Evening star., 1950-08-28
Reds Lose Part
'0f Gains Scored
In Pohang Push
South Koreans Fight
Way Back, but Enemy
Maintains Pressure
By ReImon Morin
ASSoeioted Press Foreign CORRESPONDENT

TOKYO, Tuesday, Aug. 29.-The
Korean Reds drove back the right
wing of the Allied defense line on
Korea's east coast yesterday, then
lost some of their gains to South
Korean counter-push. But they
were maintaining strong pressure
on the Pohang sector last night.
In dispatch filed last midnight
from Pohang, Associated Press
Correspondent Tom Lambert said
that after having lost considerable
ground, mileage undisclosed, the
South Koreans edged back north
ward late yesterday in an attempt
to lift the Sagging defense line.
They had American air, artillery
and naval gunfire support.
Mr.. Lambert said the South
Koreans had reached the southern
edge of broad valley leading
toward Kigye, 10 miles north
west OF Pohang. but the Reds still
held Kigye and were reported
making new aggressive moves after
yesterday.
Whole North Front Afiame.
American pilots said the whole
northern front-East and West
from the Naktong River to the
East coast-was af1ame.
The most severe fighting was
before Pohang on the Sea of
japan East Coast. and % miles
north of Taegu near the Red
held village of Uihung.
Red infiltrators were seen be-
hind South Korean lines north
of Taegu.
The Reds were 21a miles out of
Pohang.
Warships Join In Battle.
Associated Press Hal Boyle at
Pohang, IS miles north of the
main Allied port of Pusan, re-
ported United States cruiser and
three destroyers Joined land ar
tillery in pounding the advancing
Reds. But the North Koreans ad-
vanced in the teeth of the fire.
Gen. MacArthur's headquarters,
whose announcements generally
are behind field reports, said in
its Korean summary early today
that enemy pressure continued in
the Pohang-Kigye sector with no
significant changes.
The summary said a Red COM
pany penetrated the South Korean
9Th Divisions sector on the north
central front northeast of Waewag
but was forced to withdraw to the
vicinity of Sansong, 18. miles
northeast of Taegu. Details were
not disclosed.
Reds Won City Once.
The Reds won Pohang earlier
this month in a surprise attack
They lost it a few days later to
counterattacking Allied troops.
The United Nations troops drove
them nine miles north from
whence they Sprang back to the
offensive that has carried them
to the gates of the No. east coast
port in South Korea.
Mr.. Boyle reported United States
infantry. powerfully supported by
armor, moved into position to
backstop the South Koreans try
ing to hold Pohang.
United States 5th Air Force
pilot observers reported heavy
fighting from Waegwan, IL miles
northwest of Taegu, all the way to
the east coasts airline miles.
The pilots said the Red drive was
going strong.
The South Koreans fought
stubbornly. But they were forced
back by superior numbers.
10000 Reds in Battle.
The Reds had thrown into the
battle 10000 of the $4,000 troops
they have pressing against the
front, which is anchored on the
south coast. west of Masan port,
II airline miles vest of Pusan.
In a message urging the South
Koreans to hold, 1t. Gen. Walton
H.. Walker. United States 9th
Army commander, said:
1T is my belief the over-ex-
tended enemy is making his last
gasp. Tear him apart now so
that our road to victory will be
that much surer and quicker"
Earlier yesterday Gen. Walker.
(See KOREA, Page A-3.)