Korean War (1950 – 1953) in Real Time

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Day 104 of the Korean War, October 6th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 6th Infantry Division (South Korea) crosses the 38th parallel from the vicinity of Ch'unch'on and advanced on Hwach'on.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

ROKN vessels authorize to operate on East Coast of Korea as far north as necessary to support advancing ROK ground forces.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Eighteen B-29s from the Far East Air Force (FEAF) Bomber Command target a North Korean arsenal located at Kan-ni.

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) revised its interdiction plan and discontinue its bombing campaigns against bridges south of the cities of Pyongyang and Wonsan.

South Korea

The 1st Marine Regiment (United States), 5th Marine Regiment (United States) and 11th Marines Regiment (United States) have virtually complete their movement to Inch'on.

United States

The United States reassured the United Kingdom that United States Army, General Douglas MacArthur has been clearly instructed not to attack Manchuria or any other part of China, and that the orders will not change without consultation between the U.S. and its allies.

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Day 105 of the Korean War, October 7th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 1st Cavalry Divisions and 24th Infantry Division in concert with the ROK 1st Division and the 27th British Brigade cross the 38th Parallel in a drive towards the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

USAF airplanes dropped food to a group of 150 former POWs who had escaped during the North Korean retreat.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Two night raids on the northeastern coastal railway by high-speed transports USS Horace A. Bass (APD-124) and USS Wantuck (APD-125) with their Royal Marine Commando, supported by Fletcher-class destroyer USS De Haven (DD-469) happen. The first of these attacks, on the night of 6-7 October, was directed against a tunnel in Kyongsong Man, less than 20 miles south of Chongjin; the target of the second was a tunnel and bridge four miles below Songjin. Both apparently successful, and the demolition charges were seen by the retiring raiders to explode.

South Korea

The 7th Marines Regiment (United States) begins its movement from Uijongbu to the Inch'on assembly area. As it assembls at Inch'on for outloading, the 1st Marine Division (United States) numbers 23,591 men, with 40 U.S. Army troops and 4,516 Korean marines attached, for a total of 28,147.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Far Eastern Command & UN Command, Japan & Chief of Staff, Korean Operations, United States Army, General Roderick R. Allen telephones General Hickey and told him that United States Army, Lieutenant General Walker, Commander Eighth Army (United States) wants to know when A-day (date for crossing the 38th Parallel) is to be given. Hickey replies, "Your A-day will be at such time as you see it ready." Allen replied back, "That's fine, because we're on the verge of it now." A message from Tokyo the same day confirms the call. Eighth Army (United States) at once implements its order of the 5th by radio messages to
United States Army, General Frank W. Milburn at I Corps (United States) and to the Chief of Staff, ROK Army. The attack on P'yongyang is about to begin.

Eighth Army (United States) expects strong enemy resistance at the 38th Parallel and a stubborn defense of P'yongyang. According to ROK Army combat intelligence, the North Koreans have three known lines of defense across the peninsula, each consisting of pillboxes, gun emplacements, trenches, and barbed wire entanglements. The first line is along the 38th Parallel and is about 500 yards in depth; the second line is about three miles behind the first; the third lay farther back and is based on locally situated critical terrain features. All three lines are oriented to defend against southern approaches. North of the Parallel the U.N. Command expects to meet newly activated divisions that have been training in North Korea or elements of units that have engaged in the fighting around Seoul. Some intelligence sources indicate there might be as many as six divisions totaling 60,000 men in North Korean training centers.

United Nations

The (United States) Department of State drawn up a resolution for the United Nations that supports the political objectives of the United Nations in Korea, including means for carrying them out through occupation if necessary. State Department officials talk informally with representatives of friendly member nations in the United Nations and solicited their support for the passage of the resolution. The United States is not able to work through the Security Council as in the earlier days, since the Soviet Union delegate to the council has returned to his seat in August, bringing a veto power likely to be used against any American-inspired resolution. Consequently, the United States Mission to the United Nations move the Korean question before the General Assembly where the Soviet Union has no veto power and where United States greatly outweighed Soviet Union, influence. Resolution 376(V) is passed by a vote of 47 to 5 and calls for unification of Korea, and authorizing the United Nations forces to cross the 38th Parallel:

(a) All appropriate steps he taken to ensure conditions of stability throughout Korea; and, (b) All constituent acts be taken, including the holding of elections, under the auspices of the United Nations, for the establishment of a unified independent and democratic Government in the sovereign State of Korea . . .

This resolution also establish the United Nations Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea (UNCURK) which replaces the old United Nations Commission in Korea.

[lordroel]

Day 106 of the Korean War, October 8th 1950

YouTube (The Korean War 016 - South Koreans Invade the North!)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

Marines being withdrawn from north of Seoul to participate in Wonsan landings. Elements of 1st Marine Division (United States) commenced embarking in assault shipping at Inchon for Wonsan operations.

The 8th Infantry Division (South Korea) crosses the 38th Parallel.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Razon bomb missions resumed after more reliable radio-guided bombs arrived from the US. The 162nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron moves from Itazuke to Taegu, becoming the first night reconnaissance squadron stationed in Korea.

Two United States Air Force F-80 fighter-bombers flew more than 60 miles into the Soviet Union and, at 4:17 pm local time, strafed parked airplanes of the 821st Interceptor Aviation Regiment at the Sukhaya Rechka airbase. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the regiment commander did not pursue the invaders. United States Air Force, Stratemeyer removes the group commander, reassigning him to Far East Air Force (FEAF) headquarters, and instituted a court-martial of the two pilots.

Martin PBM Mariner patrol planes which have been hunting mines in the Yellow Sea shift their activities to the east coast.

South Korea

The ROK Army expands and reorganizes when it reactivates the 5th Infantry Division (South Korea) at Taegu and with this now counts eight divisions, the same number that it had before the war began. Simultaneously, the ROK Army activates the 1st Guerrilla Group of five battalions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th).

United States Army, General Walton Walker, commanding officer of the 8th Army (United States) orders the 2nd Logistical Command (United States) to establish a United Nations Reception Center (UNRC) at Taegu University as soon as EUSAK moved from it. Its mission is "to clothe, equip, and provide familiarization training with U.S. Army weapons and equipment to U.N. troops as determined essential for operations in Korea by the Reception Center Commander."

Japan

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV 32) arrives at the Sasebo base for U.S. Fleet Activities in Sasebo and makes final preparations for combat operations.

China

The day after the United Nations has endorsed the unification of Korea, Chairman of the Communist Party of China, Mao Zedong issue the Order to the Chinese People’s Volunteers:

To leading comrades of the Chinese People's Volunteers at all levels:

1. In order to support the Korean people's war of liberation and to resist the attacks of U.S. imperialism and its running dogs, thereby safeguarding the interests of the people of Korea, China and all the other countries in the East, I herewith order the Chinese People's Volunteers to march speedily to Korea and join the Korean comrades in fighting the aggressors and winning a glorious victory.

2. While in Korea, the Chinese People's Volunteers must show fraternal feelings and respect for the people, the People's Army, the Democratic Government, the Workers' Party and the other democratic parties of Korea as well as for Comrade Kim Il Sung, the leader of the Korean people, and strictly observe military and political discipline. This is a most important political basis for ensuring the fulfilment of your military task.

3. You must fully anticipate various possible and inevitable difficulties and be prepared to overcome them with great enthusiasm, courage, care and stamina. At present, the international and domestic situation as a whole is favourable to us, not to the aggressors. So long as you comrades are firm and brave and are good at uniting with the people there and at fighting the aggressors, final victory will be ours.

