U.N. DRIVE IN SOUTH

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26220, 18 September 1950, Page 7

U.N. DRIVE IN SOUTH

Big Gains By Americans

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) TOKYO, September 17. United Nations forces in the south-east portion of Korea moved forward in a general offensive to-day.

Three thousand North Koreans Broke and ran under a crushing attack on the United States 2nd DiviS|P n front along the Naktong river, j e Americans north-west of Taegu advanced to within two miles of Waegwan.

In the north-east corner of the Fusan beachhead the South Korean 3rd Diyisl°n opened an attack two miles below PohaQg. The South Koreans crossed the Hyongsan river supported by the guns °t, • American battleship, Missouri. United States 25th Division units resumed their offensive in the rain without an* cover north of Masan. Dispatches reported slow going, but predicted swift progress when the high ground was taken. Three allied divisions and numerous tanks and heavy artillery concentrations backed the assault near Waegwan. which was aimed at securing a bridgehead for a crossing of the Naktong river before rolling on to Seoul. On .e American regiment advanced VP the east bank of the river, outflanking Communist concentrations, and by evening had reached a point two and a half miles from Waegwan. The Communists were pushed off the dominating high ground after bitter fighting on other sectors of the 35-mile iront.

The Americans who moved west from Taegu to the Naktong river during the night pushed north five i ’lies yesterday. They ran into small arms fire from across the river and mortar fire from a hill on the right, but there was no serious resistance.

The drive’ up the middle, along the main Taegu-Waegwan road was held up while Communist pockets on the hills to the north were cleaned up. South Koreans pushing west were stopped by intense opposition.