50 years ago today - 31 Aug 1950

[Ed Evanhoe <ede@oio.net>]

August 31, 1950

Shortly before midnight North Korea launches its expected, well-planned and 
well coordinated offensive in the 2nd and 25th Division sectors as North 
Korean troops cross the lower Naktong from Hyongp’ung southward to the 
coast. At this point in time the 35th Infantry Regiment held the northern 
part of the line from the Namji Bridge southward to the Chinju-Masan 
highway, a front of 26,000 yards. The weakest part of the 35th Infantry 
line was at the far north end where there was a 3-mile gap along the 
Naktong between “F” Company’s main positions and its platoon guarding the 
bridge over the Naktong at Namji-ri.  South of the Chinju-Masan highway, 
the 24th Infantry Regiment held the high country, including Battle 
Mountain, P’il-bong (P’il Mountain) while the 5th Infantry held the 
southern spur of Sobuk Mountain to the road at Chindong-ni.  ROK Marine 
units held the line from Chindong-ni to the coast.  The 35th Infantry’s 
command post was on the east side of the Chirwon—Chung-ni road about half 
way between the two towns, the 24th Infantry command post was at Haman and 
the 5th Infantry’s command post at Chindong-ni.

Far to the northwest USN Lt. Eugene Clark arrives at Tokchok-kundo, the 
group of islands at the mouth of Flying Fish Channel and the channel that 
leads to Inch’on, where he meets with local National Police officials and 
plans the first attack to clear the islands along the channel.  After 
meeting with local National Police officials, who indicate they are willing 
to help if supplied with weapons and ammunition,  the first island-clearing 
operation is planned for the following day.

Battle casualties for all American divisions have been heavy for the month 
of August.  The 24th
  Division had 1,941 casualties, the 25th Division, 1,800; the 1st Cavalry 
Division, 1,503; and the 9th Infantry, 2nd Division, 827.  However, by the 
end of August, UN forces now held a substantial
numerical superiority, and a much, much greater superiority in artillery & 
tanks, over the North Koreans. North Korean divisions by this time were 
down to 40-50% of their original strength in men, and down 70-80% of their 
original strength in armor and artillery.  To make matters worse for the 
North Koreans, their divisions were now filled with very reluctant, green 
recruits conscripted from North Korean held portions of South Korea.

In the east ROK forces in the P’ohang-dong - Kigye area continue their 
see-saw battle with the North Korean 5th and 13th Divisions.  The North 
Koreans make small gains in both areas.

Ed Evanhoe, PO Box 916, Antlers, OK, 74523
Life Member: Special Forces & Special Operations Associations
Web site: http://www.korean-war.com