The generals’ pilot, Capt. Lynch

“Hold on General. We’ve got to go in!”

Background

General Walker assumed command of the 8th Army (EUSA) on July 15, 1950. The EUSA was activated on June 10, 1944, and was deployed to the Pacific Theater. Its soldiers fought in New Guinea and New Britain, in the Philippines, and prepared for Operation Downfall, the invasion of the Japanese home islands. This operation was canceled when the Japanese surrendered. 

The EUSA then shifted from a combat role to an occupation force responsible for disarmament, demilitarization, and democratization in Japan. General Douglas MacArthur served as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) from 1945 to 1951, overseeing the post-World War II occupation. He then became the UN Command Korea commander.

On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded the ROK. Five days later, President Truman authorized General MacArthur to deploy ground forces to Korea. At that time, the EUSA was his ground force, consisting of four divisions and a dismounted cavalry division. Truman later emphasized that the war in Korea was a UN “police action,” but in those early days, it was a US war. It was always a US war with other countries led by America under the UN flag.

Each EUSA division was understrength, typically two battalions per regiment. They also faced shortages of equipment, and there was minimal combat training. 

The 24th Infantry Division (ID) was the only combat-ready division in Japan. One problem was that the 24th ID was spread out across Japan. It would take time to organize it and move it to Korea. Major General William Dean, USA, commanded it.

General Dean left Japan on July 3, 1950, and set up his headquarters for the 24th ID at Taejon, about 85 miles southeast of Seoul. North Korean forces had already captured Seoul on June 28. He intended to hold Taejon as long as possible. He knew his division was not prepared for war. 

General Walker had started a combat training program in Japan, but it was challenging to implement due to limited space iin that country. His equipment was old and worn out. He was acutely aware that the 24th ID was undermanned.

General Walker arrives on the scene