battle bowling alley battle bowling alley august united_nations forces defeated north korean forces early korean war near city south_korea battle took place narrow valley dubbed bowling alley north followed week fighting north korean people army 13th division republic korea army 1st division line hills north city reinforcements including army 27th 23rd infantry regiments committed bolster south defenses battle smaller engagements battle perimeter week north korean divisions launched troops attacks lines attacks usually occurred night supported armor artillery advanced infantry tanks close support north korean attack ran established lines tanks mines entrenched infantry positioned counter strikes aircraft ravaged attacking north fighting fierce casualties sides particularly north south fought repeated attacks eventually broke pushed north korean forces continued push perimeter turned battle background outbreak war following invasion republic korea south_korea democratic people republic korea north_korea subsequent outbreak korean war june united_nations voted enter conflict behalf south_korea united_states member simultaneously committed ground forces korean peninsula goal pushing north korean invasion preventing south_korea collapsing forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war years earlier time closest forces 24th infantry division headquartered japan division equipment reductions military spending 24th ordered south_korea 24th infantry division unit sent korea mission initial shock north korean advances delaying larger north korean units buy time allow reinforcements arrive division fought weeks 1st cavalry 7th infantry 25th infantry divisions eighth united_states_army supporting units arriving advance elements 24th badly defeated battle july encounter american north korean forces month defeat 24th infantry division repeatedly defeated forced south superior north korean numbers equipment regiments division systematically pushed south engagements 24th finally annihilated battle able delay north korean forces july time eighth army force combat troops roughly equal north korean forces attacking region new units arriving day north korean advance fight forces pushed repeatedly finally halting north korean advance series engagements southern section country forces 3rd battalion 29th infantry newly arrived country wiped coordinated ambush north korean forces july opening pass area west soon north korean forces took east pushing 19th infantry regiment leaving routes open direct north korean attacks formations subsequently able defeat north battle notch august halting advance west suffering mounting losses korean people army force withdrew days equip receive reinforcements granted sides prepare attack perimeter eighth army commander lieutenant general walker established headquarters center perimeter line stood entrance river valley area north korean forces advance large numbers close support natural barriers provided river south mountainous terrain north transportation hub major south korean city aside remain hands south north city defended 1st cavalry division 1st division 6th division command corps 1st cavalry division spread long line river south 5th cavalry 8th cavalry regiments holding meter line river south facing west 7th cavalry held position east reserve artillery forces ready reinforce north korean crossing attempted 1st division held northwest facing line mountains immediately north city 6th division held position east guarding narrow valley holding road perimeter area north korean divisions amassed oppose forces city south north 10th 3rd 15th 13th 1st north korean divisions occupied wide line north korean army planned use natural corridor river valley main axis attack push south north korean divisions eventually moved valley crossing different areas low ground elements armored division supported attack prelude forces assemble mid august 27th infantry regiment 25th infantry division north korean resistance southern area counter north korean attack regiment temporarily attached 24th infantry division recalled eighth army new north korean threat formed north walker acting threat walker relieved regiment 24th infantry division august day ordered northward reserve force arriving august colonel john 27th infantry commander ordered routes east north northwest west counter north korean attacks directions day north korean tanks came 1st division lines miles north south korean inch teams knocked 1st division area ordered assemble hills road wait reinforcements stand needed prevent north coming closer east 6th division west river day august eighth army ordered 27th infantry headquarters reinforced battalion delay point river miles north road secure enemy penetration direction south korean sources reported north korean regiment led tanks entered village miles north 1st battalion 27th infantry platoon heavy mortar company 8th field artillery battalion moved north 1st division command post located nightfall entire 27th regiment north road reinforced company tank battalion army commanders ordered 37th field artillery battalion area heavy battle progress days attachment 27th infantry regiment order reinforce 8th field artillery battalion arrived day 1st division commander brigadier general sun assumed senior command 27th infantry units forces assemble engagements perimeter battle north korean 13th division men forced south korean troops corridor started advancing division battled 11th 12th regiments san area week broke corridor august regimental commander division said later suffered casualties process august 13th division concentrated west road north west 13th division 15th division men deployed san begun battling 1st division far minor engagements north korean high command ordered 15th division position northwest eastward 8th division tried failed