Korean War (1950 – 1953) in Real Time

Day 16 of the Korean War, July 10th 1950

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Carefully timing air strikes to coincide with the departure of United States Air Force counter-air patrols for refueling, four North Korean Yaks bombed and strafed the United States Army, 19th Infantry Regiment at Chongju.

The Fifth Air Force began using T-6 trainer aircraft for forward air control missions, because liaison airplanes are not fast enough to elude enemy fire.

F-80s caught an enemy convoy stopped at a bombed-out bridge near Pyongtaek. Along with B-26s and F-82s, they attacked the convoy and claimed destruction of 117 trucks, thirty-eight tanks, and seven halftracks.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Juneau-class light cruiser, USS Juneau (CL-119) and Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Mansfield (DD-728) steamed north in the Sea of Japan to put a demolition party ashore in North Korea. Its mission was to blow up a key railroad tunnel between Tanchon and Songjin on the northeast coast of South Korea. Doing so would cut the rail line from Vladivostok, Soviet Union, necessitating that further Soviet supplies take the much longer way around through Manchuria. Led by the executive officer of Juneau, United States Navy, Commander William B. Porter, the party included a lieutenant, four enlisted Marines, and four gunner’s mates. At midnight on 11–12 July, Mansfield pulled within 1,000 yards of the North Korean coast. The demolition party went ashore in a motor whaleboat. Other than dealing with cliff-like terrain, the infiltration went well and two 60-pound explosive charges were placed in the tunnel, rigged to detonate with the passage of the next train. Commander Porter and his party thus became the first United States military personnel to “invade” North Korea. Porter was awarded a Legion of Merit with Combat V for leading the operation.

Commander, United States Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE) directs that the naval blockade be extended to the North Korean ports of Wonsan and Chinnampo, on the east coast of North Korea. To this point, the blockade has only covered ROK ports captured by the North Koreans.

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) directs Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) to sail Task Force Yoke when ready, which will significantly augment United States naval forces in the Korean and Formosa operating areas.

Japan

A dispatch from Commander Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE) instructs United States Navy, Admiral John Higgins to extend his blockade as far north as practicable, and reemphasized the importance of the coastal tunnels on the Chongjin-Wonsan railroad. With these targets in mind equipment has already been procured and plans worked out to land a demolition party.

China

Premier of the People's Republic of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Zhou Enlai and Chairman of the Communist Party of China, Mao Zedong chair a conference discussing military preparations for the Korean Conflict. During this conference it is decided that the Thirteenth Army Corps under the Fourth Field Army of the People's Liberation Army (People's Republic of China), one of the best-trained and best-equipped units in China, will be immediately transformed into the Northeastern Border Defense Army (NEBDA) to prepare for "an intervention in the Korean War if necessary".

United States

At the suggestion of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, J. Lawton Collins, the Joint Chiefs of Staff directs the Joint Strategic Plans Committee to examine the possibility of asking British Commonwealth nations, particularly Australia and New Zealand, to send troops to Korea as it is becoming becoming clear that there is no alternative but to seek help.

Soviet Union

Shipments of mines begin rolling southward down the east coast railway from the Vladivostok region.

Day 18 of the Korean War, July 12th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Battle of Chochiwon (July 10–12, 1950): The 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division (United States) is assigned to delay two advancing North Korean People's Army divisions following communist victories at Osan, Pyongtaek, and Chonan earlier in the month. The regiment deployed along roads and railroads between the two villages, attempting to slow the advance as much as possible. Aided by air strikes, U.S. Army units were able to inflict substantial damage on the North Korean armor and other vehicles but were overwhelmed by North Korean infantry. The two understrength U.S. battalions fought in several engagements over the three days and suffered massive losses in personnel and equipment, but were able to delay the North Korean forces for several days, allowing the remainder of the 24th Infantry Division (United States) to set up blocking positions along the Kum River near the city of Dajeon.

Air operations - Korean peninsula

Four Military Air Transport Service airplanes arrived in Japan from the United States carrying fifty eight large 3.5-inch rocket launchers (bazookas) and shaped charges desperately needed to destroy North Korean tanks.