Mao Tsetung

Chairman of the Chinese People's Revolutionary Military Commission

October 8, 1950, Peking

[lordroel]

Day 107 of the Korean War, October 9th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Wosan)

The 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) and Capital Division (South Korea) reach the south edge of Wonsan, 110 air miles up the coast above the 38th Parallel. The 24th Mechanized Artillery Brigade (North Korea), the 945th Regiment (naval amphibious troops), and other units subordinate to the naval headquarters at Wonsan defended the city. Enemy artillery pieces emplaced behind dikes just south of it delivered direct fire against the ROK's.

The Capital Division (South Korea) on the Wonsan-Iron Triangle road south of the city capture 6 tanks, 4 artillery pieces, 10 82-mm. mortars, 1 120-mm. mortar, 30 heavy machine guns, 500 submachine guns, 5,000 Russian rifles, 1 boxcar of medical supplies, and another of miscellaneous supplies.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Leyte (CV-32) and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) sortied from Sasebo in company with Cleveland-class light cruiser USS Manchester (CL-83) and 11 destroyers and headed north to provide air support.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff sent a telegram to United States Army, General MacArthur, advising him that "in the event of the open or covert employment anywhere in Korea of major Chinese Communist units, without prior announcement, you should continue the action as long as, in your judgment, action by forces now under your control offers a reasonable chance of success", but added that "you will obtain authorization from Washington prior to taking any military action against objectives in Chinese territory."

Gleaves-class destroyers, USS Thompson (DD-627) and sister ship USS Carmick (DD-493) arrive at Pearl Harbor.

China

Commander and the Commissar of the People's Volunteer Army, general Peng Dehuai and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Gao Gang have a conference with the commanders of the 13th Army Corps (People's Republic of China) of the decision to enter Korea and to accelerate preparations. The North Korean Minister of Interior, Pak Il-yu arrived in Shenyang as well and they begin discussing war plans.

Japan

United States Army, General MacArthur, as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, disseminate by radio and leaflet the text of the resolution of October 7th. He accompanied it with a final warning to enemy forces to cease resistance “in whatever part of Korea situated.”

[lordroel]

Day 108 of the Korean War, October 10th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of Wosan: Troops of both the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) and Capital Division (South Korea) entered Wonsan, with the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) on the coastal road making the greater effort. About two miles long and of irregular, narrow width, the city is shaped by the 450-foot-high hills that rise abruptly from the narrow coastal strip. In order to settle rival claims as to which division entered the city first, the corps commander, Korean Army, Brigadier General Kim Baik Yil decrees that both divisions got there simultaneously at 0600 and that both secured it at 1000. But the city was not secured then. United states Army, Colonel Emmerich, Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG) senior adviser with the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) , enter the city with the front line troops of the 23rd Regiment (South Korea) just after noon. The North Koreans had maintained a heavy artillery fire from the city until almost noon. Then, after withdrawing most of their guns from Wonsan, they fired into the city all after noon from its northwest sector and the hills behind it. That afternoon the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) captured the heavily mined airfield on the peninsula east of the city. At nightfall both ROK divisions were still engaged in street fighting within the city. During the night an enemy armored task force, including about ten 76-mm. self-propelled antitank guns, returned to the airfield and did a good job of shooting it up, burning out most of the buildings and hangars.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

A Sikorsky H-5 helicopter operated by the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron see its crew administer, for the first time while a helicopter was in flight, blood plasma to a rescued pilot. The crew members received Silver Stars for this action.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

United States Navy, Rear Admiral Charles C. Hartman departs with Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50), Worcester-class light cruiser USS Worcester (CL-144),and Fiji-class light cruiser HMS Ceylon (30) to the east coast of Korea, to screen minesweeping operations at the port of Wonsan and to support the advance of the 3rd Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Division.

Operation Wonsan, or the Clearance of Wonsan begins with Minesweeping Force (TG 95.6) consisting of Admirable-class minesweeper USS Incredible (AM-249) leading a train consisting of here and two other minesweepers, YMS-1 class minesweepers Mockingbird (AMS-27) and USS Osprey (AM-56) who begin marking a channel 3,000 yards wide. Two more minesweepers trail further behind, YMS-1 class minesweepers USS Chatterer (AMS-40) to mark the channel with buoys and USS Partridge (AM-16) to destroy any mines brought to the surface with gunfire. As sunlight faded over the harbor, the minesweepers had cleared to the 30-fathom line but knew clearing further would be difficult. In the first operation of its kind, a helicopter from the Worcester-class light cruiser USS Worcester (CL-144) conducts a aerial reconnaissance and spotted five mine lines further in on the intended route. From their operating area a hundred miles offshore, Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Leyte (CV-32) and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) sent in a combat air patrol for the sweepers and aircraft for interdiction strikes and preparation of the objective. Possible military installations on the island of Yo Do in the harbor entrance were worked over repeatedly, and some useful support was provided the advancing ROK troops, who entered the city this day and who captured the airfield on the 11th.

United Nation occupied North Korea

As military prospects brightened, American planners turn their efforts to devising a system of military government for North Korea. In Washington, the Army staff prepare a detailed directive for military government and forward it to United States Army, General MacArthur for comment. Under this directive, the occupation of North Korea will have three phases. In the first phase, which would last until internal security has been restored, United States Army, General MacArthur will act as supreme authority in North Korea, subject to the control of the United Nations and the United States Government. During the second phase, which will last until national elections have been held throughout Korea, MacArthur will retain complete authority, but a United Nations commission will furnish advice and recommendations which he will honor within the bounds of security of his forces. The third phase, from the completion of national elections to the withdrawal of all non-Korean United Nations forces, will see a gradual release of control to the elected government of Korea. The military commander, in this final phase, will be responsible only for such missions as might be assigned to him. MacArthur's primary duties during the occupation will be to establish public order, to rebuild the nation's wrecked economy, and to prepare the people for unification. But while he will definitely dissolve the Communist government of North Korea, he will not replace it with the ROK Government of (South Korea) President Rhee. In fact, he will create no central government for North Korea other than as part of his occupational control machinery. This will be deferred until free, Korea wide elections have been held under jurisdiction of the United Nations.

North Korea

Premier of North Korea and Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Il Sung responds to the October 7th United Nations resolution in a defiant message to his troops ordering them to fight to the end.

Japan

United States Army, General Edwin Walker, commanding officer of the Third Infantry Division's 7th Infantry Regiment (United States) and serving as a senior advisor to the army of the Republic of Korea reports to United States Army, General MacArthur, "The I ROK Corps has entered Wonsan and is now mopping up enemy resistance. The II ROK Corps [is] advancing north on the Wonsan area from the vicinity of Chorwon-Kumhwa-Kumsong." Then, apparently believing that this welcome news gave him sufficient license, General Walker announce some plans of his own: In order to support the planned operations of the ROK Army in securing the Wonsan area and advance to the west to Pyongyang in conjunction with the advance of the U. S. I Corps from the south and southeast, it is vital to provide for the supply of five divisions of the ROK Army through the port of Wonsan. Request that the harbor be swept clear of GF mines as soon as possible.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff in responds to the October 8th incident in which two United States Air Force F-80 fighter-bombers flew more than 60 miles into the Soviet Union, without awaiting confirmation of the Soviet charge, instruct United States Army, General MacArthur to take “appropriate action” to ensure that subordinate echelons complied with their directives of June 29th and August 29th.

United States Army, General MacArthur orders U.N. Operations Plan 2 put into effect (see October 2nd 1950), thereby canceling all other tentative plans.

