena (CA-75) and Destroyer Division 111 arrive at Sasebo where they are joined by Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133), Town-class light cruiser HMS Belfast, flagship of Flag Officer Second in Command Far East Fleet, Rear Admiral Sir William G. Andrewes and Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119), flagship with United States Navy, Admiral John Higgins were awaiting them.

At Sasebo, a conference was held between Admirals Joy, Hartman, Higgins, and Andrewes, and other officers of the force. The Support Groups and the Escort Group were reorganized and consolidated into Task Group 96.5, the Japan-Korea Support Group, under command of ComCrudiv 3. On the basis of Admiral Higgins’ reports of the ineffectiveness of 5 and 6-inch gunfire against reinforced concrete bridges it was decided to use the 8-inch cruisers for bombardment and fire support; Juneau was scheduled for transfer to the Seventh Fleet, and Higgins shifted his flag to Toledo. The new organization of Task Group 96.5, involved the creation of four subordinate units: two rotating East Coast Support Elements were set up, one under Admiral Hartman with Helena and Destroyer Division 111, the other under Admiral Higgins with Toledo and Desdiv 91 Captain Jay was given command of the Escort Element, to which the four frigates were assigned; command of the West Coast Support Element, composed of British Commonwealth ships and the S-class destroyer HNLMS Evertsen, remained with Admiral Andrewes. In addition to his responsibility for Yellow Sea and west coast operations, Admiral Andrewes was charged with the supervision of all non-American United Nations naval forces, for which purpose he set up an administrative headquarters in a frigate at Sasebo.

United Kingdom

The British Government offers a brigade comprising three infantry battalions, an armored regiment and supporting artillery and other units, 7,000 men in all for use on the Korean peninsula.

Canada

Six of the RCAF No. 426 (Transport) Squadron's 20 aircraft leave Dorval, Montreal for McChord Air Force Base near Tacoma, Washington where the squadron is formally attached to the US Air Force's Material Air Transport Service.

Turkey

The Republic of Turkey decides to send a brigade, comprising three infantry battalions, an artillery battalion and auxiliary units to fight under UN Command against North Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 32 of the Korean War, July 26th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: South Korean troops are shown loaded on a truck as they prepare to go south to cut off a body of North Korean troops 15 miles east of Uisong, Korea," 26 July 1950



Photo: "Korea. Republic of Korea artillerymen fire a 105-millimeter howitzer in support of troops of the Republic's First Infantry Division," 26 July 1950



South Korea

With large numbers of recruits and replacements having entered the ROK Army, it now has a effective assigned strength of 85,871 men, with a total assigned strength of 94,570. The combat divisions at this time varied in strength from just under 6,000 to almost 9,000 men.

Australia

Acting Australian Prime Minister Fadden announces commitment of Australian ground forces for service in Korea.

New Zeeland

After some debate, the Government of New Zealand announce that it will raise a volunteer military force to serve with UN forces in Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 33 of the Korean War, July 27th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Hadong Ambush: The 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment (United States), a newly formed unit consisting mostly of inexperienced new arrivals, was ordered to move to the South Korean village of Hadong to hold the pass there against advancing forces of the North Korean Korean People's Army. Unprepared for combat, the American forces walked into an ambush in which most of the battalion's command staff was killed in the pass, leaving lower-ranking soldiers to mount a disorganized defence against North Korean troops occupying prepared positions on higher ground. For three hours the battalion fought, pinned in a crossfire by North Korean soldiers on higher ground. North Korean forces were able to divide the American force and kill most of its commanders, further disorganizing the men. Following the failed operation, the wounded US commander ordered a withdrawal, which quickly became disorganized, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Destroyed after its first engagement, the 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment (United States) was disbanded and merged with other units as the North Korean forces advanced through the pass and attacked US positions to the east.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: Ten tons of bombs from Air Force B-29 Superforts of the FEAF Bomber Command sever these two important railroad bridges near Pakchon, 40 miles north of Pyongyang, in North Korea in an attack made on July 27, 1950. As Captain Meterio Montez of Gardner, Colorado, lead bombardier, released his bombs, the Superforts in the formation did likewise. Montez was in the B-29 piloted by Captain Leslie Westberg, Spokane, Washington. Military supply traffic from North Korea formerly routed over these rail lines to the battle zone will be affected by this phase of the U.S. Air Force's interdiction plan



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

United states Navy, Vice Admiral Turner Joy directs CTF 90 to plan and execute harassing and demolition raids along the Korean coast utilizing Navy underwater demolition teams (UDT) and Marine reconnaissance forces.

