The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1950-07-19
u. 5. SEIzES
OFFENSIVE; NO
"QU|(k" WIN
Air Force Meets First Red
0pposition-Enemy Bar
rage May Signal Attack
(By the Associated Press

1
US. troops were on the offensive
today with two fresh American di-
visions thrown into the Korean
war, but on the western front
heavy Communist artillery barrage
possibly signalled the resumption OF
the main Communist attack.
Front observers said the time for
American retreat may be nearly
past. but President Truman eau
TONED against hopes for quick VIC
tory. The President broadcasts to
the nation tonight.
The famed Hell For Leather"
First Cavalry Division, veterans of
the liberation of Manila and ac-
tually mechanical Infantry unit.
landed unopposed on the east coast
at Pohang yesterday. just below Red
INES. 1t quickly drove seven miles
inland. 1t was disclosed the 25th
Iropic Lightning Division had
come ashore at an undisclosed loca-
ton and apparently already has hit
the enemy.
REDS Scatter South Forces
Communists on the main Korean
battlefront before Taejon regrouped
ana remassed their firepower de-
spite fierce Allied air attacks. They
began blasting mortar and cannon
fire at American positions. An en-
envy spearhead 40 miles to the
southwest drove out South Korean
forces defending the town Of ri.
There was no evidence that the
gallant Doughboys on the Kun
river front. with prospects of les
sened pressure due to arrival of new
American troops. had any intention
OF abandoning Taejon. An Eighth
Army spokesman said sthe men OF
the oath United States Infantry Di-
Visions 18th. 2lst and Saith Regi-
ments were dug in for defense and
showed determination to stay"
Gen. MacArthur's communioue
said the Communists had made
minor infiltrations and movements
beyond contact of our forces"
around Taejon. 1t reported South
Korean troops standing firm along
communist invasion routes.
Air Force Hits Hard
Allied aircraft struck hard at Red
tank and troop concentrations in
the vicinity of Nonsan, rs miles
southwest Of Taejon and left Nom
san in flames. Other Allied airmen
smashed at Communists directly be-
hind their lines asrthe Reds fever
lshly tried to restore supply route
bridges blasted by air attacks. The
Reds needed the supply lines to .rel
sumo at full pace the offensive
brought to halt by stout US. re-
sistance. - = a@'-~s
The Defense Department am
nounced us. Navy and Air Force
planes destroyed Or damaged As
Red Korean aircraft yesterday.
The arrival Of the new American
troops. committed to the battle zone
on ten days notice. raised hope that
the time of American retreat was
past More delaying action was pre-
dicted. but the buildup for the
counteroffensive was getting under
way.
The First Cavalry is commanded
by Maj. Gen. Hobart r. Gay. 1t
landed unopposed at a pier in the
little fishing town of Pohane. 66
miles north of Pusan, the chief US
supply port in Korea. 1t went ashore
with artillery, engineering and sig
nal units, and mounds of supplies.
The number of men landed was Sec
ret.
The 25th may have already been
IN action at Kechon. So miles inland
from the east coast on the right
anchor of a line held by South Ko-
reans. 1t was here that unexplained
US. artillery fire handed the Com
munists jolt earlier this week and
sent them Keeling in retreat.
First Air Opposition
American jet fighters shot down
three Russian-made Yak fighters in
dogfightS over the western sector
today. 1t was the first enemy OPP
position in the air since early in
the war. Other Allied fliers knocked
out six Red tanks and IS trucks
near the front lines.
Moscow's Literary Gazette printed
dispatch that Communist Of
fensive was developing southeast
and southwest of Taejon. There was
no confirmation from the us. side.
The United States meanwhile has
Continued on Page Eight,