(United States) President Harry Truman calls United States Army, General MacArthur to a conference at Wake Island, the President announce: General MacArthur and I are making a quick trip over the coming weekend to meet in the Pacific. . . . I shall discuss with him the final phase of United Nations action in Korea. . . . We should like to get our armed forces out and back to their other duties at the earliest moment consistent with the fulfillment of our obligations as a member of the United Nations. Naturally, I shall take advantage of this opportunity to discuss with General MacArthur other matters within his responsibility. United States) President Harry Truman intends to take all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with him. But after being advised of the danger of taking them all from Washington under conditions then existing in Korea and in other potential trouble spots, the President only will take with him the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, United States Army, Omar Bradley and United States Secretary of the Army, Frank Pace as his military advisers. In addition to his two military experts.

Gleaves-class destroyers, USS Thompson (DD-627) and sister ship USS Carmick (DD-493) depart Pearl Harbor for Midway Atoll.

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Day 109 of the Korean War, October 11th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, with tanks of B Company, 6th Medium Tank Battalion, in support, has crossed the Imjin River and following the 5th Cavalry Regiment northeast out of Kaesong. Commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army, General Hobart R. Gay plan was for the brigade to move northwest through the mountains for a close-in envelopment of Kumch'on. His aerial observer wrongly reports that the roads are as shown on the maps and that the plan is feasible. The road taken by the British, little more than a cart track, dead-ended in the mountains. The Middlesex Battalion got lost on this trail, turned back, and tried another. Despite an arduous effort in the mountains, the British troops never get into the fight for Kumch'on. While the British are crossing the Imjin, the ROK 1st Infantry Division crosses it at Korangp'o-ri at dawn, eastward of the 1st Cavalry Division and attacked northwest on a road that converged with the one taken by the 5th Cavalry Regiment.

Battle of Wosan: the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) fights through Wonsan against enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. It secures the city, and by evening has troops one mile north of it. The Capital Division (South Korea) helps clear the city and occupies Wonsan airfield.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

United States Army General Walker and United States Army General Partridge fly into the Wonsan Airfield. Finding it in good condition, General Partridge has twenty-two planes of the Combat Cargo Command fly in 131 tons of supplies for the ROK troops the next day.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The British destroyer C-class destroyer HMS Cockade (R34), the Tribal-class destroyer HMAS Warramunga (I44) and Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) join United States Navy, Rear Admiral Charles C. Hartman taskforce which already includes the Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50), Worcester-class light cruiser USS Worcester (CL-144),and Fiji-class light cruiser HMS Ceylon (30) and the Gearing-class destroyer USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833) and Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Maddox (DD-731).

United States Navy, Admiral Arthur Dewey Struble sailed onboard Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) accompanied by Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and screening destroyers departs Sasebo, Japan and heads to join United States Navy, Rear Admiral Charles C. Hartman taskforce.

Minesweeping TG 95.6 begins a second clearance effort focused on the port of Wonsan miles ahead of the minesweepers in the sea channel. Frogmen from underwater demolition teams (UDT) One and Three launching small boats from the Crosley-class high speed transport USS Diachenko (APD-123) and the high-speed transport USS Wantuck (APD-125) to reconnoiter the harbor. Their shallow-drafted landing craft personnel ramp (LCPR) boats traversed the harbor at high speed, receiving sporadic fire from North Korean forces ashore as they dropped and recovered swimmers from the frigid water. Most frogmen chose to abandon their newly issued wetsuits that proved too buoyant for them to readily dive beneath the surface and away from enemy fire. They swam in long johns, locating and marking mines hidden three to four feet beneath the surface with buoys. An early snow fell over Wonsan as the frogmen marked mine after mine, cut their mooring cables, and towed them out to sea for disposal. The frogmen also reconnoitered two outlying islands, Ung-do and Yo-do, in search of cables that would run to remote-controlled mines, but found none.

Japan

United States Army, General Walker notifies United States Army, General MacArthur, "The I ROK Corps has entered Wonsan and is now mopping up enemy resistance. The II ROK Corps [is] advancing north on the Wonsan area from the vicinity of Chorwon-Kumhwa-Kumsong." Then, apparently believing that this welcome news gives him sufficient license, General Walker announceses some plans of his own:

In order to support the planned operations of the ROK Army in securing the Wonsan area and advance to the west to Pyongyang in conjunction with the advance of the U. S. I Corps from the south and southeast, it is vital to provide for the supply of five divisions of the ROK Army through the port of Wonsan. Request that the harbor be swept clear of GF mines as soon as possible.

United States Army, General MacArthur however makes it clear to United States Army, General Walker, removing any delusions that Eighth Army (United States) is going to expand its mission. "Wonsan port facilities will be secured and utilized for operations of X Corps in accordance with the United Nations Command Operations Order No. 2," he instructs General Walker, the Navy will continue its sweeping operations to remove mines from Wonsan Harbor and will maintain its gunfire and air support of ROK divisions. But no additional LST's for carrying supplies to the ROK troops can be furnished until after (United States) troops have landed. MacArthur also tells Walker that the Eighth Army (United States) will lose the ROK forces in the Wonsan area when X Corps (United States) comes in. "I now plan to place X Corps in operational control of I ROK Corps. ..."

United States

At the request of the Department of State, they direct, Commander in Chief, Far East (CINCFE) to investigate the October 8th incident. This investigation showed that the Soviet accusation was justified.“’ United States Ambassador to the United Nations Warren Austin formally apologized before the UN Security Council and announced that the United States was willing to pay for the damage inflicted.

[lordroel]

Day 110 of the Korean War, October 12th 1950

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63), Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50), Worcester-class light cruiser USS Worcester (CL-144) and Fiji-class light cruiser HMS Ceylon (30) with destroyers screening carry's out a bombardment against the industrial city of Chongjin, only some 50 miles south of the border of the Soviet Union. The main targets were the road and rail communications system and the purely military objectives, since it is United States policy to leave all strategic targets, such as oil refineries and factories, to the United States Air Force.

Gleaves-class destroyer USS Doyle (DMS-34) bombards Rei To Island in support of an underwater demolition team from Crosley-class high speed transport USS Diachenko (APD-123).

United States Navy Admiral Arthur Dewey Struble onboard Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) arrived off Wonsan joining up with United States Navy, Rear Admiral Charles C. Hartman taskforce and headed north for a bombardment of Chongjin. With a screen composed of one Canadian, one British, and one Australian destroyer, and with combat air patrol and air spot provided by the fast carriers, Missouri and the cruisers conducted a deliberate and sustained bombardment of warehouses, rolling stock, and marshalling yards. Although the spotting provided by the carrier pilots was less than wholly satisfactory, owing to a lack of common grid charts, an absence of specialized training, and some serious communication difficulties, the bombarding ships reported the results as excellent.

Photo: The U.S. Navy heavy cruiser USS Helena (CA-75) fires her 8/55 main battery guns at Chongjin, North Korea. At that time, this was Helenas northernmost Korean War combat mission, 12 October 1950



Thirty-nine planes from the Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) and USS Leyte (CV-32) flew in to bomb a five-mile lane past Yo Do (Wonsan). Following the drop, minesweepers head on through the bombed area for the turn around Yo Do toward Kalma Pando. In the lead, echeloned to port in normal sweep formation, were Admirable-class minesweepers USS Pirate (AM-275), USS Pledge (AM-277) and USS Incredible (AM-249). No paravanes were streamed since there were none to stream, there had been no small boat exploration ahead of the sweep, and the searching helicopter could communicate with the sweepers only by relay through Gleaves-class destroyer USS Endicott (DD-495). At 1112 unswept waters were entered; as the sweepers came left around Yo Do many mines were cut and bobbed to the surface; at 1200 as the helicopter reported three lines ahead, underwater contacts were obtained on Pirate’s sound gear. Then came the blow. At 1209 Pirate hit a mine, blew up, capsized, and sank in four minutes. Pledge, the second ship, slowed and stopped, cut loose her gear, and lowered a boat to pick up survivors. In this awkward situation fire was opened on the sweepers from previously undetected batteries on Sin Do, and was replied to by Pledge and Endicott. As rescue operations were pressed the gunnery duel continued, while overhead the circling PBMs spotted the gunfire and called on Task Force 77 for an air strike. Ten minutes had gone by when at 1220, in an attempt to turn back into cleared waters, Pledge came left out of the swept lane, and in her turn hit a mine and began to sink. Two ships had been lost, 13 men were missing or dead, and 79 wounded. The rest of the day was spent in picking up the pieces and trying to decide what to do next.