advance lateral corridor 15th division left san area august 1st division east 13th advanced area miles north north korean command ordered proceed area maneuver 13th division attack corridor time north received substantial tank reinforcements perimeter fighting august armored division received new tanks troop replacements distributed divisions attacking tank regiment 13th division reportedly tanks august 13th division road miles eighth army ordered 27th infantry regiment attack north road counter threat time regiments 1st division attack high ground road plan called limited objective attack restore 1st division lines vicinity village miles north tanks company tank battalion batteries 37th field artillery battalion support 27th infantry attack terrain 27th infantry position lined road ran northward narrow mountain valley stream west closely paralleled road nearly straight north south axis 27th infantry position distance northward stretch road later known bowling alley mile 27th infantry position road small village called western main road eastern road road fork road bends northwest long curve village lay curve short distance north fork hills protected direct fire 27th infantry position north korean tanks remained hidden daytime rising valley west san mountain range swept height feet east similar mountain range rose height feet culminating miles southward mountain called san feet high walled summit roads northeast northwest entered natural easy corridor san san leading basin battles bowling alley occurred south road junction battle 1st infantry division men held line bowling alley august bowling alley area selected high ground provided natural barriers funnel north korean troops smaller fronts south korean defenses attack high ground concealed positions meantime 3rd 13th 15th divisions advancing south preparing close north korean 13th division corridor vicious melee ensued north south korean troops 1st division 11th 12th 13th regiments committed 13th division 19th 21st 23rd regiments fight battle attrition sides closed battle took brutal turn august supplies ran low units locked close quarters combat little ammunition weapons fighting entire hand hand combat grenade fights close range divisions evenly matched gains days fighting huge numbers casualties bloody fighting obliged emergency reinforcements hold line eighth army responded immediately sending 27th infantry 25th infantry division 10th regiment 8th division reinforce 1st division regiments air_force aircraft conducted carpet bombing campaign advancing north korean positions effect time 15th division supporting 13th division withdrew attack leaving 1st division 27th infantry 13th division principal opponents conflict followed infantry advance 27th infantry trucks rolled northward approached line departure men inside north south fighting ridges overlooking road infantry deployed attacking line 1st battalion left road 2nd battalion right tanks leading infantry road battalions crossed line tanks opened fire mountain aid south korean infantry engaged infantry road swept lower hills tanks road paced advance infantry north korean outpost line valley withdrew north korean opposition hour advance north korean outpost lines miles main positions 27th infantry reached point miles north informed regiments high ground flanking valley road able advance ordered halt form perimeter defense battalions road battalions 27th infantry went perimeter defense north village 1st battalion left road took position company high ground company ridge right company placed parallel company carried line stream narrow valley road 2nd battalion took defense line company road company right company held ridge company battalions presented company company holding refused flank position platoon tanks took positions line tanks road stream bed tanks reserve artillery went firing positions force teams took positions infantry positions road stream bed time 1st division remained control high ground 27th infantry positions august attack seven successive north korean night attacks struck 27th infantry defensive perimeter shortly dark night august north korean mortars artillery fired heavy preparation general attack hours tanks self propelled gun moved village miles 27th infantry lines infantry followed trucks foot lead tank moved slowly firing apparently observing second fired repeatedly company position tanks drew near inch team company destroyed second line teams hit lead tank causing crew abandon fire 8th field artillery battalion knocked self propelled gun destroyed trucks killed wounded estimated north korean troops point advance lieutenant lewis artillery forward observer later medal honor winner transferred infantry directed artillery fire north tank approached yards position north korean tanks come road realizing americans effective anti tank weapons switched running lights retreated north engaging troops august north korean attack stalled withdrew north korean troops second effort weaker artillery mortar fire dispersed reached lines course week troops able north system attack use advantage north system signal actions coordinate quickly apparent defending americans green signal attack given area 27th infantry obtained green north korean attack begun fired main defensive positions confused attacking forces drew points greatest strength suffered massive casualties defensive machine gun troops began land mines positions stall north mines stopped tanks infantry tried remove happened troops fired scene pre registered artillery mortar fire north tactic effective inflicting significant casualties stalemate morning august 11th 13th regiments launched ridges gains fight continued produce heavy casualties sides walker ordered reserve unit battalion 10th regiment close gap 1st 6th divisions later day walker ordered 23rd infantry regiment command colonel