Key Facts
- Duration
- August 5 – September 19, 1950
- Length
- ~6 weeks
- KPA divisions engaged
- 2 (6th and 7th Divisions)
- Primary US unit
- 25th Infantry Division
- Part of
- Battle of Pusan Perimeter
Strategic Narrative Overview
The KPA 6th and 7th Divisions launched repeated attacks over six weeks against the 25th Division's three regiments. An initial UN counteroffensive from Masan failed to halt KPA advances. The 35th Infantry Regiment successfully repelled KPA forces at the Battle of Nam River, earning distinction. The 24th Infantry Regiment performed poorly at Blue Mountain and Haman, compelling the 25th Division to commit reserves to stabilize the line against KPA breakthroughs.
01 / The Origins
In the summer of 1950, North Korean People's Army (KPA) forces swept rapidly southward into South Korea following the June 1950 invasion, pushing UN and South Korean troops into a shrinking defensive pocket around the port of Pusan. The US 25th Infantry Division was assigned to hold the extreme southern flank of this perimeter around the city of Masan, guarding approaches through the Naktong River valley and the surrounding hills.
03 / The Outcome
By September 19, 1950, UN forces had repelled all KPA attacks in the Masan sector, ending the battle in a UN victory. The successful defense of this southern flank helped preserve the Pusan Perimeter as a whole, enabling the subsequent UN breakout following the Inchon landings in mid-September 1950. The KPA divisions were exhausted and unable to achieve their objective of capturing Pusan.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.