Photo: Sailors and boats from USS Endicott rescuing survivors from USS Pirate and USS Pledge, 12 October 1950. Viewed from USS Endicott



United States

The CIA submits a report that reaffirms earlier assessments by the Agency that China probably will not intervene, since the disadvantages of participation, from a Chinese viewpoint, appears to outweigh the advantages. The conclusion was: While full-scale Chinese Communist intervention in Korea must be regarded as a continuing possibility, a consideration of all known factors leads to the conclusion that barring a Soviet decision for global war, such action is not probable in 1950. During this period, intervention will probably be confined to continued covert assistance to the North Koreans. This conclusion was evidently accepted by the Truman administration. Nor was it challenged in Tokyo.

United nations

The Interim Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations formally resolves that the United Nations recognize no government as having "legal and effective control" over all of Korea. The committee asked that the unified command (U.S. Government) assume provisionally all responsibilities for the government and civil administration of all parts of North Korea coming under control of the U.N. forces "pending consideration by the United Nations Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea of the administration of these territories."

[lordroel]

Day 111 of the Korean War, October 13th 1950

YouTube (Allies press northward as Seoul is liberated)



Land operations - Korean peninsula

United States Army, Master Sergeant John R. Wilson becomes the first U.S. Counterintelligence Corps officer to be killed in the Korean War. Alerted to an attack by enemy guerrilla forces on the small town of Pangso-ri, Wilson organized his contingent of 30 Korean police and interpreters into a defensive force. Taking with him four Koreans, Wilson personally led an attack on a house containing enemy troops.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

With the capture of Kalma Pando airfield by ROK troops had opened a door to Wonsan. therefore, United States Marines, Major General Field Harris, X Corps Tactical Air Commander, fly's in and after looking things over ordered up two Marine fighter squadrons. Major General Field Harris suggests that since the South Koreans are already in control of Wonsan that the amphibious assault be canceled. However, the momentum of the operation, coupled with the snarled logistics situation in South Korea, precludes a major change of plans at this point. Although the operation can be changed from an amphibious assault to an administrative landing, the troops of the 1st Marine Division and 7th Infantry Division are still going to come in by sea.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (G07) acting as mine detection and screening ship leads Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63), Worcester-class light cruiser USS Worcester (CL-144) and Fiji-class light cruiser HMS Ceylon (30) to their target area off Tanchon, a small port near Songjin. As usual there is no enemy opposition and the bombardment is successfully carried out. One mine is encountered, a floater, which Athabaskan promptly sinks by gun-fire.

In the Yellow Sea, Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Sir William G. Andrewes ships bombard Haeju while Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier HMS Theseus (R64)flying strikes against the city of Chinnampo. On the east coast, United States Navy, Admiral Hartman’s group, joined by Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133) and the Gearing-class destroyer USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833) separate to shoot up five coastal targets along a 120-mile stretch south from Chongjin.

A say after the loss of Admirable-class minesweepers USS Pirate (AM-275) and USS Pledge (AM-277), Minesweeping TG 95.6 clearance continues, but Admirable-class minesweeper USS Incredible (AM-249), the sole remaining steel-hulled ship, had lost both engines while recovering the crews of the Pirate and Pledge. Only four wooden-hulled “splinter fleet” minesweepers under United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander D’Arcy Shouldice, Commander, Mine Division-31, remainend along with ROK and Japanese vessels. Light on minesweepers, Spofford augment his force with all the small boats and frogmen he could assemble. Accompanied by a few sympathetic Koreans, the small boat crews took to marking mines spotted by helicopter and PBM crews under DeForest’s direction.

US Navy divers go down to the wrecks of Admirable-class minesweepers USS Pirate (AM-275) and USS Pledge (AM-277) for the retrieval or destruction of any sensitive gear or materials such as crypto material. The wrecks after the search and retrieval of any material of value ore importance where then subsequently destroyed.

Map: A battle map of Operation Wonsan



South Korea

Photo: LST-742 on 13 October 1950 at Wolmi-Do Island, Inchon Harbor, loading supplies for the upcoming Woson invasion. Note that the ship is high and dry at low tide



Photo: Ammunition is loaded into an LCM from the U.S. Navy attack transport USS Bayfield (APA-33) for the Wonsan invasion during the Korean War on 13 October 1950



China

The Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party holds an emergency meeting to reconsider its earlier decision to send Chinese forces into North Korea, in light of news that the Soviet Union is not going to provide its air force for at least a month. Eventually, Peng Dehuai and Gao Gang overcame the objections voiced by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and Premier of Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government, Zhou Enlai and the invasion continues. To this end, 200,000 Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA) troops will cross the Yalu into North Korea, UN aerial reconnaissance will have difficulty sighting PVA units in daytime, because their march and bivouac discipline minimized detection. The PVA will march "dark-to-dark" (19:00–03:00), and aerial camouflage (concealing soldiers, pack animals, and equipment) is to deployed by 05:30. Meanwhile, daylight advance parties will scout for the next bivouac site. During daylight activity or marching, soldiers will remain motionless if an aircraft appears. PVA officers are under orders to shoot security violators. Such battlefield discipline will allow a three-division army to march the 460 km (286 mi) from An-tung, Manchuria, to the combat zone in 19 days.

[lordroel]

Day 112 of the Korean War, October 14th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

After much fighting, the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) captures Kumch’on. With I Corps soldiers moving through the enemy’s principal fortified positions between the 38th Parallel and P’yongyang, the North Korean capital city, enemy front lines as such have ceased to exist.

Map: The Kumchon Pocket 9-14 October 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

Two Communist aircraft raid Inchon Harbor and Kimpo airfield. Far East Air Force (FEAF) suspects they have come from Sinuiju, North Korea, on the Chinese border.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Flying the Vought F4U-4 Corsair, Marine Air Squadron (VMF 312) begins operating in the Wonsan area.

At Wonsan, a channel has been cleared of contact mines and sweeps commenced to locate any magnetic bottom influence mines. To this point, there had been no evidence of any.

China

The Thirteenth Corps (Chinese People's Volunteer Army) crosses the Yalu River that marks the border between China and North Korea.

Netherlands

Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dirk Stikker receives a cable from his chargé d'affaires in Beijing, announcing that four Communist Chinese divisions have crossed the border. Stikker immediately notifies United States Ambassador to the Netherlands, Selden Chapin, who reports the news to the U.S. Department of State

[lordroel]

Day 113 of the Korean War, October 15th 1950

YouTube (The Americans invade North Korea!)



Air operations - Korean peninsula

CCF anti-aircraft artillery for the first time shoot down an F-51 over the Yalu River near Sinuiju.

Headquarters 5th Air Force in Korea openes in Seoul.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

United States Navy, Captain,Spofford is convinced that a channel to Wonsan has been cleared of moored contact mines. Subsequently, Crosley-class high speed transport
USS Diachenko (APD-123) makes a safe passage to the outskirts of the harbor.

Wake Island

(United States) President Truman and United States Army, General MacArthur met for a conference at Wake Island, after Truman's plane arrived at 6:30 in the morning local time (1:30 pm Saturday in Washington).