The 92nd Bombardment Group first mission sees the group, operating from its base at Yokota, Japan, bombing the marshaling yards in Seoul. This mission also sees the first B-29 being lost to enemy action. The aircraft in question was part of the 28th Bombardment Squadron of the 19th Bombardment Group. A North Korean Yak-9 fighter briefly appeared behind the bomber and damaged its number three engine, causing a fire that could not be contained. The plane crashed into the Yellow Sea, west of Seoul. The bombardier was forced to bail out over enemy territory and became the first prisoner of war (POW) in the conflict. The majority of the crew where rescued and returned to Japan within 24 hours.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE) established Naval Air Japan in Tokyo with an interim staff under the command of United States Navy, Rear Admiral George R. Henderson to provide direction to the expanding naval aviation forces in the Far East.

South Korea

The South Korean government, temporarily relocated from Seoul to Taejon, enters the "Taejon Agreement" with the United States, giving United States military courts exclusive jurisdiction over American personnel in criminal and civil matters.

United States Army, Major General William F. Dean, orders the 24th Infantry Division (United States) three regiments, (19th Infantry Regiment, 21st Infantry Regiment and the 34th Infantry Regiment), to cross the Kum River, destroy all bridges behind them, and to establish defensive positions around Taejon. Taejon is a major South Korean city 100 miles (160 km) south of Seoul and 130 miles (210 km) northwest of Pusan, and is the site of the 24th Infantry Division's headquarters. Dean formed a line with the 34th Infantry Regiment and 19th Infantry Regiment facing east and holds the heavily battered 21st Infantry Regiment in reserve to the southeast.

United States

The Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) in an estimate submitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff conclude that the North Koreans will be capable of threatening the security of Pusan by July 25th 1950.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff instruct United States Army, General MacArthur on the subject of his communiques. “For worldwide political reasons,” they tell him, “it is important to emphasize repeatedly the fact that our operations are in support of UNSC [United Nations Security Council].” He is to identify himself, wherever practicable, as Commander in Chief of UN Forces, and to stress the activities of the forces of other countries whenever the facts justified him in doing so.

The first increment of the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade (United States) sails from San Diego en route Korea in Task Group 53.7 exactly ten days after receiving its first warning order. The brigade includs the 5th Marine Regiment (132 officers and 2,452 enlisted men),  artillery made up of the 1st Battalion of the 11th Marines (44 officers and 474 enlisted men). To these were added motor transport, medical, shore party, engineer, tank, and amphibious tractor companies; detachments of signal, ordnance, service, reconnaissance, and military police units; an amphibious truck platoon; and the organic observation squadron, VMO 6, with eight OY observation planes and four H03S-1 Sikorsky helicopters. The air strength of the brigade, the forward echelon of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, was made up of two F4U Corsair fighter squadrons (48 aircraft), plus an F4U-5N night fighter squadron, all of Marine Air Group 33. The lift force includes Ashland-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) and Casa Grande-class dock landing ship USS Fort Marion (LSD-22), along with, Bayfield-class attack transport USS Henrico (APA-45), Arthur Middleton-class attack transport USS George Clymer (APA-27), Haskell-class attack transport USS Pickaway (APA-222), Andromeda-class attack cargo ships USS Whiteside (AKA-90)m USS Alshain (AKA-55) and USS Achernar (AKA-53) and the transport ship, the USS General A. E. Anderson (AP-111). Aircraft and aircrews were embarked on Commencement Bay-class escort carrier USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). Ground forces of the brigade embarked at San Diego in the three attack transports of Captain Sharp’s Task Group 53.7, George Clymer, Henrico, and Pickaway; in the attack cargo ships Whiteside and Alshain; and in the LSDs Gunston Hall and Fort Marion. Air group personnel and equipment boarded the transport General A. E. Anderson and the attack cargo ship Achernar at Terminal Island; aircraft and airicrews were embarked on Badoeng Strait. On 12 July, exactly ten days after the receipt of the warning order, the LSDs sailed from San Diego with the tanks and the amphibious tractor companies, and two days later the rest of the convoy followed.

