Korean War (1950 – 1953) in Real Time

[lordroel]

Day 44 of the Korean War, August 7th 1950

YouTube (Yanks set up for big offensive - New arms for Korea)



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 98th Bombardment Group conducted its initial sortie in the Korean War soon after twenty of its B-29 aircraft arrived at Yokota Airbase in Japan. The mission targeted the city of P’yongyang, resulting in substantial destruction to the rail yards and nearly total obliteration of an arsenal. The bombing raids also targeted the Chosin Petroleum complex located in the port town of Wonsan, which was responsible for producing over 90% of North Korea’s petroleum products. The bombing runs on the 9th and 10th of the campaign effectively wiped out the entire facility. This plant, with its estimated capacity of 250,000 tons, annually produced approximately 93 percent of the North Korean petroleum products.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50)commenced fire on railroad marshalling yards, trains, and a power plant at Tanchon, North Korea, after assuming duty from Toledo as the flagship of TG 95.5. This was the northernmost bombardment since light cruiser Juneau’s operations in early July. Like Toledo, Helena had just concluded a Far East deployment in June 1950, only to be ordered on 5 July to return to the Far East. There she joined Oregon City-class heavy cruiser USS Rochester (CA-124) and Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133) with their 8-inch guns (three triple turrets) as the largest surface combatants (and the biggest guns) in the theater.

YMS-1 Class Auxiliary Motor Minesweeper, ROKS Gyeongju (YMS 502) sinks two motor-boats, while other Korean units destroyed four small junks in the Haeju Man approaches above Inchon.

Photo: A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther floating on water after crashing over the bow of the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) near Korea on 7 August 1950. CDR R. Weymouth, CO of fighter squadron VF-112 Fighting Twelve, stands on nose of plane awaiting rescue. VF-112 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (CVG-11) for a deployment to Korea from 5 July 1950 to 26 March 1951



South Korea

The 70th Tank Battalion (United States), composed of two companies, "A" and "C" equipped with M4A3E8s, and one company, "B" equipped with M26s, arrives at the port of Pusan.

Canada

The Canadian government announces its intention of sending ground troops to fight with the United Nations contingent in Korea and creates a brigade-sized Canadian Army Special Force. The infantry component of the Special Force consists of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI), the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) and the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment (2 R22eR).

[lordroel]

Day 45 of the Korean War, August 8th 1950

Air operations - Korean peninsula

The enemy threat to Taegu forced the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group to evacuate to Ashiya.

The 307th Bombardment Group, newly based in Okinawa, flew its first mission.

Commanding general of Far East Air Forces (FEAF), United States Air Force, General George E. Stratemeyer, orders United States Air Force, General Earle E. Partridge, commanding general of the Fifth Air Force to increase the night sorties to fifty.

The 307th Bombardment Group carries out its initial mission during the Korean Conflict.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Fleet Air Japan established by Commander Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE), relocating NAVAL AIR JAPAN.

[lordroel]

Day 46 of the Korean War, August 9th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Troops from the 25th Regiment, Capital Division (South Korea), probed through the mountains from Kigye to establish contact with the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) south of Yongdok. It advanced 2.5 mi (4.0 km) north before encountering fierce KPA resistance, which pushed it almost 5 mi (8.0 km) south. It was apparent to the UN forces that the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) was being outflanked. It held the road 20 mi (32 km) north of P'ohang-dong but there were no defenses inland in the mountains and KPA units had penetrated there.

Task Force Kean was poised to retake Chinju. The task force, aided by air power, initially advanced quickly though KPA resistance was heavy.

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Taegu)

United States Army, Major General Hobart R. Gay, commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) at his headquarters in Taegu learned of the KPA's river crossing in the area of his division south of Waegwan. Since the first reports were vague, General Gay decided to withhold counterattack until he learned more about the situation.[32] He quickly learned that around 750 KPA infantry troops had gathered on Hill 268, also known as "Triangulation Hill", which was 3 mi (5 km) southeast of Waegwan and 10 mi (16 km) northwest of Taegu. General Gay ordered his division to counterattack the enemy gathering to force them across the river. He and General Walker thought that this attack could be a feint, and that the KPA could be planning a larger attack to their north. Furthermore, the hill was important because of its proximity to the lines of supply. The main Korean north–south highway and the main Seoul-Pusan railroad skirted the base of Triangulation Hill.

At about 09:30, General Gay ordered the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States), to counter the KPA penetration. This battalion moved from its bivouac area just outside Taegu, accompanied by five tanks of A Company, 71st Heavy Tank Battalion (United States). This motorized force proceeded to the foot of Hill 268. Meanwhile, the 61st Field Artillery Battalion shelled the hill heavily.

At about 12:00 the artillery fired a preparation on Hill 268, and the 1st Battalion next attacked it with orders to continue on southwest to Hill 154. Hill 268 was covered with thick brush from about 4 ft (1 m) and trees eight to 10 ft (3 m) high. The day was very hot, and many of the American soldiers collapsed from heat exhaustion during the attack, which was not well-coordinated with the artillery fire. The KPA repulsed the attack.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

A imaginative B-29 report of heavy junk concentrations near Yosu brings the Canadian Tribal-class destroyers HMCS Cayuga and HMCS Athabaskan on a flank speed sweep of the south coast, but with negative results.

