July 5, 1950 · Central Korea Theater
July 5, 1950
The first American ground engagement of the Korean War. Task Force Smith — a hastily assembled force of about 540 men from the 24th Infantry Division in Japan — was rushed to Korea to delay the North Korean People's Army advance. Outgunned and outnumbered, their bazookas bounced harmlessly off Soviet-built T-34 tanks. The Americans were overrun and forced to retreat with severe losses.
Commanders