Hawaii

Task Group 214.4 consisting of V-class destroyer HMCS Sioux (R64), Tribal-class destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (G07) and HMCS Cayuga (RO4) enter Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. There they receive the following orders from back home:

1. ... as from 0001Z/14 July39 TG 214.4 under your command is transferred to the operational control of General MacArthur as Commander United Nations Forces Korea for operations in relation to the invasion of South Korea only. You and all officers and men under your command shall obey operational instructions issued by or on behalf of such Commander. You shall promulgate this order in suitable form to all officers and men under your command.

2. You are to report by message direct to Commander United Nations Forces Korea Headquarters in Tokyo ... and request instructions, at the same time acquainting General MacArthur of necessity for logistic calls at Bikini and Guam and your ETA* these ports.

3. Logistic support. Arrangements will be made on repayment basis for you to draw supplies from U.S. sources other than items peculiar to RCN for which arrangements will made to have them shipped via U.S. transport on demand by you.

4. You are authorized to fly the flag of the United Nations at the foremasthead .. .

Hong Kong

S-class destroyer, HNLMS Evertsen (D802) arrives in Hong Kong.

Day 20 of the Korean War, July 14th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

ROK troops withdrew in front of the advancing North Koreans and set off demolitions at two bridges, two tunnels, and two passes between Yonghae and Yongdok on the coastal road. United States naval vessels bombarded roadside cliffs next to the sea to produce landslides that would block the road and delay the North Koreans.

Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Taejon)

In the morning, American soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment (United States) on the heights 2 miles (3.2 km) above the Kum River Line spott T-34s across the river. The T-34s fired on the 3rd Battalion's position from across the river, to no effect. By mid-morning, North Korean infantry were spotted crossing the river by boat and mortar and artillery fire began hitting the 34th Infantry's lines. In the confusion and resulting poor communication, the North Korean infantry manage to move around the American lines. The 1st Battalion (United States), further north, also comes under heavy attack by advancing North Korean forces, and though it repulsed the attack with the help of artillery, it is forced to withdraw to safer positions.

In the early afternoon, another attacking force, an estimated 1,000 North Korean troops, cross the river. The North Koreans capture an outpost of the 63rd Field Artillery Battalion (United States), supporting the 34th Infantry Regiment (United States) with 105-mm howitzers. They turn a captured machine gun on the battalion's HQ battery and began to fire, taking it by surprise. Artillery fire aimed at the battery destroyed communications and vehicles, and inflicted heavy casualties.

Its survivors retreat on foot to the south. Meanwhile, only 250 yards (230 m) away, a battery of the battalion also comes under attack by 100 North Korean infantrymen, resulting in similar casualties and retreat. B Battery was attacked by 400 North Koreans, but an advance of South Korean horse cavalry spared the battery from heavy losses, allowing it to make an organized retreat. The 63rd Field Artillery Battalion (United States) lost all of its guns and 80 of its vehicles, many still intact for North Korean forces to use.

Later in the evening, 1st Battalion, 63rd Field Artillery Battalion (United States) counterattacks the positions but is unable to take them back, in the face of machine gun and small arms fire, and was forced to withdraw by nightfall. After this failed attempt to retake the equipment, United States Army, Major General William F. Dean, commanding officer of the  24th Infantry Division' (United States) orders the positions where the captured equipment is located to be destroyed by an airstrike. With the 1st Battalion (United States)  having taken heavy casualties and the 3rd Battalion forced to move to counter North Korean attacks, the northwest flank of the American line had been beaten back.The 4th Division (North Korea) begins crossing the river, only slightly impeded by US aircraft attacking its boats.

Map: Battle of Kum River, 14 July 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 35th Fighter Interceptor Group (FIG), moving from Japan to a new airfield (K-3) at Pohang, becomes the first USAF fighter group to be based in South Korea during the war.

The 6132rd Tactical Air Control Squadron, the first tactical air control unit in the war is activated at Taegu under United States Air Force, Colonel Joseph D. Lee, it provides forward, ground-based air control for aircraft providing close air support of UN forces.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE) authorize attacks on unidentified submarines in self defense or when offensive action against our forces was indicated.

While no requests from ashore are received on this day and visibility remains poor, Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119) fires off a few rounds against truck headlights on the road south of Ulchin.