A South Korean Navy LST sailed for Ochong Do, an island 40 miles off Kunsan, to establish an advanced ROKN supply base which will eliminate the 300-mile round trip to Pusan.

A month sins it has begun doing patrols and escorts duties of the coast of Korea, tragedy struck, S-class destroyer, HNLMS Evertsen (D802) operating of the west coast of Korea, where it is difficult to navigate due to the many reefs, islands and sandbanks and due to submarine danger, Evertsen is sailing in a zigzag course during her patrol near the island of Fokusa Sho. In the early evening the destroyer struck a reef. An eighteen meter crack opens and several rooms filled with water. The Ship Security Service quickly closed hatches and doors to prevent a larger part of the ship from being flooded. Despite the use of pumps, the ship still list to port, and the commander decides to send a distress signal to the Admiralty in Hong Kong. Two British ships sailed to the Evertsen with additional pumps and a supply of wood to install more struts to reduce the water. The Evertsen is taken in tow and arrived in the port of Sasebo, Japan, a few days after the incident.

United States

The (United States) Deputy Under Secretary of State, Mr. H. Freeman Matthews, told the Department of Defense that many Latin America nations expressed a desire to help but felt themselves too poor to make an effective contribution. Existing legislation required reimbursement for practically all military equipment provided Latin America other than limited amounts of surplus. Mr. Matthews believed that Congress could be induced to authorize the grant of equipment to Latin American forces organized specifically to assist the UN effort. He suggested either that the larger countries be induced to raise special contingents for service in Korea or that an international force of volunteers, drawn from all the Latin nations, be created. The advantages of widespread participation by the nations of this region were impressive, in his view. Latin America had abundant manpower; the nationalism and patriotism of the peoples of the region would be aroused in support of UN action; their governments would draw closer to the United States, thereby simplifying the problem of guarding the Western Hemisphere in case of general war. The Joint Chiefs of Staff agreed that forces should be obtain from Latin America and that US assistance therefore was an indispensable prerequisite. They believed that the Department of State should take action to solicit aid from those countries. Even units below the preferred minimum strength of a battalion would be accepted. They were sympathetic to the creation of an inter-American force made up of national contingents, but they thought it “wholly impracticable and militarily unsound” to attempt to organize, train, and equip a unit composed of unorganized volunteers from a number of countries.

[lordroel]

Day 47 of the Korean War, August 10th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Eighth Army (United States) organized Task Force P'ohang, consisting of the 17th Infantry Regiment (South Korea), 25th Infantry Regiment (South Korea) and 26th Infantry Regiment (South Korea) as well as the 1st Anti-Guerrilla Battalion, Marine Battalion (South Korea) and a battery from the 18th Field Artillery Battalion (United States). The task force was given the mission to clear out KPA forces in the mountainous region. At the same time the Eighth Army (United States) formed Task Force Bradley, consisting of elements of the 8th Infantry Regiment (United States), 2nd Infantry Division (United States) under the command of United States Brigadier General Joseph S. Bradley, the 2nd Division's assistant commander. Task Force Bradley was tasked with defending P'ohang-dong from the 766th Independent Regiment (North Korea), which was infiltrating the town.

Map: North Korean forces advance on UN lines, 10 August 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

Forty-six B-29s of the 22nd Bombardment Group, 92rd Bombardment Group and 98th Bombardment Group hit an oil refinery and the railroad shops at Wonsan, North Korea.

The United States Air Force called up two Reserve units, the 437th Troop Carrier Wing and the 452nd Bombardment Wing, for Korean War service.

The daily rail and water Red Ball Express from Yokohama to Sasebo to Pusan, beginning on July 23rd, operated with increased efficiency in August and demonstrated that it could deliver promptly to Korea any supplies available in Japan. On August 5th, for instance, it delivered 308 measurement tons; on August 9th, 403 tons; on 22 August, 574 tons; and on August 25th, 949 tons. The success of the Red Ball Express cut down the amount of airlift tonnage. This fell from 85 tons on July 31st to 49 tons on August 6th. The express eliminated the need for nearly all airlift of supplies to Korea from Japan. It delivered supplies to Korea in an average time of 60-70 hours, while the airlift delivery varied from 12 hours to 5 days. The Red Ball delivery was not only far cheaper, it was more consistent and reliable. The drop in air delivery to Korea caused General Partridge, commanding the Far East Air Forces, to complain that the Army was not fully using the airlift's 200-ton daily capacity. That day, Eighth Army (United States) ordered curtailment of delivery by the Red Ball Express and increased use of the airlift to its maximum capacity. The reason given for this action was a sudden apprehension that the port of Pusan could not process promptly the flow of water-borne supplies.

Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur learned that the 3rd Infantry Division (United States), less one regiment, was being ordered to his command. A supplementary message, explaining that the 65th Infantry Regiment (United States) had been ordered to the FEC, where it would join the 3rd Infantry Division (United States) as its third regiment, followed a few minutes later, but not quickly enough apparently. Before receiving the information on the 65th Infantry, MacArthur fired back a radio objecting to the dispatch of a 2-regiment division and pointing out, ". . . experience indicates the ineffectiveness of a two unit organization whether in battalions, regiments, or divisions." No answer to this was necessary, of course.

United States Army, General MacArthur, having received the necessary authority from the Department of the Army, authorized United States Army, General Walker to increase the strength of the ROK Army to any practicable number. Walker on August 18th requested authority to activate and equip five new ROK divisions at the rate of one a month beginning in September. The divisions were to have a strength of 10,500 men. United States Army, General MacArthur denied United States Army, General Walker this authority because of other needs for the available equipment, but he did concur in the recommendation to activate new divisions and service units and so reported to the Department of the Army.

United nations

United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Warren Austin speaking to the UN Security Council clearly enunciated the goal of Korean unification: “The determination of the United Nations to insure that Korea shall be free, unified and independent of outside influence from any great power, on or off the continent, has never wavered.“

[lordroel]

Day 48 of the Korean War, August 11th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Task Force Bradley (United States) struck out from Yonil Airfield to counterattack the KPA forces around P'ohang-dong while Task Force P'ohang attacked from An'gang-ni area. Both forces immediately met resistance from KPA units. By that time the KPA had captured P'ohang-dong. What followed was a complicated series of fights through the large region around P'ohang-dong and An'gang-ni as ROKA forces, aided by US air power, engaged groups of KPA units operating all around the vicinity.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

C-119 Flying Boxcars began airlifting trucks from Tachikawa AB in Japan to Taegu.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

VMF-323 Corsairs and USAF F-51 Mustangs caught about 100 vehicles of the 83rd Motorcycle Regiment (North Korea) in the open, inflicting massive casualties in what was known as the “Kosong Turkey Shoot.” On August 10th, United States Navy, Captain Vivian M. Moses was shot down, rescued by a Marine helicopter, and returned to Badoeng Strait the following day. United States Navy, Captain Moses was on the carrier for only one hour before getting in another plane, only to be shot down and killed while attacking the North Korean regiment, and becoming the first Marine aviator killed in the Korean War. Moses was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart posthumously.

Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carriers HMS Warrior (R-31) and HMS Ocean (R-68) arrived in theater, initially serving as troop transports and aircraft ferries, although in later deployments they would serve as operational aircraft carriers.

South Korea

Occasionally, guerrillas would attack trains in rear areas of the Pusan Perimeter, usually in the Yongch'on-Kyongju area in the east or along the lower Naktong in the Samnangjin area. These attacks generally resulted in only a few persons wounded and minor damage to rail equipment. The most successful guerrilla attack behind the lines of the Pusan Perimeter occurred this day against a VHF radio relay station on Hill 915, eight miles south of Taegu. A guerrilla force, estimated at 100 men, at 0515 attacked the 70 ROK police guarding the station and its American operators. They drove off the ROK police and set fire to the buildings. American casualties were 2 killed, 2 wounded, and 3 missing. When a ROK police force reoccupied the area later in the day the guerrillas had disappeared.

[lordroel]

Day 49 of the Korean War, August 12th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

In the Battle of the Bowling Alley, United Nations Command (UN) forces defeated North Korean forces near the city of Daegu, South Korea. The battle took place in a narrow valley, dubbed the "Bowling Alley", which was north of Daegu. It followed a week of fighting between the 13th Infantry Division (North Korea) and the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) along the latter's last defensible line in the hills north of the city. Reinforcements, including the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) and 23rd Infantry Regiment (United States) were committed to bolster the ROK defenses.

Marines advanced to Sachon and to Changwon.

The 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States) was attacked by units from the 10th Infantry Division (North Korea) with the objective to gain the high ground east of Youngpo. With good artillery support from the 77th Field Artillery Battalion (United States), the enemy was pushed back across the river.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

USN Task Force 77 stopped close air support and interdiction strikes in South Korea and moved up Korea’s west coast to attack interdiction targets in North Korea, leaving all air attacks in South Korea to FEAF.

More than forty B-29s attacked the port of Rashin in northeastern Korea, near the border with the Soviet Union.

[lordroel]

Day 50 of the Korean War, August 13th 1950

YouTube (The First UN Counterattack)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Photo: Captain R. E. Daltry, Korean Military Advisory Group (right), discusses a problem with Col. Harn Byung-sun, South Korean Regiment Commander (second from right), near the front line in Korea," August 13, 1950



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Two Seafires operating from Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Triumph (R16) conduct their first armed reconnaissance when two Seafires photographed the ports of Mokpo and Kunsan.