8-inch guns are used for the first time against the invading army, as Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133) fired on troop concentrations, supplies, and revetments by day, and by night illuminated the battleline with star shells.

PC-461-class submarine chasers ROKS Geumgangsan (PC 702) and ROKS Samgaksan (PC 703) bombard Palmi Do and Wolmi Do in Inchon harbor and then during their retirement, encountered a flotilla of southbound sampans loaded with ammunition and proceeded to sink 12 of them.

South Korea

United States Army, General Douglas MacArthur, with a staff including United States Army, General Almond, land in Taegu. MacArthur does not visit the front line like previous time, contenting himself with conferences in Taegu.

United States

United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson hopes to avoid provocative incidents, he recognize the need for careful reconnaissance of the Korean borders to ascertain the extent of Chinese or Soviet aid to North Korea. He recommends to the National Security Council that aerial surveillance, conducted from as far south as possible, be undertaken up to the Yalu River in northwestern Korea and up to, but short of, the Soviet boundary in the northeast. This suggestion is approved by the Council and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

[lordroel]

Day 34 of the Korean War, July 28th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The Hadong Ambush occurred in the South Korean village of Hadong. North Korean forces successfully ambushed U.S. troops and inflicted heavy casualties.

Photo: Soldiers of the 6th Div, Korean Army, manning 81mm mortars along the front lines north of Hamchang, Korea," 28 July 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The first amphibious SA-16 Albatross aircraft arrived in Japan for air rescue service off the Korean coast.

A couple of Seafires preforming CAP over Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Triumph (R16) are sent to investigate a formation of unidentified aircraft that had been spotted on radar screens approaching Triumph. After identifying the formation as `friendly' United States Air Force B-29s the British fighters flew alongside them but Seafire VP473 ‘176/P’ flown by Commissioned Pilot White was then hit by gunfire from the American aircraft which caused its rear fuselage fuel tank to immediately burst into flames and even though White managed to roll his Seafire onto its back and then bale out, in the short space of time it took to do this he had already suffered serious burns to his face, arms and shoulders. He landed safely by parachute into the sea, but as it was far too rough even for the Sea Otter to attempt a rescue, he had to remain in the water for over an hour before being eventually picked up by a US destroyer. When the incident was reported to the United States Air Force the only reply that the Royal Navy received was that `Next time the British should not fly too close.'

[lordroel]

Day 35 of the Korean War, July 29th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of Hwanggan (July 23–29, 1950): The 27th Infantry Regiment (United States), 25th Infantry Division (United States), newly arrived in Korea, was moved to a road north of Hwanggan to block the 2nd Division (North Korean), advancing following the Battle of Taejon. In an unusually good first performance, the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) was able to delay the North Korean division for almost a week, inflicting heavy casualties on it while suffering few casualties of their own. The North Koreans eventually were able to overwhelm the US forces with sheer numbers, capturing Hwanggan and pushing the American units further south.

Photo: a truck load of rifle and mortar ammunition. South Korean Army recruit the civilian men, and make them pack ammunition on the outskirts of Yongdok, Korea, on the move to the front line," 29 July 1950



Photo: South Korean artillerymen putting a 57mm AT gun in position north of Anding, Korea," 29 July 1950



Photo: South Korean soldiers of the 22nd, 23rd South Korean Infantry Regiments [of the ROK 3rd Division] just received three new U.S. made, 57mm fieldpieces and are being trained to use them 1 1/2 miles behind front lines at Yongdok, Korea," 29 July 1950



As a result of United States Army, General MacArthur's visit two days previous, United States Army, General Walker commanding general of the U.S. Eighth Army (United States), issued a widely publicized order, in the form of a public statement during a speech to the staff of the 25th Division (United States). Walker stated that the Eighth Army would retreat no more, that there was no line to which it could retreat, and that, in effect, every man in Eighth Army (United States) would "stand or die" along the present line.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

The B-29 Superfortresses conducts intense bombing attacks on key strategic targets north of the 38th Parallel and initiated heavy bombing campaigns aimed at clearing the enemy-occupied mountain ridges and hills from which enemy ground forces were launching attacks against American troops.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

First shipment of 6.5 inch anti-tank aircraft rockets (ATAR), developed by Navy at NOTS Inyokern for the Air Force, delivered to the latter.

South Korea

Lead elements of the 2nd Infantry Division (United States) begin landing at Pusan, South Korea.

