Re: Killing of Civilians?

[Ed Evanhoe <ede@oio.net>]

Marc,

I wasn't near Nog'un-ri when the alleged incident took place but suspect there
is an element of truth, given the state of the war at that time.  The 1st 
Cavalry
unit reportedly involved had moved into the line for the first time the day 
before
the alleged incident.  When the war first began, a large number of experienced
officers and NCOs were transferred out of the Cav and into the 24th Division
to fill that division when it deployed the first part of July 1950.  In 
turn, the 1st
Cavalry Division was hurried filled replacements from the U.S., many from basic
training, so the Cav could be deployed.  There was little time for units 
for the men
and officers to get to know each other, much less train together, before 
the Cav
deployed so you had scared green troops with green leadership going into 
combat.  Add
in poor to nonexistent communications and information the North Koreans 
were infiltrating
U.S. lines dressed in civilian clothing (true) so had a situation where it 
wouldn't have
taken much -- a few rounds coming in would do it -- for the troops to open 
fire on
refugees in the belief the refugees were not refugees but enemy dressed as 
refugees.

I do have a problem with the alleged number of refugees supposedly killed 
because no
mass grave has been found or reported.

Comments appreciated.

Ed Evanhoe, PO Box 916, Antlers, OK, 74523
Author: DARKMOON: Eighth Army Special Operations in the Korean War
Life Member:  Special Forces & Special Operations Associations
Web Site:  http://www.korean-war.com
Co-list owner: KOREAN-WAR-L (University of Kansas listproc)