North Korean occupied South Korea

The English-language propaganda broadcasts of "Seoul City Sue", on the air since June 28th, ended after a U.S. airstrike on the North Korean controlled radio broadcast facilities in Seoul. "Sue" was an American, Anna Wallace Suhr of Oklahoma, who had pledged allegiance to the North Korean cause after the invasion of Seoul. After the broadcast tower was repaired, she did not return to the air.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Endangered by the NKA advance to Pohang, two squadrons of F-51s in the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron moved from nearby Yonil airfield in South Korea to Tsuiki AB, Japan.

United States

News of the Rashin bomber raid reaches Washington, D.C., the Department of State objects strongly. Deputy Undersecretary Matthews called Major General Burns, in Secretary Johnson’s office, and told him that the attack violated the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) instructions against approaching the borders too closely. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Omar Bradley and United States Secretary of Defense, Louis A. Johnson believe that the margin of distance is ample and that Rashin is a valid military target. The matter is carried to the (United States) President Harry Truman, who after some discussion, upheld his military advisors.

[lordroel]

Day 51 of the Korean War, August 14th 1950

YouTube (Decisive Battle Rages Along 140-Mile Front)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Marine Brigade moved into assembly area at Maryang.

A second powerful punch is delivered to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, but timely assistance from the 1st Battalion, ordered out of reserve, 8th Engineers, 16th Reconnaissance, and artillery caused the termination of the attack which had penetrated to Samuni-dong, about 12 miles from Taegu. Out of 1,700 enemy attackers, some 1,500 died. Simultaneously, a second enemy attack was launched at the boundary between the 1st ROK Division and the 1st Cavalry Division at Waegwan. "G" Company, 5th Cavalry situated on Hill 303, the right flank anchor of the US Eighth Army Command, began receiving small arms fire from the ROK side of the boundary.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The main North Korean naval base at Chinnampo is photographed by Seafires/Fireflies operating from Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Triumph (R16). Three ships are found moored out in the estuary so even though extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire is encountered a strike is immediately arranged against these ships using six Seafires and six Fireflies, all armed with 60lb rockets. These took off in the afternoon to attack what turned out to be a camouflaged minesweeper, a 2,000 ton freighter and an 800 ton coaster and all three vessels were left substantially damaged while all aircraft returned safely.

Japan

Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies visits Japan, talks with US General MacArthur, inspects Australian forces preparing for Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 52 of the Korean War, August 15th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The Battle of Battle Mountain began around the Seobuksan mountain area in South Korea.

The first in a series of night raids on Korean east coast took place by a landing party from a Navy underwater demolition team and Marine reconnaissance unit embarked in fast transport Horace A. Bass (APD-124), which was configured to carry about 160 troops. Three night raids took place, destroying two bridges and three tunnels. During daylight, Horace A. Bass shelled North Korean targets.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

The Far East Air Forces (FEAF) has some light bombers and fighter-bombers joining in the interdiction campaign. This campaign sought the destruction of thirty-two rail and highway bridges on the three main transportation routes across Korea: (1) the line from Sinanju south to P'yongyang and thence northeast to Wonsan on the east coast; (2) the line just below the 38th Parallel from Munsan-ni through Seoul to Ch'unch'on to Chumunjin-up on the east coast; (3) the line from Seoul south to Choch'iwon and hence east to Wonju to Samch'ok on the east coast. The interdiction campaign marked nine rail yards, including those at Seoul, P'yongyang, and Wonsan, for attack, and the ports of Inch'on and Wonsan to be mined. This interdiction program, if effectively executed, would slow and perhaps critically disrupt the movement of enemy supplies along the main routes south to the battlefront.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Yosu, previously attacked by Crosley-class high speed transport USS Diachenko (APD-123) and Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Collett (DD-730) was bombarded so thoroughly by Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Cayuga and Bay-class anti-aircraft frigate HMS Mounts Bay that no worthwhile targets were deemed to remain.

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) departed Sasebo and steamed into the Sea of Japan, striking targets south of the 38th Parallel, hitting bridges and supply dumps. On 17 August, strikes shifted to north of the 38th Parallel, hitting industrial targets, rail facilities, and coastal shipping. Following refueling on 18 August from oilers Passumpsic (AO-107) and Cacapon (AO-52), and re-arming from Mount Katmai (AE-16, the first ammunition ship to arrive in Korean waters), TF 77 transited to the Yellow Sea.

The Fiji-class cruiser HMS Jamaica (44), returning from patrol, bombarded the port of Kunsan and its factories and docks with satisfactory results.

North Korea

The 105th Armored Division (North Korea) receives 21 new T-34 tanks and 200 troop replacements, which it distributed to the divisions attacking Taegu. The tank regiment with the 13th Division (North Korea) reportedly has 14 T-34 tanks.

Japan

CTG 96.7 advises Commander Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE) of his intention, if not otherwise directed, of seizing the Tokchok Islands in the Inchon approaches as a base for intelligence activities and future operations.