Japan

North Korean successes have upset United States Army, General MacArthur's plans as fast as he can make them. He admits this to the Joint Chiefs in a message saying: "In Korea the hopes that I had entertained to hold out the 1st Marine Division [Brigade] and the 2d Infantry Division for the enveloping counter blow have not been fulfilled and it will be necessary to commit these units to Korea on the south line rather than . . . their subsequent commitment along a separate axis in mid-September.... I now plan to commit my sole reserve in Japan, the 7th Infantry Division, as soon as it can be brought to an approximate combat strength."

[lordroel]

Day 36 of the Korean War, July 30th 1950

YouTube (Stand or Die!)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: South Korean infantry officer (center) directs small arms fire on front line, north of Andong, Korea," 30 July 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

Forty-seven B-29 Superfortresses carry out an attack on the Chosin Nitrogen Explosives Factory located in Hungnam on the eastern coast of North Korea.

The Far East Air Forces has 890 planes-626 F-80's and 264 F-51's-but only 525 of them are in units and available and ready for combat.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

CTF 90 completed Pohang landing.

Formosa (Taiwan)

United States Navy, Admiral Hartman’s Helena group consisting of Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Helena (CA-75) is joined by Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119) in patrolling the Formosa Strait. Two cruisers and a destroyer division are a small force with which to prevent a large-scale Chinese Communist invasion of nationalist occupied Taiwan, especially one embarked in a fleet of almost unsinkable junks. But the issue did not arise, and in any case the Seventh Fleet Striking Force remained on call.

Japan

Task Group 214.4 consisting of V-class destroyer HMCS Sioux (R64), Tribal-class destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (G07) and HMCS Cayuga (RO4) arrive at Sasebo, Japan, under orders to join the United Nations forces fighting in Korea.

Hong Kong

Aircraft repair ship and light aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (I72) arives at Hong Kong where she disembarks about 50 Chinese civilians who had been employed on the British warships off Korea as laundrymen, cobblers and tailors during peacetime.

[lordroel]

Day 37 of the Korean War, July 31st 1950

YouTube (New Aid Is Rushed As Yanks Battle Red Tide)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of Sangju (July 20–31, 1950): Republic of Korea Army units had been unsuccessfully resisting advances by the North Korean Korean People's Army in the region when they were reinforced by the 25th Infantry Division (United States), newly arrived in the country. In the subsequent fight, the 25th Infantry Division was able to inflict substantial casualties on the advancing 15th Infantry Division (North Korea) but was not able to hold its positions. In 11 days of fighting, the UN forces performed poorly and were forced to withdraw from Yechon County, the city of Sangju, and the surrounding areas. The 24th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Division was ineffective in its first showing. The regiment, composed mostly of African-American troops, was criticized by the Army for being quick to panic and retreat.

As North Korean troops continued to advance, United States Army, General Walker ordered UN forces to withdraw to a new defensive line along the Naktong River.

United Nations

United Nations Security Resolution (UNSCR) 85 is adopted with with nine votes; the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia abstained. The Soviet Union was not present when voting took place, as they were protesting against the non-recognition of the newly formed People's Republic of China. The United Nations Security Council resolution authorize the United Nations Command to support the Korean civilian population, and requested that specialized agencies, appropriate subsidiary bodies of the UN and appropriate non-governmental organizations support the UN Command in doing so:

The Security Council,

Recognizing the hardships and privations to which the people of Korea are being subjected as a result of the continued prosecution by the North Korean forces of their unlawful attack,

Appeciating the spontaneous offers of assistance to the Korean people which have been made by the Governments, specialized agencies, and non-governmental organizations,

1. Requests the Unified Command to exercise responsibility for determining the requirements for the relief and support of the civilian population of Korea and for establishing in the field the procedures for providing such relief and support;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to transmit all offers of assistance for relief and support to the Unified Command;

3. Requests the Unified Command to provide the Security Council with reports, as appropriate, on its relief activities;

4. Requests the Secretary-General, the Economic and Social Council in accordance with Article 65 of the Charter of the United Nations, other appropriate United Nations principal and subsidiary organs, the specialized agencies in accordance with the terms of their respective agreements with the United Nations, and appropriate non-governmental organizations to provide such assistance as the Unified Command may request for the relief and support of the civilian population of Korea, and as appropriate in connexion with the responsibilities being carried out by the Unified Command on behalf of the Security Council.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of staff (JCS) tell United States Army,General MacArthur that they considered it “highly desirable” to undertake air operations against certain specified industrial facilities in North Korea: munitions and chemical plants, petroleum production and storage facilities, and railroad shops and yards.