Photo: General of the Army MacArthur greets President Truman at the conference



The President and General MacArthur first conferred privately for approximately an hour. Afterward, President Truman openes the general conference by asking the United Nations commander to give his views on the problems facing the United States in rehabilitating Korea. In reply MacArthur is extremely optimistic, stating that he believes that formal resistance by the enemy will end by Thanksgiving. The North Korean Army is pursuing a forlorn hope in resisting the United Nations forces then attacking it. The enemy, according to MacArthur, has only about 100,000 men left and these are poorly trained, led, and equipped. They are fighting obstinately, but only to save face. "Orientals," General MacArthur pointed out, "prefer to die rather than to lose face."

General MacArthur describes his tactical plan in broad outline, saying that he was landing X Corps at captured Wonsan from which this corps could cut across the peninsula to P'yongyang in one week. He compares this planned maneuver to the Inch'on operation and nots that the North Koreans have once again erred fatally in not deploying in depth. "When the gap is closed, the same thing will happen in the north as happened in the south."

Eighth Army (United States), if things go according to General MacArthur's schedule, will be withdrawn to Japan by Christmas. The 2nd Infantry Division (United States) and 3rd Infantry Division (United States) and certain U.N. units of smaller size will remain in Korea under the X Corps (United States) to carry out security missions and to support the United Nations Commission for the Rehabilitation and Unification of Korea. He hopes that elections can be held before the first of the year, thus avoiding a military occupation. "All occupations are failures," General MacArthur commentes.

United States Army, General General Omar Bradley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who was is concerned over the shortage of American forces in Europe and who sees the end of the Korean War as an opportunity to get another division into Europe in a hurry, asked General MacArthur if the 2nd Infantry Division (United States) and 3rd Infantry Division (United States) can be made available for shipment to Europe by January. MacArthur responds with a promise to make either division ready for shipment by that time, but recommends that the 2nd Infantry Division (United States) be sent since it is a battle-proven organization and better trained than the newly arrived 3rd Infantry Division (United States).

Before their 1-day conference ended, President Truman asked MacArthur what chance there was of Chinese interference. The United Nations commander replies: Very little. Had they interfered in the first or second months it would have been decisive. We are no longer fearful of their intervention. We no longer stand hat in hand. The Chinese have 300,000 men in Manchuria. Of these probably not more than 100/125,000 are distributed along the Yalu River. Only 50/60,000 could be gotten across the Yalu River. The Chinese have no Air Force. Now that we have bases for our Air Force in Korea, if the Chinese tried to get down to Pyongyang there would be the greatest slaughter.

General MacArthur then deals with Soviet probable actions. The Soviets, he says, have available some 1,300 aircraft, which are “probably no match for our Air Force.” There are no Soviet troops readily available for Korea; it would take them six weeks to put troops into that country, “and six weeks brings the winter.” Soviet air support of Chinese ground forces is possible but is unlikely to be effective, since air-ground coordination requires intensive training.

YouTube (President Truman and General MacArthur at Wake Island)

[lordroel]

Day 114 of the Korean War, October 16th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

At 6:00 pm local time, a reconnaissance team from the 42nd Army of China's People's Volunteers crossed the Ji'an Bridge over the Yalu River and moved 60 miles into Korea, followed by the 370th regiment of the 124th Division (Chinese People's Volunteer Army) that crossed the river at another bridge at Ji'an-Manpu, advancing 20 miles. Combined, these have been described as "the first Chinese combat troops to enter North Korea."

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

At Wonsan, a North Korean prisoner of war reported that magnetic mines had been laid in Wonsan. The next day, contradictory reporting was received, but United States Navy, Lieutenant commander DeForest’s recovery of a coil from a magnetic mine strongly suggested such mines had been laid.

United Nations occupied North Korea

The North Koreans and their helpers had not confined laying mines at Wonsan to the waters in the harbor. The beaches were also heavily planted with land mines. This had been expected, and as soon as the I Corps (South Korea had secured Wonsan it cleared the beaches of mines. Today a unusual incident growing out of this work occurred. At the north end of the Wonsan Harbor ROK troops had stacked about 1,000 20-pound box mines they had just lifted from the beaches. A ROK lieutenant and five enlisted men decided to have a private celebration, and, moving off about 200 yards, the lieutenant fired into the stacked mines. The mines exploded, shattering panes of glass in the provincial capital building two miles away. Unfortunately, they also killed the six ROK's.

Japan

Upon his return from Wake Island, United States Army, General MacArthur moves vigorously to validate his prediction of imminent victory. Although enemy mines have temporarily stymied the landing of the X Corps (United States), MacArthur does have troops in North Korea in the east as well as on the west and west central front. As a first step in exploiting the situation in the east, he places all units in the Wonsan area under Almond's command. United States Army, General MacArthur tells United States Army, General Edwin Walker: In order to exploit to the maximum all forces under CINCUNC and to implement the full concept of operations . . . X Corps, operating as an independent Corps of GHQ Reserve, will, effective at 1200 hours, 20 October 1950, and until further orders, assume operational control of all UN and ROK ground forces operating north of 39 degrees and 10 minutes north.

[lordroel]

Day 115 of the Korean War, October 17th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

At Wonsan, the menace of North Korean operated shore batteries is removed when ground forces of the I Corps (South Korea), which have already captured Wonsan, gain control of the peninsulas and islands commanding the harbor approaches.

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Pyongyang)

It has become clear by the time the UN troops reached Sariwon that the remaining Korean People's Army (KPA) forces can not attempt a strong defense of Pyongyang without incurring total destruction or capture. The KPA by this time not only had to contend with I Corps (United States), approaching Pyongyang along the main Seoul axis from the south, but also the enveloping movements of the Republic of Korea Army (ROK) forces from the southeast and east. Some of these forces, if they continued their rapid advance for a few days more, would almost certainly cut on the north the highways and exits from the city. Pyongyang would then be surrounded and any forces retained in and around the city for its defense would face either destruction or surrender.

The flanking operation originally conceived by United States Army, General Douglas MacArthur, Commander of the United Nations Command for X Corps (United States) after it had landed on the east coast at Wonsan had, in fact, been carried out by ROK units under Eighth Army (United States) control before a single soldier of X Corps (United States) land in the east. By the evening, four ROK divisions were racing each other, as well as the American and British units of the I Corps (United States), to be first in reaching Pyongyang. The 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) only 15 miles (24 km) away to the southeast, was closest of all UN units to the city. On its right flank, the 7th Infantry Division (South Korea) was swinging toward Pyongyang from the east. Still further east the 8th Infantry Division (South Korea) had almost reached Yangdok in the central mountains where it would turn west on the Pyongyang-Wonsan lateral road. And, finally, the 6th Infantry Division (South Korea) was just short of Yangdok on this road, fifty air miles east of Pyongyang, after having turned west on October 15th from Wonsan on the coast, which it had reached by the road from Hwacheon. Thus, US I Corps (United States) was nearing Pyongyang from the south and southeast, the 7th Infantry Division (South Korea) from the southeast, and the 8th Infantry Division (South Korea) and 6th Infantry Division (South Korea) from the northeast. With approximately seven UN divisions converging on Pyongyang, obviously the KPA in its state of depletion, disorganization, and demoralization could not hold the city.

The Eighth Army (United States) intelligence officer estimated that less than 8,000 effectives of the 17th Infantry Division (North Korea) and 32nd Infantry Division (North Korea) are available for defense of Pyongyang. The estimate concluded that the KPA will undertake a token defense of the city while the main force withdraws northward across the Ch'ongch'on River for further operations.