United States Army, General MacArthur establishes the headquarters group of the Special Planning Staff to take charge of the projected amphibious operation. For purposes of secrecy the new group, selected from the GHQ FEC staff is designated, Special Planning Staff, GHQ, and the forces to be placed under its control, GHQ Reserve.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of staff (JCS) enlarged the list of targets that the air force is allowed to hit in Korea but specify that the population in nearby cities must receive advance warning in each instance. “Dummy” warnings should also be given to other areas, so as to avoid pinpointing specific objectives.

[lordroel]

Day 53 of the Korean War, August 16th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

1st Marine Brigade (United States) begins to move to Yonson.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Because of the enemy threat to Taegu, the advance Fifth Air Force headquarters moved to Pusan.

Ninety-eight B-29s carpet-bombed suspected enemy troop concentrations in a 27-square-mile area near Waegwan northwest of Taegu. The Superfortresses dropped more than 800 tons of 500-pound bombs in the largest employment of air power in direct support of ground forces since the Normandy invasion of World War II. Subsequent reconnaissance showed little destruction of enemy troops or equipment because they had already left the area.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The East Coast Support Element ONE (TE 96.51) successfully evacuated the entire 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) from its position south of Yongdok, as the division had been out-flanked and cut off. Four LSTs, one manned by Koreans and three by Japanese, executed the evacuation, covered by Gearing-class destroyer USS Wiltsie (DD-716). Having bypassed the South Korean division, North Korean troops were advancing quickly toward the port of Pohang, which anchored the eastern end of the Pusan Perimeter. Accurate gunfire from Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Helena (CA-75) knocked out several North Korean tanks and slowed—but could not stop—the advance, and a column of T-34 tanks broke into Pohang. The evacuated 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) would subsequently play a key role in ejecting the North Koreans from Pohang with the help of U.S. air support.

[lordroel]

Day 54 of the Korean War, August 17th 1950

YouTube (Seesaw Battle On For Beachhead)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

600 Korean Marines are landed on the Tongyong peninsula south of Kosong. There, by seizing and holding the isthmus north of Tongyong city, the ROK Marines effectively bottled enemy troops in on the landward side, and prevent their movement across the narrow water to the island of Koje, below Chinhae.

Marines began first battle of Naktong River Bulge.

Eighth Army (United States) ordered the 27th Infantry Division (United States) to move its headquarters and a reinforced battalion "without delay" to a point across the Kumho River 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Taegu on the road from Tabu-dong to Sangju "to secure Taegu from enemy penetration" from that direction. South Korean sources reported a KPA regiment, led by six T-34 tanks, had entered the village of Kumhwa, 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Tabu-dong. The 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Division (United States), a platoon of the Heavy Mortar Company, and most of the 8th Field Artillery Battalion (United States) moved north to Ch'ilgok where the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) command post was located. By nightfall, the entire 27th Regiment (United States) was north of Taegu on the Tabu-dong road, reinforced by C Company, 73rd Tank Battalion (United States). US Army commanders also ordered the 37th Field Artillery Battalion (United States) to move from the area around Kyongju and P'ohang-dong, where a heavy battle had been in progress for days, for attachment to the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) in order to reinforce the 8th Field Artillery Battalion (United States) above Taegu.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

While anchored, Royal Canadian Navy, Commander Welland, the commanding officer of Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) goes aboard Fiji-class cruiser HMS Kenya (14) to meet here commanding officer, Royal Navy, Captain p w brock and ROK Navy officers on future operations. The leader of the ROK naval forces in the area was Korean Navy, Commander Lee Hi Yung, the Commanding Officer of PC-461 Class Submarine Chaser Kum Kang San (PC-702), a most aggressive fighter, who had under his command a small force of seamen with which he was systematically mopping up the Communists on the islands in the Inchon area. It was decided at the meeting that the island of Taku Chaku would be next on Commander Lee’s list and would be assaulted on the following morning.

A Republic of Korea Navy Intelligence Unit infiltrates in Yonghung-do (Yeongheung Island) and Tokchok-do (Deokjeok Island) conducted Operation X-ray to obtain information on the conditions there.

With Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers USS Mansfield (DD-728), USS Collett (DD-730) and USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) as screen, with patrol plane spot, and with a combat air patrol from Task Force 77, Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133) cruised the 40-mile stretch of coast, from Songjin south to Iwon, where the railroad runs close to the sea. Targets were plentiful, and the 297 rounds of 8-inch HC expended against three railroad bridges and several hundred freight cars were considered to have been profitably invested. At the same time the Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) who make up Task Force 77 are flying strikes against rail facilities and such minor coastal shipping as could be discovered between the 38th and 42d parallels; in the course of this work one jet sweep found an ammunition train, and exploded it so effectively as to bring back tangible proof in the form of fragments embedded in the fighters’ wings. On conclusion of the day’s operations both carrier and gunnery forces headed southward, Admiral Higgins to relieve the fire support group off Pohang, and the carriers to pass through Tsushima Strait en route to their fuelling rendezvous south of Korea.

United States

The 7th Marine Regiment (United States) is reactivated as part of the 1st Marine Division (United States) who today depart the from West Coast for Korea.