Although American losses were heavy in the first month of the war, the build-up of U.S. men and weapons in Korea had gone steadily forward. Initially, Americans lost as many men from heat exhaustion as from gunfire. The temperature reached 110 degrees, the Naktong hills had little vegetation, and good water was scarce. There was little shade in southern Korea. The blazing sun together with the exertion required to climb the steep slopes caused frequent throbbing headaches. The men's legs lacked the power to climb the steeply pitched mountains and buckled under the unaccustomed ordeal. The preponderance of American battle casualties was in the Army ground forces. The Navy and Air Force had few battle casualties at this time. American Army casualties in Korea through From June 25th 1950 to July 31st 1950 totaled 6,003 men: 1,884 killed, 2,695 wounded, 523 missing, and 901 reported captured. Almost 80 percent of these casualties occurred in the last half of the month.

United States Army, General Bolte urges Chief of Staff of the United States Army, United States Army, General Collins to call up National Guard divisions. At a meeting in his office, General Collins decids to accept his G-3's recommendations. Later that day, at a conference of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he forcefully proposed that four National Guard divisions and two RCT's be called to active duty. Collins says: In view of the world-wide international situation and recent developments in Korea, I have now concluded that we can no longer delay in calling into Federal service certain major units of the National Guard.... I had hoped that this step might prove unnecessary, but it is my firm conviction that further delay may have grave results on our ability to insure the security of the United States.

United States Army, General Ridgway, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration under Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General J. Lawton Collins notifies United States Army, General Clark that the Secretary of the Army and General Collins are fearful of political repercussions regarding the calling up of National Guard divisions (see July 25th) unless there is a better geographical spread among the divisions selected. Clark says that he and his advisers had considered this point very carefully, but has given more weight to other factors. They have, for example, looked very closely at the leadership in the particular divisions, wishing to avoid the difficulties experienced at the beginning of World War II when some of the National Guard commanders had been relieved after call-up. They have evaluated the comparative state of training of each division and have also taken into consideration the divisional strengths in men and qualified officers. On this latter point, the Chief, Army Field Forces, feels it important to keep to a minimum the number of filler replacements which would have to be transferred into a particular National Guard division to bring it up to full strength. Ridgway then asked Clark to consider the readiness status of divisions on the west coast since it might be desirable to choose one division from that area. Later the same day, General Clark learns that four divisions will be chosen. He was asked if he had adjusted his recommendations to conform with the necessity for a geographical spread. At that time he recommends that four divisions be chosen from among the 28th (Pennsylvania); the 29th (Virginia and Maryland); the 315t (Mississippi and Alabama); the 37th (Ohio); the 40th (California); and the 45th (Oklahoma).

[lordroel]

Day 38 of the Korean War, August 1st 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of Andong (29 July - 1 August 1950): The 12th Infantry Division (North Korea) attempts to advance through Andong on its way south to Pusan, but was opposed by the Republic of Korea Army (ROK) 8th and Capital Division. The ensuing battle destroyed much of both the ROK 8th and KPA 12th Divisions, but the 12th suffered the heaviest damage; air attacks killed 600 from the division, 11 of the division's 30 T34-85 tanks were destroyed, and the division commander had been killed. The 12th Division, exhausted, had to cease its advance.

The 2nd Infantry Division (United States) is landed by sea at Pusan, to bolster the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) and replacing the badly-mauled 24th Infantry Division (United States). As Japanese garrison divisions, both the 1st Cavalry and 2nd Infantry Divisions were afflicted with many of the same maladies as the unfortunate 24th Division, but had the advantage of somewhat more time to prepare before being thrown into battle, as well as the advantage of continuing massive attrition inflicted on North Korean forces by U.S. Navy and Air Force air strikes.

Photo: Newly equipped and organized South Korean soldiers marching on both sides of a road on way to the front lines, 1 August 1950



The first elements of the Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade (United States) were delivered by sea to Pusan to bolster the defense of the perimeter at the most critical time. In what was very much a “last stand” by UN forces before being run into the sea, the Marines played a vital role. Originally the brigade was to remain in Japan to prepare for the Operation Bluehearts amphibious assault behind North Korean lines, but the situation around Pusan had become so desperate that the Marines had to be committed immediately.

Map: The North Korean Offensive, 14 July - 1 August 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 6147th Tactical Control Squadron, Airborne, was established at Taegu for forward air control operations with T-6 aircraft.

The initial components of the 307th Bombardment Group from SAC were deployed from MacDill Air Force Base in Florida to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.

Forty-six B-29 Superfortresses from the 22nd bombardment group and 92nd bombardment group target the Chosin Nitrogen Fertilizer Factory located at Hungnam, the largest chemical plant in the Far East.

