50 years ago today - 16 Sep 1950

[Ed Evanhoe <ede@oio.net>]

September 16

In the Inchon area, by 7:30 AM, the two Marine Regiments had linked up and 
established a solid line on the east side of the city.  Meanwhile, shortly 
after dawn, Marine Corsairs sighted six T-34 tanks and approximately 200 
enemy infantry three miles east of Inchon on the main highway.  The 
Corsairs attached with 500 pound bombs and napalm, scattering enemy 
infantry and destroying three tanks.  The remaining three tanks were 
destroyed a few hours later by Marine Pershing tanks as the 1st and 5th 
Marines advanced towards Seoul.  By midnight, the 5th Marines occupied a 
forward defensive positions overlooking the Seoul highway just west of 
Ascom city.

Within the Pusan Perimeter the “breakout” attack began. The general attack 
set for 9 AM to swing into motion everywhere around the perimeter at the 
appointed hour for the simple reason that in many places the North Koreans 
were attacking and the United Nations troops defending. In most sectors an 
observer would have found the morning of September 16th little different 
from that of the 15th, or the 14th, or the 13th.  It was the same old 
Perimeter situation — attack and counterattack.. Only in a few places were 
significant gains made the first day of the offensive.  The 15th Regiment, 
the 1st ROK division, advanced to the right of the North Korean strong 
point at the Walled city north of Teagu.  To the south, the U.S. 2nd 
division broke through five miles to the hills overlooking the Naktong 
River. Meanwhile the 5th RCT, now attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, 
left its assembly area 6 miles south of Waegwan and began advancing toward 
that city.

To the south in the Masan area, the 25th Division could not get off the 
dime because it was under heavy enemy attack in all areas.


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