United nations

United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Warren Austin contended that the General Assembly’s decision in favor of “fair and free elections.. . throughout the
whole of the Korean peninsula” is still valid, though its execution has been blocked by the North Korean regime. “As order is brought out of chaos,” he continues, “some United Nations body should be on the spot to lend all practicable assistance to the Republic in establishing democratic government in the reunited Korea.“

Hong Kong

Aircraft repair ship and light aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn (I72) escorted by the C-class destroyer HMS Cossack (R57) arrives at Hong Kong, Here she embarks troops of the Middlesex Regiment, while the Fiji-class light cruiser HMS Ceylon (30) embarks men of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders for passage to Pusan.

[lordroel]

Day 55 of the Korean War, August 18th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

ROK Marines, covered by ROKN guns, land and captured the city of Tangyong (on a peninsula on the south coast of Korea west of Chinhae and Pusan), helping to hold the southern flank of the Pusan Perimeter.

The 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) arrives at the Kumho River 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Taegu. At the front, 1st Infantry Division (South Korea), Republic of Korea Army, commander Brigadier General Paik Sun-yup assumed senior command of the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) and the other US units, to the chagrin of United States Army, Colonel John H. Michaelis, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States). The 13th Infantry Division (North Korea) was astride the Sangju–Taegu road just above Tabu-dong and only 13 miles (21 km) from Taegu. The Eighth Army (United States) ordered the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) to attack north along the road to counter the threat. At the same time, two regiments of the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) were to attack along high ground on either side of the road. The plan called for a limited-objective attack to restore the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) lines in the vicinity of Sokchok, a village 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Tabu-dong. M26 Pershing tanks of C Company, 73rd Tank Battalion (United States), and two batteries of the 37th Field Artillery Battalion (United States) were to support the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) in the attack.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) turns up to support Operation Lee and assist in securing Tokchok.

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) following refueling from oilers Passumpsic (AO-107) and Cacapon (AO-52), and re-arming from Mount Katmai (AE-16, the first ammunition ship to arrive in Korean waters), TF 77 transited to the Yellow Sea.

Operation Lee, named for the commanding officer of South Korean ship, the PC-461 Class Submarine Chaser Kum Kang San (PC-702) begins at at 0600 when 120 ROK seamen assault the beaches of Taku Chaku, while Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) methodically pounded the Communist headquarters in the island village of Supo with 94 rounds of high explosive. At 0700 Athabaskan lands a party of two officers and 30 men to support the ROK forces but the support proves unnecessary as the ROK’s are doing very well by themselves. Before sunset that evening the island has been taken at no cost in casualties to the attacking force. On the enemy side there are heavy casualties; there are no wounded and no prisoners among them.

South Korea

The city of Taegu, which had become the temporary capital of South Korea after the fall of Seoul, was evacuated by its 500,000 civilians as troops from North Korea overran the town of Kumwha, 12 miles away. Eight weeks after the Korean War began on June 25, 80% of South Korea had been conquered by the invaders, with the exception of the southeastern portion of the peninsula inside the Pusan Perimeter.

Japan

Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies visits Japan, talks with US General MacArthur, inspects Australian forces preparing for Korea.

United Kingdom

Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier HMS Theseus (R64) departs His Majesty's Naval Base, Portsmouth (HMNB Portsmouth) for deployment in the Far East to relieve here sister ship HMS Triumph (R16) who is operating in Korean waters.

YouTube (HMS Theseus prepares for Korean War - 1950)

[lordroel]

Day 56 of the Korean War, August 19th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

First Battle of Naktong Bulge (August 5–19, 1950: On August 5, the 4th Infantry Division (North Korea) crossed the Naktong River in the vicinity of Yongsan, attempting to cut UN supply lines to the north as well as gaining a bridgehead into the Pusan Perimeter. Opposing it was the 24th Infantry Division of the Eighth Army (United States). Over the next two weeks, US and KPA forces fought a bloody series of engagements inflicting heavy casualties on one another in a confusing series of attacks and counterattacks, but neither side was able to gain the upper hand. In the end, the US forces, aided by reinforcements, air support and heavy weapons, destroyed the KPA force which was hampered by lack of supply and high desertion rates. The battle was a turning point in the war for the KPA, which had seen previous victories owing to superior numbers and equipment. UN forces now had a numerical superiority and more equipment, including M4 Sherman tanks and heavy weapons capable of defeating the KPA T-34 tanks.

Photo: PFC Harold R. Bates and PFC Richard N. Martin rest atop the third objective that U.S. Marines seized overlooking the Naktong River, South Korea, 19 August 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The city of 200,000, fifty miles beyond the northern limit of the blockade and an equal distance south of the Soviet frontier, is one of the key strategic positions on the western shore of the Japan Sea. Located on a bay which opens to the southward, Chongjin has inner harbors protected by breakwaters and equipped with railroad sidings, cranes, and warehouses. In 1945 it had been captured by Russian marines in the only amphibious assault of the Soviet’s short war against Japan; current information indicated that it was frequently visited by Russian ships, that Soviet naval units were stationed there, and that the port was a Soviet restricted area. Now, however, its prior exemption was cancelled out and Russian security regulations were breached. Today sixty-three B-29s attacked the industrial and port area of Chongjin.