Photo: Wing Commander Lou Spence, commanding No. 77 Squadron, before a mission over Korea, 1 August 1950



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The Essex-class fleet carrier Philippine Sea (CV-47) arrives at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, becoming the third carrier (and second U.S. carrier) to join TF 77. United States Navy, Rear Admiral Edward C. Ewen, broke his flag on Philippine Sea. The carrier had transferred from the Atlantic to her new homeport of San Diego in late May 1950. Originally scheduled to deploy to the Far East in October 1950, her departure was accelerated to July 5th and her two fighter squadrons, VF-111 and VF-112, completed their transition training from prop to F9F Panther jets in Hawaiian waters before the ship sailed from Pearl Harbor on July 27th. Like Essex-class fleet carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45), Philippine Sea had not been completed in time to see action in World War II, but her “low mileage” kept her from being put in the reserve. Also like Valley Forge, her air group (CVG-11), included two F9F Panther jet fighter squadrons (VF-111 and VF-112), two F4U Corsair Squadrons (VF-113 and VF-114), and an AD-4 Skyraider squadron (VA-115).

Commander Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE) directs Commencement Bay-class escort carriers USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116) and USS Sicily (CVE-118) to proceed to a location off Pusan to provide close air support to the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), about to go ashore at Pusan.

Town-class light cruiser HMS Belfast (C35) and Tribal-class destroyer HMAS Bataan (D9) bombard shore batteries at Haeju Man on the west coast of South Korea.

South Korea

Photo: Food bearers carry boxes of chow to South Korean soldiers fighting along the south front of Andong, Korea," 1 August 1950



United States

Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies addresses both Houses of Congress in Washington and speaks of Australia's contribution to Korea.

United Nations

The ability of the Security Council to act decisively in June and July has been the product of an accident, the Soviet boycott. This state of affairs ends today with the return of the Soviet ambassador to the United Nations, Yakov Malik when he takes his turn as President of the United Nations Security Council. His presence is felt immediately. Besides seeking to exclude the representative of Nationalist China, he proposes to alter the agenda so as to steer the Council into a discussion of the recognition of Communist China and the “peaceful settlement” of the Korean question.

[lordroel]

Day 39 of the Korean War, August 2nd 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of the Notch (August 2, 1950): Reeling from the Hadong Ambush and being driven from the city of Chinju, the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division (United States) scrambled to protect the pass into Masan, the final South Korean city before the Naktong River, where the UN was holding its Pusan Perimeter in place. North Korean and US forces unexpectedly ran into one another and a confused battle ensued. American forces were better equipped with heavy weapons and armor thanks to newly arrived equipment in the country, and their better ground during the battle allowed them to repel North Korean advances. The North Korean force eventually withdrew after several unsuccessful attacks, having suffered heavy casualties. As it was disengaging from Masan, United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft caught the North Korean truck columns as they were retreating, inflicting significant damage on them and producing further casualties. This fight, with a number of smaller engagements in the region, effectively stopped the North Korean offensive on the southern flank of the Pusan Perimeter. It also gave both sides a reprieve from the fighting to resupply and re-enforce before engaging in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter shortly after.

The 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) is heavily engaged north of the Nakdong River, while the 16th Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division (South Korea) is heavily engaged by the 12th Infantry Division (North Korea) at Andong.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

In response to an Eighth Army (United States) request, the 374 Troop Carrier Group (TCG) airlifts 300,000 pounds of equipment and supplies from Ashiya AB, Japan, to Korea in twenty-four hours, a new airlift record for the war.

Photo: The famed carrier fighter Chance-Vought “Corsair” F4U is being flown over an American carrier in sorties against the invading North Koreans is here shown in a ground shot which displays its formidable array of armament. The present “Corsair” is a much improved version of the same plane which gained fame for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots during World War II. In strikes against the North Koreans, the plane is able to carry eight 8-inch rockets and three 1,600 pound bombs in addition to its four 20mm guns. Photograph released August 2, 1950



South Korea

United States Navy high-speed transport USS Horace A. Bass departs in South Korea with troops of the 2nd Marine Division (United States). Underwater Demolition Teams and Marine Reconnaissance units are assigned to her and she given the mission to carry out raids on Communist supply lines.

Photo: Arrival of U.S. Marines at Pusan, Korea. Band music on the dock greets this loaded transport, 2 August 1950

[lordroel]

Day 40 of the Korean War, August 3rd 1950

YouTube (Yanks Dig In As Reds Block UN Peace Moves)



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 18th Fighter-Bomber Group headquarters moved from Japan to Taegu, South Korea, for expanded F-51 operations.