It is the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) that wins the role of leading the attack into Pyongyang (British 27th Brigade attached to it), beating the 24th Infantry Division (United States) into Sariwon. Leading elements of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division (United States), are still several miles south of Sariwon when orders came at 17:00 to stop and hold up the attack because UN troops were already in the town. Morale in the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) is high. Most of the soldiers heard and passed on a rumor that the city is their final objective in the war, and once it is taken the American troops will leave Korea. Since the 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States) is the unit farthest north, United States Army, General Hobart R. Gay, commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) orders it to resume the advance on Pyongyang at daylight October 18th. The 3rd Battalion at Hwangju becomes the assault battalion even though its men were tired from their long night movement to the town.

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Sariwon)

With many Korean People's Army (KPA) units falling back under pressure from UN forces the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade under British Army, Brigadier Basil Coad—–comprising the 1st Battalion, the Argyll and Sutherland Highland Regiment, the 1st Battalion, the Middlesex Regiment and 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) captures the town of Sariwon during a confused and largely one-sided action. Elements of the 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States) are also involved. KPA casualties included 215 killed and more than 3,700 captured, whilst British-Commonwealth losses are 1 killed and 3 wounded (all of them from the Argylls).

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

The massive Wonsan attack force gets underway from Inchon, having re-embarked the 1st Marine Division (United States) and the heavy vehicles of the 7th Infantry Division (United States). The troops of the 7th Infantry Division (United States) have gone south by truck to embark ships at Pusan.

Japanese contract minesweeper MS-14 struck a contact mine and sank off the southern shore of Yo Do in the approaches to Wonsan, with one crewman killed and 18 wounded. United States Army, General MacArthur impose a news blackout of the sinking to minimize any political blowback in Japan to Japanese ships and personnel being used in a combat zone.

ROK LST BM SF-673 struck a mine in the Wonsan outer harbor after cutting a corner; fortunately the ship suffered only minor damage and no deaths, and continued into port.

Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Helena (CA-75) and Worcester-class cruiser USS Worcester (CL-144) shell the port of Songjin north of Wonsan, but enemy activity along the entire east coast of North Korea has effectively ceased so the ships had little to shoot at, and even the aircraft of TF-77 are having a hard time finding useful targets.

YouTube (The Allied naval warships attack the Korean coast - 1950)



Air operations - Korean peninsula

Just one day after the capture of Sinmak, less than 50 miles southeast of Pyongyang, Combat Cargo Command begins airlifting fuel and rations there to sustain a UN offensive toward the North Korean capital. The command also began aeromedical evacuations from Sinmak to Kimpo.

Japan

With United States Army, General Walker's troops approaching P'yongyang, United States Army, General MacArthur issues new orders designed to wring every advantage out of the favorable battlefield situation. He sets up a boundary between the Eighth Army (United States) and the X Corps (United States) to become effective on his further order. MacArthur wants the Eighth Army (United States) to advance on the left of the new boundary to the general line Sonch'on-Chongsanjangsi-Koin-dong-Pyongwon. The X Corps (United States) will advance to the eastern extension of this line, Toksil-li-Pungsan-Songjin. For this general advance, MacArthur removes the restrictions against using any but ROK forces north of the line Ch'ongju-Kunu-ri-Yongwon-Hamhung. But he directs that only ROK troops will operate north of the new objective line. His new concept, of course, also cancels his previous plan to cross and seal off the peninsula between P'yongyang and Wonsan. For the new objective line ranged from 80 to 130 miles north of the P'yongyang-Wonsan road and approached within 40 miles of the Manchurian border.

[lordroel]

Day 116 of the Korean War, October 18th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Pyongyang)

On the second day of the battle of Pyongyang, the 3rd battalion (United States) crossed the ford in Hwangju and began the advance. Resistance was light until the leading elements of the battalion arrived in front of the high ground south of Hukkyo-ri, halfway to Pyongyang. There KPA high velocity gun and heavy 120-mm mortar fire struck the column. United States Army, Captain Webel, the regimental S-3, estimated that a reinforced battalion of about 800 men held the prepared KPA defensive positions. Twenty tanks of C Company, 70th Tank Battalion (United States) supported the battalion, but they had to contend with fire from three or four dug-in KPA tanks and a mined roadway. In the midst of the fighting, KPA small arms fire shot down an F-51 fighter plane. United States Army, General Frank W. Milburn, the I Corps' commander, watched the action from an apple orchard at the side of the road, and about midafternoon General Gay came up and joined him. Dissatisfied with the progress of the attack, Gay ordered the regimental commander, United States Army, Colonel James K. Woolnough, who had temporarily replaced United States Army, Colonel Harris, to start the other two battalions on flank movements against the enemy-held ridge. United States Army, Captain Webel protested to United States Army, General Gay that the PVA position was all but taken and that commitment of the other two battalions was unnecessary. But Gay let the order stand when he learned from Woolnough that the latter had already started to implement it. The two battalions upon coming up moved off toward the KPA flanks in what proved to be a nightlong movement. The next morning they found the enemy positions abandoned.

After giving the order on the 18th for a full regimental attack on the Hukkyo-ri position, United States Army, General Gay informed United States Army, Colonel Woolnough that the 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States) would pass through the 7th Cavalry Cavalry Regiment (United States) the next morning and take up the attack on Pyongyang. He then went back and found 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States) commander, United States Army, Colonel Marcel Crombez and gave him the order. The 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States) was still strung out on the mountainous secondary road it had been traveling behind the 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States) from Sohung to Hwangju. Crombez did not have the last battalion in bivouac until 23:00 that night.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

The crew of an RB-29 reconnaissance plane discovered the presence of over seventy-five fighter aircraft at Antung’s airfield, located on the Chinese side of the Yalu River and near North Korea, indicating a potential intervention by Communist China in the conflict.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Commencement Bay-class escort carriers USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116) and USS Sicily (CVE-118) arrive of the coast of Wonsan to cover the minesweeping operations there.

United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander D’Arcy Shouldice, Commander, Mine Division-31, minesweepers conducting what are thought to be final operations off Wonsan when the third ship in the formation, YMS-1-class minesweeper USS Redhead (AMS-34) triggers a magnetic bottom influence with the kite and float, which resulted in a sympathetic detonation of another mine about 150 yards away. The skipper of Redhead, United States Navy, Lieutenant (junior grade) T. R. Howard, describes it as “suddenly the whole ocean started to erupt.” Although, fortunately, no ship is seriously damaged (as neither mine detonation was a direct hit), the minesweepers cut their gear and stopped all machinery except for one engine and slowly moved away. However, inadequate communications capability prevents the U.S. minesweepers from sending a timely warning to a South Korean formation heading for the same spot.

Commanded by Korean Navy, Commander Sihak Hyun, embarked on PC-461-class submarine chaser ROKS Jirisan (PC-704). The original Korean formation was supposed to be led by YMS-1 Class Minesweeper ROKS Gongju (YMS-516), followed by PC-461-class submarine chaser ROKS Jirisan (PC-704), YMS-1 Class Minesweeper ROKS Ganggyeong (YMS 510) and six small power boats bringing up the rear. However, the commanding officer of YMS-516 never acknowledged repeated orders to take the lead. Instead, PC-704 took the lead, followed by a power boat with YMS-516 in third position. As the ROKN force moved forward at one-third speed on one engine, the two explosions were observed detonating just behind the American minesweepers. Still cautiously moving forward, two minutes later a magnetic bottom mine blasted YMS-516, breaking her in two and quickly sending her to the bottom with four crewmen killed and 13 missing. Redhead assisted in rescuing survivors from YMS-516.