Since capturing Seoul, the North Koreans had built two pontoon bridges over the Han at that point, one north and one south of the rail and highway bridges. They had also started a new railroad bridge north of the old triple bridge group. The steel cantilever railroad bridge on the west still stood, defying all the efforts of the Far East Air Forces to bring it down. For almost four weeks the Air Force bombed this bridge daily with 1-, 2-, and 4-thousand-pound general purpose bombs with fuze settings, intended to damage both the superstructure and the abutments. Nine Superfortresses of the 19th Bombardment Group dropped 54 tons of 1,000-pound bombs on the west railway bridge at Seoul, it survived repeated air attacks to bring it down. Thirty-seven USN dive bombers from two aircraft carriers followed up the USAF attack. Aerial reconnaissance the next day revealed that two spans had collapsed.

A total of 46 B-29 Superfortresses from the 22nd Bombardment Groups, 92nd Bombardment Groups and 98th Bombardment Group targeted an oil refinery and railroad workshops in Wonsan, North Korea.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

With Operation Lee still continuing, Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) remains off the island of Taku Chaku working with the ROK forces in preparation for the next assault landing. Twenty Lanchester machine carbines and 6,000 rounds of ammunition are lent to Korean Navy, Commander Lee’s force, and Royal Canadian Navy, Chief Petty Officer Aveling, Athabaskan’s Chief Gunnery Instructor, goes ashore to train the ROK seamen in their use, a mission that is entirely successful despite the language barrier. Besides helping in this way Athabaskan also aids the South Koreans by providing boats and by once again tending the civilian wounded. Commander Lee came aboard before the ship left for her inshore night patrol and concerted plans for an attack the following morning on the island of Ryanku.

CVG-11 aircraft off Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) struck the railroad bridge at Seoul, which was still standing after repeated air attacks. Nine Skyraiders with two 1,000-pound bombs each and nine F-4U’s with a 500-pound bomb apiece dropped a span of the bridge into the Han River. The cost, however, was the Air Group Commander, Commander Robert W. Vogel, who led the attack and was shot down when he circled back to attempt to suppress North Korean anti-aircraft batteries in order to cover the bombers following behind him in the attack. The commander of VF-112, Commander Ralph Weymouth assumed command of the air group. Weymouth had survived a crash of his damaged F9F Panther on 7 August just off Philippine Sea’s bow.

A particularly successful patrol of Fireflies operating from Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Triumph (R16) came across a camouflaged 150-ton motor junk armed with a variety of heavy calibre anti-aircraft guns and they left it well ablaze after expending sixteen 60lb rockets on it after which they proceeded inland to attack a number of railway wagons, oil storage tanks and small coastal junks using their cannons.

South Korea

American divisions in Korea received their first augmentation recruits-the 24th Infantry Division (United States) and 25th Infantry Division (United States), 250 each; the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) and 2nd Cavalry Division (United States), 249 each. For the next week each of the divisions received a daily average of 250 Korean recruits. On the 29th and 30th, the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) got an average of 740, and the 24th Infantry Division (United States), 950 recruits daily.

United States Air Force, General Earle E. Partridge, commanding general of the Fifth Air Force (United States) moves the Joint Operations Center from Taegu to Pusan because of enemy advances.

The strength of the ROK tactical troops is recorded as being 61,152; service troops, 23,672; total strength of the ROK Army, 84,824 men. The reported strength of ROK tactical organizations was as follows:

Total: 76,842.

- I ROK Corps Headquarters: 1,275.
- Capital Division: 16,376.
- 8th Division: 9,106.
- II ROK Corps Headquarters: 499.
- 1st Division: 10,482.
- 6th Division: 9,300.
- ROK's Headquarters: 2,159.
- 3d Division: 7,154.
- P'ohang Task Force: 575.
- Task Force Kim: 4,025.
- Special type troops: 14,641.
- Training Center and Headquarters Company: 1,250.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff decided that some of their members should go to Tokyo to discuss United States Army General MacArthur plans with him. Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General J. Lawton Collins and Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Forrest Sherman were chosen for this purpose. Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Vandenberg sent his Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Lieutenant General Idwal H. Edwards, to represent the Air Force.

As part of the naval mobilization, Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) is transferred to the Pacific Fleet and dispatched from Norfolk to support UN forces on the Korean peninsula.

[lordroel]

Day 57 of the Korean War, August 20th 1950

YouTube (Bloody UN Victory at Naktong Bulge)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of P'ohang-dong (5–20 August 1950): Forces of the South Korean Republic of Korea Army, supported by the United States Navy and United States Air Force, defend the eastern coast of the country as a part of the Pusan Perimeter. When several divisions of the KPA crossed through mountainous terrain to push the UN forces back, a complicated battle ensued in the rugged terrain around P'ohang-dong, which contained the vital supply line to the main UN force at Taegu. For two weeks KPA and ROK units fought in several bloody back-and-forth battles, taking and retaking ground in which neither side was able to gain the upper hand. Finally, following the breakdown of the KPA supply lines and amidst mounting casualties, the exhausted North Korean troops were forced to retreat.

