Battle of Taegu | |||||||
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Part of the Battle of Pusan Perimeter | |||||||
U.S. 1st Cavalry Division soldiers fire at North Korean troops crossing the Naktong River |
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Belligerents | |||||||
North Korea | |||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Douglas MacArthur Walton Walker |
Choi Yong-kun Kim Chaek |
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Strength | |||||||
4 Divisions | 5 Divisions | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
200 killed 400 wounded |
3,700+ killed and wounded |
Coordinates: 35°52′N 128°36′E / 35.867°N 128.600°E
The Battle of Taegu was an engagement between UN and North Korean forces early in the Korean War, with fighting continuing from August 5–20, 1950 around the city of Taegu, South Korea. It was a part of the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, and was one of several large engagements fought simultaneously. The battle ended in a victory for the United Nations after their forces were able to drive off an offensive by North Korean divisions attempting to cross the Naktong River and assault the city.
Five North Korean Army (KPA) divisions massed around the city preparing to cross the Naktong River and assault it from the north and west. Defending the city were the 1st Cavalry Division and the ROK II Corps. In a series of engagements, each of the North Korean divisions attempted to cross the Naktong and attack the defending forces. The success of these attacks varied by region, but attacks in the 1st Cavalry Division sector were repulsed and the attacks in the South Korean sector were more successful.