Battle of Taegu

Battle of Taegu
Part of the Battle of Pusan Perimeter
U.S. 1st Cavalry Division soldiers fire at North Korean troops crossing the Naktong River
Date August 5–20, 1950 Location Outskirts of Taegu, South Korea 35°58′N 128°26′E / 35.96°N 128.43°E / 35.96; 128.43 Result United Nations victory
Belligerents
United Nations  United States  South Korea	North Korea
Commanders and leaders
Douglas MacArthur Walton Walker	Choi Yong-kun Kim Chaek
Strength
4 divisions	5 divisions
Casualties and losses
200 killed 400 wounded	3,700+ killed and wounded

The Battle of Taegu was an engagement between United Nations Command (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 UN after their forces were able to drive off an offensive by Korean People's Army (KPA) divisions attempting to cross the Naktong River and assault the city.

Five 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 US 1st Cavalry Division and Republic of Korea Army (ROK) II Corps. In a series of engagements, each of the KPA divisions attempted to cross the Naktong and attack the defending forces. The success of these attacks varied, with attacks in the 1st Cavalry Division sector repulsed while attacks in the ROK sector were more successful.

During the battle, KPA troops were able to surprise US troops on Hill 303 and capture them. Late in the battle, these US troops were machine gunned in the Hill 303 massacre. The UN forces were successful in driving most of the KPA off and the city was finally secured in the Battle of the Bowling Alley.