Battle of Taegu (5–20 August 1950): Five KPA divisions massed around the city preparing to cross the Naktong River and assault it from the north and west. Defending the city were the 1st Cavalry Division (United states) and II Corps (South Korea). In a series of engagements, each of the KPA divisions attempted to cross the Naktong and attack the defending forces. The success of these attacks varied, with attacks in the 1st Cavalry Division (United states) sector repulsed while attacks in the ROK sector were more successful.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

CVG-11 aircraft off Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea attacked targets around Pyongyang, North Korea, striking warehouses and rail facilities. Ensign C. W. Smith was shot down and lost during these attacks.

Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) fires on a radio reporting station situated on the tiny island of Yo Dolmi in the middle of the channel leading into Inchon. Her aim is deadly, and a third of the 36 rounds she fired at a range of 7,200 yards scored direct hits. But Athabaskan is not satisfied even with such shooting, so she moves to within a mile of Yo Dolmi. The island appeared to be undefended, so an armed party under Royal Canadian Navy, Lieutenant Commander T. S. R. Peacock is sent in to complete the destruction of the target. The party met with no resistance and what remained of the station was methodically demolished.

The South Korean seamen of PC-461 Class Submarine Chaser Kum Kang San (PC-702), many of them armed with Canadian Lanchesters, carry out an unopposed landing on Ryanku and take control of the island, once again it is more a manhunt than a battle; the desperate Communists are systematically rooted out of their strongholds, and that same day the island has been taken. Once again there are no enemy wounded or any prisoners.

Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) dashed north in the Sea of Japan and put 102 5-inch rounds into the iron works, harbor installations, railroad yards, and radio station in the North Korean port of Chongjin, on the northeast coast of North Korea and not that far from the Soviet Union. The attack started a massive fire that could be seen for many miles.

Off Chindo, the island prolongation of Korea’s southwestern tip, YMS-1-class minesweeper ROKS Gwangju (YMS 503) finds considerable activity. Three enemy motorboats of between 30 and 100 tons are engaged, and one captured, one sunk, and the third damaged.

North Korea

In planning its new offensive, North Korean command decide any attempt to flank the UN force is impossible thanks to the support of the UN naval forces. Instead, they opt to use a frontal attack to breach the perimeter and collapse it as the only hope of achieving success in the battle. Fed with intelligence from the Soviet Union the North Koreans are aware that the UN forces are building up along the Pusan Perimeter and that it must conduct an offensive soon or it cannot win the battle. North Korean command distributed operations orders to their subordinate units. The plan calls for a simultaneous five-prong attack against the UN lines. These attacks would overwhelm the UN defenders and allow the KPA to break through the lines in at least one place to force the UN forces back. Five battle groupings were ordered:

- 6th and 7th Divisions break through the US 25th Infantry Division at Masan.
- 9th, 4th, 2nd and 10th Divisions break through the US 2nd Infantry Division at the Naktong Bulge to Miryang and Yeongsan.
- 3rd, 13th and 1st Divisions break through the US 1st Cavalry Division and ROK 1st Infantry Division to Taegu.
- 8th and 15th Divisions break through the ROK 8th Infantry Division and 6th Infantry Division to Hayang and Yongch'on.
- 12th and 5th Divisions break through the ROK Capital Division and 3rd Infantry Division to P'ohang-dong and Kyongju.

[lordroel]

Day 58 of the Korean War, August 21st 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of the Bowling Alley: The battle took place in a narrow valley, dubbed the "Bowling Alley", which was north of Daegu. It followed a week of fighting between the 13th Infantry Division (North Korea and the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) along the latter's last defensible line in the hills north of the city. Reinforcements, including the 27th Infantry Regiment (United States) and 23rd Infantry Regiment (United States) were committed to bolster the ROK defenses. For another week, KPA divisions launched all the troops they had in massed attacks against the ROK and US lines. Their attacks, which usually occurred at night and were supported by armor and artillery, advanced with infantry and tanks in close support of one another. Each KPA attack ran into well-established UN lines, where US tanks, mines and entrenched infantry were positioned to counter them. Strikes by US aircraft ravaged the attacking KPA. The fighting was fierce with many casualties on both sides, particularly where the KPA and ROK fought one another. The repeated attacks eventually broke and pushed back the ROK forces.

Photo: Tank action during the Battle of the Bowling Alley, August 21, 1950



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) set a new single-day record of a combined 202 sorties during another series of attacks on the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. Carrier strikes had continued almost every day since the arrival of Philippine Sea in theater.

South Korea

Photo: South Korean soldiers examine stock pile of captured North Korean enemy equipment in ROK army camp, somewhere in Korea," August 21, 1950



Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur request the Department of the Army by radio for authority to activate Headquarters, X Corps (United States).