SA-16 amphibious rescue aircraft began flying sorties along the Korean coast to retrieve U.S. pilots forced down during operations.

Photo: American soldiers doing maintenance work on a Korean F-51 at Taegu Airstrip, Korea, 3 August 1950



Photo: an AT-6 used by South Koreans as an observation plane, 3 August 1950



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

C-class destroyers HMS Cockade (R34) and HMS Cossack (R57) bombard Mokpo Harbor on the west coast in response to intelligence that many North Korean supply craft were there. However, spotting by a U.S. Navy VP-6 Neptune determines most of the vessels are gone, so docks and railroad sidings are shelled instead with good result. Bombardment missions on the west coast are no easy feat due to the extreme tidal variance, which necessitat long approaches in constrained time frames and in poorly charted waters.

Commencement Bay-class escort carrier USS Sicily (CVE-118) launch eight VMF-214 “Black Sheep” F4U-4B Corsairs for an attack with rockets and incendiary bombs against North Korean troops at Chinju, near the southern coast of South Korea west of Pusan. Thus, VMF-214 becomes the first Marine squadron to see combat in Korea.

Photo: A U.S. Marine Corps Vought F4U-4 Corsair fom Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214) "Black Sheep" in flight. VMF-214 was assigned to the U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Sicily (CVE-118) and flew the first strike by U.S. Marine Corps aircraft in the Korean War on 3 August 1950



YMS-1 Class Auxiliary Motor Minesweeper, ROKS Gyeongju (YMS 502) sinks seven sailboats which were loading off Kunsan; four days later and 30 miles to the northward she sank two motor-boats, while other Korean units destroyed four small junks in the Haeju Man approaches above Inchon.

Japan

While United States Army, General MacArthur and commander of the Seventh Fleet, United States Navy, Admiral Struble were in Formosa, a conference was held in Tokyo in which the Far East Air Force (FEAF) deployed four generals and a colonel to face one captain, two commanders, and two lieutenant commanders. The result was a memorandum providing that first priority for carrier operations would be in close support, second priority would go to interdiction south of the 38th parallel, and third priority to strikes on Bomber Command targets beyond that line. Coordination for attacks south of 38° was to lie with Fifth Air Force; attacks on Bomber Command targets required clearance from FEAF. Six plans, designated by letter, were devised for carrier employment, and the peninsula divided into six corresponding operating areas. Plans A through C called for the use of half the available aircraft in support of troops and half in interdiction in the designated area; plans E and F involved area attacks alone; plan D called for everything on close support.

[lordroel]

Day 41 of the Korean War, August 4th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

With the destruction of the Waegwan bridges, Eighth Army (United States) has destroyed all the bridges across the Naktong River on its front. Its troops are now in a defensive positions on the east bank awaiting enemy crossings.

The Pusan Perimeter, 140 miles in length in southeastern Korea is established as the line of defense for United Nations forces by United States Army, lieutenant general Walton H. Walker of the Eighth Army (United States).

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Baltimore-class heavy cruiser Toledo (CA-133) and Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers USS Collett (DD-730), engaged in a combined air-sea strike along with U.S. Air Force aircraft near Yandok, on the east coast of South Korea north of the port of Pohang.

United States Navy, Vice Admiral Struble, commander of Seventh Fleet designated Atlanta-class light cruiser USS Juneau (CL-52) to be the flagship of the Formosa Patrol Force (TG 77.3), which initially consisted of Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119) and Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers Maddox (DD 731) and USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747) and Cimarron-class oiler USS Cimarron (AO-22), with a tall order of deterring the PRC from invading Nationalist Formosa. Juneau was selected for this duty because among the U.S. cruisers her 5-inch main battery guns were the least effective in knocking out concrete bridges and emplacements (due to smaller caliber).

Fleet Air Wing 6, commissioned and given operational control of all American and British patrol squadrons located in Japan-Korea area.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

During the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter, wounded soldiers were evacuated from the battlefield by helicopter for the first time when a Sikorsky H-5F of Detachment F, 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron, Air Rescue Service, United States Air Force, flew United States Army, Private 1st Class Claude C. Crest, Jr., from the Sengdang-ni area to an Army hospital.

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) began B-29 interdiction attacks against all key bridges north of the 37th Parallel in Korea.

China

At a meeting of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, Chairman Mao Zedong calls on the Party to prepare for the People's Liberation Army to enter the Korean War. According to minutes from the meeting, Mao told the Politburo that: If the U.S. imperialists won the war, they would become more arrogant and would threaten us. We should not fail to assist the Koreans. We must lend them our hands in the form of sending our military volunteers there. The timing could be further decided, but we have to prepare for this.

