Early Fighting

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel. South Korean troops for the most part were thrown into disordered retreat across the Han River. South Korea lacked combat planes to oppose those of North Korea and had no infantry weapons strong enough to knock out the heavy Soviet-made tanks that spearheaded the invasion. By June 28, Seoul, South Korea's capital, had fallen.

The United Nations Acts

On the day of the attack, the UN Security Council called for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of North Korean troops from South Korea. The Soviet Union undoubtedly would have vetoed the UN action, but at the time was boycotting the council because Communist China had not been admitted to the UN. North Korea ignored the UN resolution.

On June 27, the Security Council asked UN members to give military support to South Korea. A few hours earlier, President Truman of the United States had ordered that American warships and aircraft help South Korea.

Truman's order went to General Douglas MacArthur, commander of United States forces in the Far East, including those occupying Japan. MacArthur reported that the South Korean army could not turn back the North Koreans with only the aid of ships and air support. On June 30, Truman authorized him to use all United States forces in the Far East.

United States Handicaps

In Japan, the United States had four divisions of the 8th Army, but all were under strength. Furthermore, they were occupation, not combat, troops. On Okinawa there was a regimental combat team that was not much better prepared for battle. Thus the initial support that the United States was able to give the South Koreans was not impressive. Delaying actions only could be planned by MacArthur, until reinforcements arrived. He was named Supreme UN Commander by Truman on authority of the UN.

The first ground engagement involving United States troops occurred near Osan, 30 miles (48 km) south of Seoul, on July 5. A North Korean tank division forced two American rifle companies of the 24th Division to retreat with heavy casualties. On July 20, American and South Korean troops were forced out of Taejon, 60 miles (96 km) southeast of Osan. This battle was a major defeat that led to the capture by the Communists of Major General William F. Dean. He had been commander of United States troops in Korea.