paul freeman establish defense perimeter 8th 37th field artillery battalions positions miles north protect north korean attack occasion war regiments assigned south korean command 3rd battalion 23rd infantry took defensive position artillery 2nd battalion occupied defensive position road 27th infantry day battalions exchanged places south korean troops suffering losses fighting began recruiting students civilians nearby villages fight little fighting ground day august aircraft attacked north korean positions repeatedly day close proximity american ground forces night fell north korean troops launched second attack firing barrage mortar shells 27th infantry heavy weapons company area tanks began advancing corridor troops responded artillery mortar fire hitting north korean column accompanying infantry waiting americans held small arms machine gun fire north yards positions combined fire weapons repulsed attack morning august patrol infantry tanks went road north korean positions white flags appeared american line civilians area said north wanted surrender patrol mission investigate situation form estimate north losses patrol advanced mile engaging small north korean groups receiving artillery fire way destroyed disabled north korean tanks grenades patrol found anti tank gun self propelled guns mortar destroyed north korean equipment recognizing large number north korean dead point advance patrol found destroyed abandoned tank village courtyard august attack evening 27th infantry placed belts mines trip road stream bed yards yards positions valley dusk north began general area 27th infantry positions midnight troops planned mount attack apparent north hit 13th division launched major attack entire valley tanks supported infantry troops valley higher ground positioned american units company left road usually detect approaching attack evening company commander regimental headquarters hear tanks artillery fired shell able count north korean vehicles attacking column road tanks self propelled guns approached american positions firing rapidly shells landed rear areas north korean infantry moved forward sides road simultaneously north korean units attacked troops high ridges flanking valley american artillery mortar fire bombarded north trying separate tanks infantry machine gun fire opened infantry entered field close range tanks line held fire north korean tanks came close american tanks knocked lead north korean tank inch team company knocked towed gun vehicle column trapped second tank disabled fire abandoned crew fight battle received troops battle noted tank shells fired valley dark looked like bowling balls artillery tank fire destroyed seven north korean tanks towed guns trucks personnel carriers night battle times intense lasted hours battery 8th field artillery battalion fired rounds inch mortar platoon fired rounds mortar platoon fired rounds company 27th infantry fired mortar rounds north korean column completely destroyed patrols daylight estimated north suffered casualties fight prisoners captured patrol said action units division percent strength flanking moves night battle north korean forces high ridge line east flank 27th infantry appeared day miles rear regiment miles force regiment 1st division men strong regiment arrived area join battle began supply lines american forces valley regiment companies attacked 1st division headquarters intent capture repulsed 10th regiment time sent urgent message eighth army saying troops left given way people fighting battalions 11th regiment driven retreating disarray prisoners told north west flank asked air strike south korean troops driven high ground perimeter position 27th infantry regiment resented charge men fighting argument eighth army korean military advisory group advisers visited unit ensure remaining position personally rallied 11th regiment charge positions later apologized relationship remainder battle remained strained afternoon august 2nd battalion 23rd infantry guarding support artillery 27th infantry came attack 1st division troops passed forward positions freeman reported eighth army north shelled rear battery 37th field artillery battalion north korean infantry 27th 23rd regiments road north korean groups passed east forward battalion intense artillery barrage began falling headquarters area 8th field artillery battalion minutes later direct hits destroyed fire direction center killing officers non commissioned officers individual batteries quickly took control battalion fires continued support infantry battalion headquarters headquarters company withdrew fire aircraft launched air strikes north korean held ridge east road valley night walker released control 23rd infantry 1st battalion 1st cavalry division orders clear north road commanding ground overlooking main supply route lieutenant colonel commanding artillery regiment supporting 13th division walked 1st division position miles north defected highest ranking north korean prisoner war far war gave precise information location artillery according seven thirteen guns orchard miles north little valley north san receiving information eighth army immediately prepared destroy north korean weapons fighter bombers attacked orchard site artillery took location fire eventually commissioned south_korea armed forces final moves night august north launched weak attack 27th infantry quickly repulsed august violent action occurred distance line north korean soldiers succeeded reaching positions company 27th infantry 1st platoon company engineer combat battalion overran parts positions driven suffering killed ordered walker 2nd battalion 23rd infantry north korean night attacks dawn seized high ground overlooking road artillery positions time 3rd battalion started day attack swept stretch high ground east road action largely cleared north area