Photo: Republic of Korea minesweeper YMS-516 sinking in Wonsan harbor, 18 October 1950, after she detonated a magnetic mine during sweeping operations west of Kalma Pando. USS Redhead (AMS-34) is just to the right of the sinking ship, rescuing survivors, as is another minesweeper to the left. Photographed from USS Merganser (AMS-26)



With a magnetic mine threat now confirmed, United States Navy, Vice Admiral Struble had to recommend a postponement of the October 20th D-Day.

South Korea

The 1st Turkish Brigade arrive in South Korea with more than 4,500 troops. The Turkish Brigade is mainly a Turkish Army units and is comprised of three infantry battalions, field infantry battalion, engineering company, anti-aircraft battery, truck company, signal platoon, medical company, repair and maintenance unit, military band, and a replacement company.

China

Chairman of the Communist Party of China, Mao Zedong orders the commanders of the People's Volunteer Army (PVA) to cross the Yalu the following night: It has been decided that the four armies and three artillery divisions will follow our original plan to enter northern Korea for war opera-tions. These troops will start to cross the [Yalu] River from the An-dong-Ji’an section tomorrow (the 19th) evening. In order to maintain strict secrecy, the troops should start to cross the river after dusk every day and stop [crossing] at four o’clock the next morning; by five all troops should be completely under cover, which should be carefully checked…

[lordroel]

Day 117 of the Korean War, October 19th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Pyongyang)

At 05:00 on the third day of the Battle of Pyongyang, United States Army, Lieutenant colonel Paul Clifford's 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States), led north out of Hwangju. When it arrived at the 7th Cavalry lines at Hukkyo-ri those troops had just repulsed a KPA counterattack. At this point three KPA tanks rumbled up and were knocked out by a 5th Cavalry Bazooka team. F Company, led by 1st Lt. James H. Bell, reinforced with five tanks, a platoon of engineers, and a section of heavy machine guns, now passed through the 7th Cavalry Cavalry Regiment (United States) and led the 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States) toward Pyongyang. Just as Bell was passing the first of the burning enemy tanks a friendly plane swooped down and rocketed it. The concussion almost made him a casualty. Flights of jet planes coursed overhead in advance of F Company and, on at least two occasions, they helped supporting artillery reduce KPA forces that threatened to delay its advance. Colonel Crombez, and a small command group followed immediately behind F Company most of the morning and pushed it hard.

At 11:02, United States Army, Lieutenant Bell's F Company reached the 20 yards (18 m) wide Mujin-ch'on River, a tributary of the Taedong River at the southern edge of Pyongyang. KPA troops from behind a 20 feet (6.1 m) embankment on the north side defended the highway bridge over it with three antitank guns. Bell's troops were delayed there for about half an hour until their mortar fire caused the KPA gun crews to abandon the antitank guns. Bell's F Company then crossed the Mujin-ch'on and entered the southwestern edge of Pyongyang. Bell received orders to turn west and seize certain factory buildings, the railroad bridges, and a bridgehead on the north bank of the Taedong. In about half an hour he reached the river's southern bank and found that only one span of each of the two railroad bridges (each 3-span) was intact. After a hasty examination of the eastern bridge, Bell decided that infantry could cross on one of its spans to an island in the river. Leaving some riflemen and the Engineer platoon at its southern end to guard the tanks which gave supporting fire, he led the rest of F Company across to the island and secured it by midafternoon. While F Company was crossing to the island, KPA on the north bank destroyed a section of the bridge still intact there. During the afternoon the 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, crossed to the island and relieved F Company, which then moved back to the Pyongyang airfield on the south bank.

While F Company was trying to seize the railroad bridges over the Taedong, the rest of the 2nd Battalion (United States) crossed the Mujin-ch'on and turned right toward the main highway bridge which crossed the Taedong River about midway on the city waterfront. This was the only bridge still intact when UN troops entered Pyongyang. When the leading elements of E and G Companies neared the bridge the KPA blew up the center span. Almost simultaneously with the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) arrival at Pyongyang the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) entered the city on the Sibyon-ni-Pyongyang road at a point northeast of the 1st Cavalry Division (United States). On the night of October 18th the chances had appeared excellent for the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) to be first into Pyongyang. After a day of very heavy fighting in which it gained 2 miles (3.2 km), it was only 8 miles (13 km) away, while the leading elements of the 1st Cavalry Division (United States) were about 30 miles (48 km) away. But the KPA made a stronger fight against the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) than against the 1st Cavalry Division (United States), possibly because it was closer to the city and the more immediate threat. Also, the road on which the ROK approached Pyongyang was heavily mined with both antipersonnel and antitank mines. The division fought throughout the rainy night and finally overcame a KPA strongpoint an hour or two after daybreak. KPA emplacements and automatic fire stopped the ROK infantry again about 6 miles (9.7 km) from the city near Kojo-dong. Tanks of C Company, 6th Tank Battalion (United States), in the ensuing ROK attack enveloped the KPA positions from both flanks, destroyed self-propelled guns, and overran the KPA entrenchments, physically crushing machine guns and KPA soldiers. It was estimated that the tanks in this action killed nearly 300 North Koreans. According to Republic of Korea Army, General Paik Sun-yup commanding officer of the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea), extensive minefields in the street behind the overrun KPA positions delayed the tanks, but the infantry of the ROK 2nd Battalion, 12th Regiment (South Korea), kept moving and Republic of Korea Army, General Paik Sun-yup affirms that they arrived at the edge of the Taedong River just before 11:00 and deployed along the south bank northeast of the highway bridge. Leading elements of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States), arrived at the traffic circle 100 yards (91 m) east of the highway bridge almost at the same time. The leading tanks of C Company, 6th Tank Battalion (United States), were in the southern edge of the city, according to their own records, at 12:45. Tanks of D Company, 6th Medium Tank Battalion, entered the city along the same approach a little later, turned north, and together with troops of the 11th Regiment secured the Pyongyang airfield at 14:40. Other ROK units earlier had secured a smaller airfield a few miles to the east.

Photo: US 1st infantry division soldiers are waving ROK flag on their way to Pyeongyang, October 19, 1950



After the KPA blew the highway bridge across the Taedong, elements of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States), continued northeast along the river searching for a ford reported to be located there. When they found it a few miles east of the city they discovered that elements of the 15th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) already had crossed the river there, and others were then in the act of crossing into the main part of the city. Later, United States Army, Colonel Crombez asked Republic of Korea Army, General Paik Sun-yup how his troops found the ford so quickly. Paik answered, "I am a native of Pyongyang. I know the fords." By dark most of the 1st Infantry Division (South Korea) was in the main part of Pyongyang north of the Taedong River. Meanwhile, the 8th Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division (South Korea) swung into north Pyongyang from the east and was in possession of Kim Il Sung University in the northern part of the city by 17:00.

Map: Capture of Pyongyang 15-19 October 1950



Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Working to clear the port of Wonsan of mines, the four wooden-hulled “splinter fleet” minesweepers under United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander D’Arcy Shouldice, Commander, Mine Division-31 use small-boat teams employing improvised sweep gear configured to detonate the magnetic mines however as one of the frogmen who was clearing the mines recalls how his team would declare the harbor clear, only to return the following day and discover that new mines had been laid. The UDTs assessed that local fishermen were still laying mines at night despite ROK control of the port. They split duty between mine clearance in the daytime and all-night patrols to prevent the remining of the harbor, and would sink several enemy fishing vessels engaged in surreptitious mining before the harbor opened.

With a magnetic mine threat now confirmed at Wonsan, United States Navy, Vice Admiral Arthur Dewey Struble, commander of the United States Seventh Fleet has to recommend a postponement of the October 20th D-Day. Although small craft begin bringing critical supplies ashore, a channel for larger ships will take another week to clear, requiring that the 250-ship Attack Force (and over 50,000 embarked troops), which will arrive on October 20th, to continue steaming about smartly off Wonsan.

