REDS CROSS KUM RIVER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27443, 17 July 1950, Page 5

REDS CROSS KUM RIVER

15-MILE BEACHHEAD ON SOUTH BANK

American Forces Flanked TAEJON THREATENED New Zealand Press Association—Copyright Rec. 11 p.m. e TOKIO, July 15. Thousands of. Communist troops poured across the Kum River today into a 15-mile-long beachhead, which flanked the American forces in the Taejon area, says the United Press correspondent. General MacArthur’s midnight communique said the North Korean bridgehead on the south bank of the Kum remained intact in spite of heavy losses inflicted by American ground fire and aerial strafing.

Enemy infantrymen and some light vehicles surged into the bulging beachhead on the south side of the Kum in the region of Kongju. Outnumbered, the Americans demolished bridges and blasted loose artificial landslides as they withdrew through the mountains towards Taejon. After giving up the western half of the Kum River line, they held doggedly along the 20-mile river front directly north of Taejon. Three crossing attempts by Communist troops were beaten off.

The Americans, fighting fiercely, were forced to give up three to five miles of ground on their right flank where the Kum bends southward through the Allied front lines. It was from that sector where the South Koreans were also yielding that the second army of pincers was expected to be thrust down from the north-east against Taejon.

The advances have brought North Korean artillery already hammering Taejon airfield. Incessant attacks by American and Australian planes impeded the Communist push across the river and helped to keep the tanks on the north *hore. American airmen reported two new North Korean crossings almost due north of Taejon after American reinforcements had checked the forces thrusting towards the city from their original bridgehead. The North Koreans are reported to be massing 10 miles north-east of Taejon for still another crossing attempt. Strategic Airfield

forces, the communique said. This sector was described as fluid with no enemy strength reports yet given. Morale and combat efficiency remained excellent in spite of the necessity of withdrawals and holding actions. , The' centre sector was described as holding, although limited withdrawals were made by South Korean troops to higher ground in the ChongjuKorsan area. Enemy Drive in East In the eastern sector of the fighting, the North Korean Fifth Division continued driving south-eastward along the Tanyang-Kongju axis. The North Korean Fifteenth Division continued its advance in the Chongju-Mungyong area. The North Koreans have made a dangerous break through' the South Korean line on the Chongju front at a point about 45 miles north-east of Taejon. ~ . , The North Koreans on this front are driving southward in the hope of cutting the American supply line running to Taejon from Fusan, the main port of the south-east coast. “ Increased activity is reported along the east coast, and additional Conmunist troops are reported moving into Utchin. “United Nations naval forces on the east coast fired at troop concentrations at Utchin, petroleum storage tanks at Semchok, and at railroad yards at Boku, with fair to excellent results. British naval forces patrolling the west coast engaged shore batteries at Pangyong, and silenced three gun positions.” /" ' ; A top army official declared today that no Dunkirk was in sight, He said the situation was serious, but there was no catastrophe confronting the American and Allied forces. “ Give us time and we will take the ball away from the Communists and start going up field,” he said. “It cannot be done in a matter of days. Casualties have been extremely light for the type of delaying action being conducted by the Americans. _ We are not being slaughtered.” He cautioned against hopes for any quick victories. American troops would be on the defensive for some limp. He indicated that this might be until October, when the rainy season normally ends. , , „ Kimpo airfield (north-west of Seoul) is reported to have been improved with anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Red Air Force planes were reported on the runway.

Taejon airfield, which is a few miles to the north of the town, is not expected to be open to traffic tomorrow because of its proximity to the battlefield. Planes flying in combat reinforcements have been streaming into this strategic landing ground during the past week. American forces can ill afford, to be'without Taejon airstrip because, apart from its value as a supply terminal, it is invaluable for communications. Gallant little army observation planes, which have been guiding ground attack aircraft on to. targets as weU as spotting for artillery, have been based there. If the airstrip were to close these army planes would be forced to operate at a disadvantage, landing on rough roads and clearings. Government Moves The South Korean Government has been quietly moving out of Taejon for several days and has established headquarters farther south. General MacArthur’s communique reported that North Korean forces, strength unknown, had established a bridgehead on the south side of the Kum River early this morning in the vicinity of Samgyo. “ Latest official reports indicate a setback, but there is no cause for , undue alarm. An American field artillery position was over-run, but whether the men and the guns of this unit were able to withdraw is not reported,” says the commu- . tuque. “Enemy transportation ! problems are becoming more acute j as his supply lines are extended. I Railroads are no longer usable in | the North Korean rear areas due ! to bombing. Travel by road must be made at night." The North Korean bridgehead west of Taejon remained intact in spite of heavy losses inflicted by strafing aircraft and fire from American ground