50 years ago today - 6 Aug 1950

[Ed Evanhoe <ede@oio.net>]

August 6, 1950

At approximately 12 a.m. a North Korean battalion began crossing at the 
Ohang ferry crossing in the 3rd  Battalion, 34th Infantry area. They 
crossed holding their clothes, equipment and weapons above their heads as 
they waded through neck-deep water.  Lack of boats precluded them bringing 
mortars and heavy weapons.   Once on the east bank of the Naktong, they 
dressed, formed up into columns and marched down an oxcart trail toward the 
Yongsan-Naktong River road at Soesil (three and half miles to the south of 
Ohang.)  Approximately 800 North Korean troops crossed. The 1st Battalion 
was ordered out of reserve to Soesil but was stopped north of the town at a 
terrain feature known as "Cloverleaf Hill.".  Meanwhile the 19th Infantry 
Regiment was ordered out of reserve and to the Naktong Bulge 
area.  Fighting continued around Soesil and Cloverleaf Hill throughout the 
day.  Meanwhile the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, was 
attached to the 24th Infantry Division and began moving toward the Naktong 
Bulge.  The 19th and 34th were ordered to counterattack in the morning.

Formal orders for the attack were given to the 25th Infantry Division for 
the attack toward Chinju to begin the following morning, August 
7.  Planning called for the 5th RCT (regimental combat team) to attack west 
along the Masan-Chinju road.  Once it was past the junction where a road 
led southward to Kosong, the 5th Regiment would continue attacking west on 
the Chinju road while the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade would attack south 
down the Kosong road.  At the same time the 35th Regiment would attack from 
its positions at "The Notch" southwest toward Much'on-ni and link up the 
5th RCT there.  The 24th Regiment was given the task of cleaning up enemy 
pockets in the Sobuk Mountain region about half way between Masan and 
Chinju.  That evening the 5th RCT took over 27th Regiment  positions at 
Chindong-ni and prepared to attack.  The 27th Regiment into Army reserve at 
Masan.

Ed Evanhoe, PO Box 916, Antlers, OK, 74523
Author: DARKMOON: Eighth Army Special Operations in the Korean War
Member: American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
Life Member:  Special Forces & Special Operations Associations
Co-list owner: KOREAN-WAR-L   Web site:  http://www.korean-war.com
PGP public key available on request