United States

Despite being only one of three operational Essex-class carriers in the Pacific, USS Boxer (CV-21) is pressed into service as an aircraft ferry. She departs Alameda, California for Yokosuka, Japan, with a cargo of 145 Air Force F-51 (formerly P-51) Mustang fighters, six Stinson L-5 Sentinel observation aircraft, 19 U.S. Navy aircraft, 1,012 Air Force ground support personnel, a Marine air control element, and 2,000 tons of critical aviation supplies (stripped from Air National Guard units due to acute shortages).

Photo: The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) loads 146 U.S. Air Force North American F-51D Mustang fighters aboard at Naval Air Station Alameda, California (USA), for transportation to East Asia, 14 July 1950



United States Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson asks the Joint Chiefs of Staff whether aid is desired from Pakistan, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Italy, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, and, if so, what type of assistance would be most useful.

United States Navy high-speed transport USS Horace A. Bass departs San Diego with troops of the 2nd Marine Division (United States).

Task Group 214.4 consisting of V-class destroyer HMCS Sioux (R64), Tribal-class destroyers HMCS Athabaskan (G07) and HMCS Cayuga (RO4) departs Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for Kwajalein, the next port-of-call.

United Nations

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Trygve Lie after consulting with US officials, addressed a general appeal to the fifty-three governments that had indicated their support of the Security Council resolutions of 25 and 27 June. The text of this message, worked out in consultation with US Ambassador Austin, read substantially as follows:

1.I am informed that the Government of the United States which, under the resolution of 7 July 1950 has been given the responsibility for the Unified Command, is now preparing to engage in direct consultations with Governments with regard to coordination of assistance in a general plan for the attainment of the objective set forth in the Security Council resolutions.

2. I have been advised that the Unified Command.. . is in urgent need of additional effective assistance. I should be grateful, therefore, if your Government would consider the possibility of such assistance, including combat forces, particularly round forces.

3. Offers of assistance should be communicated to the Secretary-General. In the case of military assistance, offers should be communicated to the Secretary General in general” terms, leaving detailed arrangements for such an agreement between the Government and the Unified Command.

Japan

Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General Collins, formally presented a UN flag to United States Army, General MacArthur at the Dai Ichi building in Tokyo. The Far East Commander, fully aware of the symbolic importance of the occasion, accepted the gift “with the deepest emotion,” as he himself said.

With minesweepers start to work in Yongil Man in South Korea, Task Group 90-3. Tractor Group consisting of LST-542-class tank landing ship USS LST-611 towing LSUs and with the Cherokee-class fleet tug USS Cree (ATF-84) and Navajo-class fleet tug USS Lipan (ATF-85) as escort, sail from Tokyo Bay, to be followed the next day by Task Group 90 .2 . Transport Group. The route was south along the coast of Japan, then north by Bungo Strait through which Yamato, mightiest battleship in the world, had sortied on her final cruise in vain attempt to strike the American fleet off Okinawa. Turning westward through the Inland Sea, the force steamed past Shimonoseki, where almost a century before the USS Wyoming had engaged the forces of the Daimyo of Choshu, and into the Korean Strait.

South Korea

The ROK Army actives its II Corps (South Korea) with headquarters at Hamch'ang. It is composed of the 6th Infantry Division (South Korea), 8th Infantry Division (South Korea) and the 23rd Regiment (South Korea).

(South Korea) President Syngman Rhee assigned control of his nation's forces to United States Army, General MacArthur, stating in a letter transmitted through the United States ambassador to South Korea: In view of the joint military effort of the United Nations on behalf of the Republic of Korea, in which all military forces, land, sea and air, of all the United Nations fighting in or near Korea have been placed under the joint operational command and in which you have been designated Supreme Commander, United Nations Forces, I am happy to assign to you command authority over all land, sea and air forces of the Republic of Korea during the period of continuation of the present state of hostilities, such command to be exercised either by you personally or by such commander or commanders to whom you may delegate the exercise of this authority within Korea or adjacent seas

Day 22 of the Korean War, July 16th 1950

YouTube (Americans Repeatedly Routed)



Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Taejon)

North Koreans launch a massive barrage of tank, artillery and mortar fire on the 19th Infantry Regiment (United States) positions and North Korean troops began to cross the river in boats. The North Korean forces gathered on the west bank and assaulted the positions of 1st Battalion's C and E companies, followed by a second landing against B Company. North Korean forces pushed against the entire battalion, threatening to overwhelm it. The regimental commander ordered all support troops and officers to the line and they were able to repulse the assault. However, in the melee, North Korean forces infiltrated their rear elements, attacking the reserve forces and blocking supply lines. Stretched thin, the 19th Infantry Regiment (United States) was unable to hold the line at the Kum River and simultaneously repel the North Korean forces.