Japan

Fleet Air Wing 6 was established in Tokyo under the acting command of Captain John C. Alderman, assuming operational control over all U.S. and British patrol squadrons.

Commander of the Seventh Fleet, Admiral Struble issued an operation order which called for strikes on targets previously selected and coordinated with FEAF, instructed the carrier task group to establish direct communications with the JOC at Taegu and attack enemy troops and targets in the forward areas, and established a fueling rendezvous with the T3 Cimarron-class fleet oiler USS Cacapon for the 7th.

United Nations

The Soviet ambassador to the United Nations, Yakov Malik, propose that the "internal civil war" in Korea be discussed with Chinese Communist representation in the United Nations and that all foreign troops be withdrawn from Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 42 of the Korean War, August 5th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The battles of Masan, Naktong Bulge, P'ohang-dong and Taegu all began as part of the larger Battle of Pusan Perimeter.

Photo: Gen. Frank A. Allen, (Cleveland, Ohio), Asst. CG (left) and Gen. Yu (right) look over the area of the 2nd Korean Corps headquarters at Kunwi, Korea, 5 August 1950



1st Marine Brigade (United States), in first action, launched attack southwest toward Kosong.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

United States Air Force, Major Louis J. Sebille, Commander, 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, dived his damaged F-51 into an enemy position. For this action he posthumously received the first Medal of Honor awarded to a United States Air Force member.

The first rescue of a downed airman by a Grumman SA-16A Albatross, call sign “Dumbo”, a twin-engine amphibian of Detachment E, 5th Air Rescue Squadron, under the command of United States Air Force, Captain Charles E. Schroeder occurs when United states Navy, Ensign Glenn T. Farnsworth, United States Navy, a pilot of VF-113 (“Stingers”) from the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) was forced to ditch in the ocean following an air attack on North Korea.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Underwater demolition personnel from the Crosley-class high speed transport, USS Diachenko (APD-123) attempted to blow bridges north of the railroad town of Yosu, a natural jumping-off place for enemy shore-to-shore movement. But the landing force was repelled by a North Korean patrol, which arrived inopportunely by handcar, and Diachenko had to content herself with a 40-minute bombardment of the railroad yards.

Pilots from the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) entering action for the first time, are assigned specific targets in southwestern Korea, with the emphasis on the rail and highway bridges at Iri, east of Kunsan, where cuts would hamper movement of supplies to the enemy’s southern flank. USS Valley Forge (CV-45) planes were sent off on close support missions, and while the weight of effort was concentrated on troops, supplies, and bridges in the dangerous northern sector, two Corsairs attacked enemy personnel west of Taegu and five ADs inflicted heavy casualties on troops behind the central front. But these Skyraiders reported poor control, and an eight-plane jet sweep never did succeed in reaching its assigned controller.

C-class destroyer HMS Charity (R29) and Tribal-class destroyer HMS Cossack (F03) screening the Town-class light cruiser HMS Belfast (C35) and Fiji-class cruiser HMS Kenya steamed up the hazardous approaches to Inchon, where with spot provided by a Neptune from VP 6 they bombarded oil storage, factories, warehouses, and gun positions. Fighter cover for the spotting plane was given by some of Commencement Bay-class escort carrier USS Sicily (CVE-118) Corsairs, while others attacked transport and industrial facilities in the Inchon-Seoul region.

Japan

The initial contingent of the 98th Bombardment Group from SAC arrived at Yokota Air Base in Japan, ready to commence combat operations in Korea.

The Department of the Army had steppes up both air and water transportation to the Far East Command, using military and commercial planes and vessels. Most of the surface shipping space had been taken for units and equipment, but airlift brings 340 replacements each day. Still, the Eighth Army (United States) is receiving more casualties than replacements Losses so far are total of, 7,859, but only 7,71 1 individual replacements have reached the FEC and only part of these have arrived in Korea. United States Army, General Beiderlinden, MacArthur's personnel chief, takes an optimistic view, believing that the near future willbring a marked improvement in the situation He expects casualties in Korea to decrease as the front stabilizes and anticipates a great increase in replacements from the United States by the middle of August. He is counting also on returning to combat many soldiers who have recovered from wounds in FEC hospitals.

