50 years ago today - 28 Sep 1950

[Ed Evanhoe <ede@oio.net>]

September 28

Just south of Osan on the main highway an all-day battle developed between 
the 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division and North Korean troops trying to 
escape northeastward.  This battle was fought mainly by artillery units and 
with air strikes.  By dark, the North Koreans had either been killed or 
fled.  Not a single American soldier was killed in this battle.

In the 25th Division area and just short of Namwon, several vehicles from 
the 25th Reconnaissance Company, leading the advance, became stuck in the 
river crossing south of the town.  One tank, commanded by Sgt. Raymond N. 
Reifers, was already across when this occurred so he continued on alone, 
entering the town about noon, finding it full of enemy.  The tank's 
appearance apparently surprised the North Koreans, who fled in all 
directions, scurrying across roof tops and jumping fences to get away.  As 
he was trying to withdraw his tank from this precarious situation, Sgt. 
Reifers suddenly heard voices yelling from a wall-enclosed building, "GI's 
in here.. Don't shoot."  Reifers radioed for help saying, "Somebody get up 
here quick. I'm all alone in the town.  It's full of enemy and there are 
American prisoners here."  At this point, stuck vehicles were pushed into 
deep water alongside the ford and tanks loaded with infantry made a dash 
for the town.  86 Americans were liberated.  That afternoon, after clearing 
Namwon of enemy troops, advance units from the 25th Infantry Division moved 
toward Chonju meeting scattered, but light, resistance.

That afternoon, the 2nd Division started the 38th Infantry moving toward 
Chonju, on the west coastal plain some 73 miles away and over a mountain 
range.  Meeting only light and scattered resistance the 2nd Battalion, 38th 
Infantry arrived at Chonju at 1:15 PM where it ran into more organized 
resistance.  In the ensuing firefight the regiment killed more than a 
hundred North Koreans and captured another 170.

At 7 AM an airstike hit North Korean positions west of Okch'on.  This was 
followed by an attack by 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry who found the enemy 
had withdrawn during the night.  Scouts from the 19th Infantry entered 
Taejon at 4:30 PM.   Meanwhile, the Air Force was having field day hitting 
North Korean forces fleeing toward Choch'iwon.


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
Web site:  http://www.korean-war.com