That evening, 2nd Battalion (United States) was moved to attempt to deal with the North Koreans in the rear but suffered casualties as well, and was unable to break the roadblocks.

Map: Map of the US 19th Infantry Regiment's defense at the Kum River, July 13-16, 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

During a raid, thirty B-29s targeted the railway yards in Seoul and finally succeeded in destroying the railway bridge that spanned the Han River, despite it having been left unscathed in several previous air raids.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119) and Fletcher-class destroyer USS De Haven (DD-469) are joined by Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Mansfield (DD-728) and the three ships fire 173 rounds against targets of opportunity along the highway.

Japan

The headquarters of Fleet Air Wing 1 shifted from Guam to Naha, Okinawa, to direct VP patrol squadron operations over the Formosa Strait.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff start to apply United States Army, General MacArthur recommendation regarding the soliciting of military forces for the Korean operation he send to them a day earlier. Thus when United States Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson, asked them to evaluate potential troop offers from New Zealand and Lebanon and a warship tendered by France, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reply that the two former should be accepted provided that they are battalion-size units, with combat and service support and that the French vessel is acceptablel.

Day 24 of the Korean War, July 18th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

Lead elements of the 8th Cavalry Regiment (United States) land in the early morning, successfully carrying out the first amphibious landing of the Korean War. The 13th Signal Company quickly followed behind the last wave of the 8th Cavalry. The first troops of the 5th Cavalry Regiment (United States) came ashore at approximately 1630 hours. Only a small combat air patrol from the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) was retained overhead to protect the ships and landing forces.

Photo: Troops of the 24th Infantry move to the Pusan Perimeter battleground, 18 July 1950



Air operations - Korean peninsula

The 19th Bombardment Group made alterations to certain B-29 aircraft so that they could utilize radio-guided bombs (Razon) to make their bridge bombing more precise.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier HMS Triumph (R16) resumed attacks on North Korea, this time from the east, bombing airfields, railroads and factories at Hamhung, Hungnam, Numpyong, and Wonsan. The strike on the oil refinery at Wonsan was particularly effective. Ten Corsairs led the attack on the refinery, firing high-velocity aerial rockets (HVAR), followed by 11 Skyraiders dropping 1,000-pound and 500-pound bombs and firing HVARs. The refinery was totally destroyed and thousands of tons of refined oil burned for days in a column of smoke that could be seen for over 60 miles. (The U.S. Air Force subsequently hit the refinery with B-29 heavy bombers, leaving little left standing).

Photo: Navy Planes Strike Wonsan Oil Refinery. This aerial view shows the damage done to the Wonsan Oil Refinery by planes of the Seventh Fleet on one of the carrier air strikes of July 18, 1950. Black smoke resulting from the damage could be seen sixty miles at sea



Photo: Wonsan Oil Refinery, Wonsan, North Korea, burning after being struck by USS Valley Forge (CV-45) aircraft, 18 July 1950



Task Group 90 .2 . Transport Group and Task Group 90-3. Tractor Group join and the ships moved into Yongil Man, South Korea. Fighting has been reported only a few miles north of Pohang, but the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) still holds the road, and at 0559, United States Navy, Admiral James H. Doyle, Commander Amphibious Group One, with additional duty as Commander Transport Squadron One gives the signal to "Land the Landing Force" in accordance with the plan for an unopposed operation. Task Force 77 and Juneau-class light cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119)  was released from their support commitments, and only a small combat air patrol from Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) was retained overhead to protect the shipping of the Attack Force. 

Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Mansfield (DD-728) and Fletcher-class destroyer USS De Haven (DD-469) work on shelling the coastal road in the vicinity of Samchok while Town-class light cruiser HMS Belfast and C-class destroyer HMS Cossack (R57) are patrolling at the 38th parallel. In the morning, as Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119) was released from her support commitments, the others came south to join the flagship off Yongdok, where the day was spent firing on targets of opportunity and where a reported "full-scale" enemy offensive was broken up. In the afternoon, parties of American and British naval officers went ashore to confer with the KMAG group attached to the 3rd Infantry Division (South Korea) and to pass out radio sets in the interest of improved communications. That evening United States Navy, Admiral Higgins, commander of the Southern and Eastern Support Groups in operations against enemy forces instituted a new technique, and while the main body operated off the battleline a single destroyer was detached nightly to prowl northward along the coast, seeking out and shooting up promising targets.

Japan

Balao-class submarine USS Catfish (SS-339) sails from Yokosuka for a reconnaissance of the China coast followed on the next day by Tench-class submarine USS Pickerel (SS-524).

Day 26 of the Korean War, July 20th 1950

Land operations - Korean peninsula

The 8th Cavalry Regiment (United States) came ashore and closed in on an assembly area east of Yongdong, unaware that the strength of Typhoon Helene, which had swept the eastern coast of Korea, would prevent the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States) and 82nd Field Artillery Battalion (United States) from landing until July 22nd.

Photo: A Russian made T34/85 tank knocked out in Taejon, Korea, stands at testimony to the heroic action of Major General William F. Dean, Commanding Officer, 24th Infantry Division, 20 July 1950



Land operations - Korean peninsula (Battle of Taejon)

United States Army, General William F. Dean, commander of the 24th Infantry Division (United States) orders the headquarters of the 34th Infantry Regiment (United States) to withdraw. His command was reinforced by several more light tanks from the 1st Cavalry Division (United States). As the tanks fought through a North Korean roadblock, Dean, with a small force of soldiers, followed them. At the edge of the city, the final elements of the 34th Infantry, leaving the city in 50 vehicles, were ambushed and many of their vehicles were destroyed by machine guns and mortars, forcing the Americans to retreat on foot. When the last of the 34th Infantry's defenders left the city, the 21st Infantry Regiment (United States), which had been protecting the road to Taegu, also withdrew, leaving Taejon in the hands of the North Korean forces.

YouTube (US Army 24th Infantry in Battle of Taejon, with General William Dean)



Air operations - Korean peninsula

Despite Far East Air Force (FEAF) close air support, the North Korean Army take Taejon, forcing the remnants of the US 24th Infantry Division to withdraw to the southeast. US ground forces defending Taejon had suffered in seven days almost thirty percent casualties.

United States Air Force, Major General Otto P. Weyland, arrives in the Far East to assume the position of FEAF Vice Commander for Operations.

Fifth Air Force pilots in F-80s shot down two more enemy aircraft. Enemy air opposition by this time has virtually disappeared, a sign of UN air superiority.

Naval operations - Korean peninsula

Juneau-class cruiser USS Juneau (CL-119), Town-class light cruiser HMS Belfast, Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Mansfield (DD-728), Fletcher-class destroyer USS De Haven (DD-469) and C-class destroyer HMS Cossack (R57) after two days of shooting up the valley off Yongdok has seen the ships spend some 1,300 rounds and got them a radio station, more than 400 enemy troops "by actual count," and enthusiastic reports from the shore fire control personnel. But at Yongdok, as all around the perimeter, pressure continued to be severe, information scanty, and communications inadequate. The forces defending the town had lost contact with General Walker’s headquarters: a EUSAK message advising that the general situation was critical and that the line had to be held reached the Army ashore only after relay by Juneau. Admiral Doyle, too, was in the dark and with his second echelon scheduled to reach Pohang the next day, asked for information on the situation and prospects at Yongdok. Again the whaleboat was called away, and information brought back from shore indicated that landing operations could be safely continued, and that the ROK forces were planning the recapture of Yongdok on the morrow.

United States

The U.S. Navy activated 14 squadrons of Organized Reserve for deployment to Korea, including eight carrier fighter squadrons, two carrier attack squadrons, one ASW squadron, one fleet aircraft service squadron, and two patrol squadrons.

Benelux

The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg offer a joint military force for Korean duty. The Joint Chiefs of Staff replied that such a force would be acceptable, though they prefer separate contingents.