China

Chairman of the Communist Party of China, Mao Zedong sends a telegram to Chinese Communist Party leader, Gao Gang to call a conference of all military cadres of the Northeastern Border Defence Army to formulate plans of war operations and prepare the soldiers for operations by the end of the month, even though he tell Gao that most likely, no operations will be undertaken by these troops, but it is better to be prepared. Regarding the atomic bomb, the conference participants agreed that even if the United States uses the bomb, it will not win the War and will only shift the public opinion of the United States. They devise a strategy against the American forces, which will be outnumbered by the Chinese but possessed superior technology. Based on his studies of the enemy, Deng Hua suggests penetrating American lines, focusing on their logistics and communication networks, and finally encircling and destroying their units. However, the preparation of plans and political mobilization of troops is deemed too difficult and the readiness deadline is put off to the end of September

Singapore

Aircraft repair ship and light aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (I72) arrives at Singapore to deliver unserviceable airframes and loaded new reserves and stores.

[lordroel]

Day 43 of the Korean War, August 6th 1950

YouTube (The Pusan Perimeter)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: troops of the 1st KA Regt climbing into the hills north of Andong in preperation of a counter attack thru their left flank positions against the enemy troops in the are of Andong, Korea," August 6, 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The B-29s released M-26 parachute flares, left over from World War II, over suspected enemy routes from a height of about 10,000 feet. B-26s followed, observing the flares as they exploded at around 6,000 feet and struck any targets that were discovered. Unfortunately, many of the old flares were not functioning properly.

Commanding general of Far East Air Forces (FEAF), United States Air Force General George E. Stratemeyer orders nightly visual reconnaissance of the enemy supply routes.

Photo: Two Probables. These railroad bridges cross Kum River about 10 miles north of Taejon. On near bridge: left approach out; right line out; direct hit on bridge structure. On far bridge, direct hit, 6 August 1950



South Korea

United States Army, General MacArthur sends his deputy chief of staff, United States Army, General Hickey, into the Pusan Perimeter to confer with the Eighth Army (United States) commander, United States Army, General Walton Harris Walker who tells told United States Army, General Hickey that he is worried about the condition of the 24th Infantry Division (United States). He appraised that unit's combat worth as negligible after a month of hard fighting. Before it could become effective again, it would have to be completely rehabilitated. His other divisions are in somewhat better condition. The 25th Infantry Division (United States), which has seen less action than the 24th and which has been less severely attacked by the enemy, is in fairly good shape. General Walker express some doubts as to its offensive capabilities, as he feels it lacks leadership. The Eighth Army commander tells General Hickey that, because they were are to few, all his army staff members are overworked. That they are not getting enough rest is being reflected in the quality of their work.

Photo: U.S. troops are pictured on pier after debarking from ship, somewhere in Korea, 6 August 1950



China

General Ye Jianying and General Peng Dehuai were able to dissuade China's Mao Zedong from his belief that China could prepare its army for an invasion of Korea within only three weeks. Mao was wanting an immediate invasion because the U.S., UN and South Korean forces were pinned down within the small Pusan Perimeter, while Yu and Peng believed that a minimum of four months would be necessary.

Japan

United States Army, General Beiderlinden, MacArthur's personnel chief appeals to united States Army, Lieutenant General Edward Mallory Almond commanding officer of X Corps (United States), points out that every division in Korea is suffering critical shortages of men and officers. Almond approves an urgent call on Washington for 8,000 men to reach the FEC within fifteen days. All infantry regiments in Korea are so weakened that unless these men reached them in two weeks, they will deteriorate so badly that major steps will be necessary to rebuild them. Most urgently needed are infantry and artillery soldiers, and company-grade officers. Almond urged, as a matter of highest priority, that airlift be expanded to get the 8,000 men to the theater by August 20th

United States

(United States) President Harry Truman sent his special assistant, Averell Harriman, to Tokyo, primarily to discuss Far Eastern political matters with General MacArthur. General Ridgway and Lt. Gen. Lauris Norstad of the Air Force accompanied Mr. Harriman. While these officials were in Tokyo, General MacArthur took the opportunity to express his views on the situation facing him in Korea, MacArthur believed that speed was the keystone of victory over the North Koreans. He told Harriman and the military officers that the United States could not afford to wait for a slow build-up of forces in Korea. The United States must destroy the North Korean Army as early as possible. If not, the Russians and Chinese Communists, MacArthur feared, would be able to strengthen their protege by shipping in more arms and supplies. MacArthur also saw in a failure to settle the matter speedily, political dangers. United Nations members would grow discouraged and Oriental peoples would be disappointed with, and lose confidence in, the United States.

Australia

Tribal-class destroyer HMAS Warramunga (I44) under the command of Royal Australian Navy, Commander Otto Becher depart Sydney for Korea in order to relieve River-class frigate HMAS Shoalhaven (K535) who has already been attached to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) for five months prior to being deployed to Korea and is badly in need of a refit.