United States Navy, Rear Admiral Doyle onboard the Mount McKinley class of amphibious force command ship USS Mount McKinley (AGC-7)arrives off Wonsan on the afternoon and anchors in the swept channel. The rest of the Transport and Tractor groups arrive shortly after, but are obliged to remain at sea as magnetic minesweeping operations continue.

Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Cayuga (R04) on a patrol north of Inchon with Fiji-class cruiser HMS Kenya (14), with Cayuga in the lead steaming north towards the approaches to Chinnampo when Cayuga’s sonar operator suddenly reported mines dead ahead at a range of 400 yards. There being a known mine-field to port, Cayuga turns sharply to starboard, at the same time flashing an emergency-turn signal to Kenya. Some tense moments occur as the destroyer’s stern swung clear of the mine-field, but the danger was detected in time and both ships escaped. Subsequent plotting revealed that Cayuga’s screws could only have missed the leading mine by a few feet.

Photo: A U.S. Navy Douglas AD-3W Skyraider of Composite Squadron 11 (VC-11) Det.3 prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) for a night heckler mission over Korea, circa 19 October 1950. Vought F4U-4B Corsairs of Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113) "Stingers" or VF-114 "Executioners" fighters are parked in the right background. The ship's Sikorsky HO3S-1 of Helicopter Utility Squadron 1 (HU-1) Det.3 "Pacific Fleet Angels" is overhead, in the upper left distance



Photo: U.S. Navy ordnancemen haul bombs on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). preparing planes for attacks on enemy targets in Korea, circa 19 October 1950. A Douglas AD-4 Skyraider of Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) "Arabs" is behind them, with bombs on its wing racks



Air operations - Korean peninsula

After a battle at Hukkyori, some 10 miles south of the North Korean capital, UN forces entered Pyongyang. Fifth Air Force fighters provided crucial air support to 1st Cavalry Division (United States) troops during this battle.

United Nations occupied North Korea

United States Army, General Edward Almond goes ashore at Wonsan by helicopter to take charge of the I Corps (South Korea) which is still moving rapidly to the north. As of this day, the 1st Marine Air Wing (United States) has been flying out of Wonsan Airfield for five days; and shore parties, engineers, and advance billeting parties are in Wonsan preparing for the landing of the 1st Marine Division (United States).

China

Commander and the Commissar of the People's Volunteer Army, General Peng Dehuai, accompaned by an assistant and two bodyguards, travels across the Yalu River between Dandong, China, and Sinuiju, North Korea, then orders the bulk of the People's Volunteer Army (PVA) to advance. As dusk fallsat 5:30 p.m., the mass invasion of North Korea from China gets underway, with 255,000 Chinese troops crossing the Yalu River over three different bridges.

[lordroel]

Day 118 of the Korean War, October 20th 1950

Air operations - Korean peninsula

In the first large-scale paratrooper mission of the Korean War, Combat Cargo Command drops the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (United States) into the areas of Sukchon and Sunchon to the north of Pyongyang on a rescue mission. 113 planes, C-119's and C-47's of the 314th and 21st Troop Carrier Squadrons based in Japan drop 2,800 troops and 300 tons of equipment and supplies at Sukchon and Sunchon, each transport was crowded, with a typical C-119 transporting, 46 men in 2 sticks of 23 men each, 15 monorail bundles, and 4 door bundles. Each man had a main parachute, a .45-caliber pistol, and a carbine or M1 rifle. The 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team was tasked with cutting off retreating KPA forces withdrawing up the west coast of the Korean Peninsula and releasing US and South Korean POWs. The 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment's 1st and 3rd Battalions (1/187 and 3/187 ABN) drop southeast of Sukchon to seize the town, hold the high ground to the north and block the highway and rail line south of Sukchon, cutting off the main supply route and line of communication that led north from Pyongyang; the 2nd Battalion (2/187 ABN) is dropped near Sunchon, 24 kilometres (15 mi) east of Sukchon to seize the town, block another highway and rail line, and intercept a POW train that US intelligence indicates was moving northwards by night from Pyongyang. The US paratroopers were to hold their positions until relieved by the Eighth Army (United States) push northwards to link up with them, a task that was expected to be completed within two days.

Map: 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team Airborne Attack on Sukchon and Sunchon, 20 October 1950



Combat Cargo Command begins airlifting Eighth Army (United States) supplies to Pyongyang.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Due the mine sweepings of Wonsan still going on, the 1st Marine Division (United States) steams back and forth outside the harbor, a maneuver that the Marines promptly dubbed "Operation Yo-yo." Meanwhile, the 7th Division (United States) remains idly afloat in Pusan Harbor awaiting word to proceed to the objective area.

South Korea

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), No. 91 (Composite) Wing is established at Pohang, South Korea. No. 91 (Composite) Wing commanded by Royal Australian Air Force, Group Captain A.D. (Dallas) Charlton, No. 91 Wing is given administrative responsibility for all RAAF units operating in South Korea and Japan. As well as No. 77 Squadron, this included the newly formed No. 391 (Base) Squadron and No. 491 (Maintenance) Squadron and No. 30 Communications Flight, formerly No. 77 Squadron Communications Flight. Apart from No. 77 Squadron, the wing's units are all headquartered at Iwakuni, Japan.

United Nations occupied North Korea

Flying onboard his own plane, United States Army, General MacArthur, accompanied by General George E. Stratemeyer, the commanding general of Far East Air Forces, United States Army, Brigadier General Edwin Kennedy Wright, assigned to General Douglas MacArthur's G-3 operations staff at headquarters Far East Command (Tokyo) and United States Army, Major General Courtney Whitney, Chief of Government Section at the headquarters Far East Command (Tokyo) watch the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (United States) land and assemble. He then flew to P'yongyang, where he commented to reporters that the airborne landings seem to have completely surprised the North Koreans and that "This closes the trap on the enemy." When he returned to Tokyo on 21 October, he predicted that "the war is very definitely coming to an end shortly."

United States

The Department of State, having been warned by the CIA that Communist China might send forces across the Yalu to protect the Suiho hydroelectric plant near Sinuiju, asked that United States Army, General MacArthur sends assurance to the UN Security Council that his command has no intention of interfering with the operations of the plant or of altering the distribution of its output.

Joint Strategic and Operations Group (JSPOG) staff prepare detail plans for the withdrawal of forces from Korea and for keeping certain units as occupation troops with Commander-in-Chief, Far East (CINCFE) Operations Plan No. 202 outlining procedures to be followed after combat operations has dwindled, so that some U.N. forces can be withdrawn from Korea. The plan assumes that the fighting will end in the destruction of organized enemy forces, but that North Korean guerrillas will still resist in the mountains. The plan also assumed that neither Soviet nor Chinese Communist forces will intervene. United States Army, General MacArthur, as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command, will carry out such missions and functions as becomes necessary to bring things to a satisfactory conclusion in Korea. X Corps (United states) will stay in Korea for occupation duty. It will have one American division, plus all other U.N. units in Korea, ROK Army units, and KMAG. The U.N. units will be withdrawn progressively, with European units leaving first. Insofar as possible, no forces other than ROK will be stationed in South Korea. The Eighth Army (United States) headquarters, along with its original four American divisions, will return to Japan; and the 5th Infantry Regiment (United States) will go back to Hawaii. Within Japan, after the return of the Eighth Army (United States), the Northern and Southwestern Commands will be dissolved and their functions assumed by the Eighth Army (United States). The Japan Logistical Command will be retained to perform all army logistic functions in Japan.