flanks 27th infantry reported bowling alley eighth army 13th division blown road mined withdrawing day august 23rd infantry continued clearing rear areas night estimated fewer north forward positions bowling alley quiet day shortly midnight august north launched regular nightly attack bowling alley attack estimated company strength supported tanks 27th infantry broke attack north korean tanks destroyed supporting artillery fire night 27th infantry regiment spent bowling alley north turned north walker issued orders 27th infantry leave bowling alley return 25th division area 1st division assume responsibility bowling alley 23rd infantry remain north support relief 27th infantry began august continued night completed august survivors 1st regiment 1st division joined rest division mountains east road near walled summit san prisoners reported 1st regiment men lost mortars guns result action east flank 13th division bowling alley aftermath confirmed north korean losses august included tanks self propelled guns trucks 13th division troops suffered heavy casualties fight american unit estimated killed wounded captured division withdrew rebuild north total casualties august killed losses battle extremely light unusual fighting time offensive forces paying heavy price making similar pushes north korean troops infantry forces suffered killed wounded 27th infantry plus killed wounded 23rd infantry brought total american casualty count dead wounded south korean troops suffered heavily fight estimated south korean men killed fighting enlisted men officers losses volunteers poured surrounding countryside fight south korean army


battle battle engagement united_nations north korean forces took place early korean war august september vicinity river south_korea battle perimeter large engagements fought simultaneously battle ended victory large numbers united_states republic korea troops able repel repeated attacks north korean divisions operating extreme southern flank perimeter army 25th infantry division placed regiments south korean city 24th infantry regiment 5th regimental combat team based nearby san 35th infantry regiment based river west city week battle korean people army 6th 7th divisions attacked 25th division regiments attempt break forces attack initial proved ineffective stopping north advancing subsequent fight 35th infantry able repel north battle river highly regarded actions 24th infantry performed poorly battles blue mountain forcing 25th division muster reserves counter north korean gains 24th units able defeat repel north repeatedly including coordinated offensive entire perimeter delaying pushing north 25th infantry division able buy time forces counterattack effectively defeating north korean army perimeter background outbreak war following june invasion republic korea south_korea northern neighbor democratic people republic korea north_korea united_nations decided commit troops conflict behalf south_korea united_states member subsequently committed ground forces korean peninsula goal fighting north korean invasion preventing south_korea collapsing forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war years earlier time closest forces 24th infantry division headquartered japan division equipment reductions military spending regardless 24th division ordered south_korea 24th infantry division unit sent korea mission initial shock north korean advances delaying larger north korean units buy time allow reinforcements arrive division weeks attempted delay north making time 1st cavalry 7th 25th infantry divisions eighth army supporting units position advance elements 24th infantry division badly defeated battle july encounter american north korean forces month defeat task force smith 24th infantry division repeatedly defeated forced south superior north korean numbers equipment regiments 24th infantry division systematically pushed south engagements division final stand battle nearly destroyed delayed north korean forces july time eighth army force combat troops roughly equal north korean forces attacking region new units arriving day north korean advance captured north korean forces began surrounding perimeter attempt 4th 6th north korean infantry divisions advanced south wide flanking maneuver divisions attempted left flank extremely spread process advanced positions armor superior numbers repeatedly pushing south korean forces american forces finally halted north korean advance series engagements southern section country forces 3rd battalion 29th infantry regiment newly arrived country wiped coordinated ambush north korean forces july opening pass area soon north korean forces took west pushing 19th infantry regiment leaving routes open north korean attacks formations subsequently able defeat push north flank battle notch august suffering mounting losses kpa force west withdrew days equip receive reinforcements granted sides prepare attack perimeter battle task force lieutenant general walker eighth army began preparing conducted war august kick attack reserve units area secure north korean 6th division followed larger general push river middle month goals break suspected north korean troops near area forcing diversion north korean units southward august eighth army issued operational directive attack task force named 25th infantry division commander major general william task force consisted 25th division 27th infantry field artillery battalion 5th regimental combat team 5th 1st provisional marine brigade attached represented force men plan attack required force west positions held near seize pass secure line far river offensive relied arrival entire 2nd infantry division battalions american tanks task force kicked attack august moving notch northern pass city site previous battle 35th infantry regiment encountered north korean infantry defeating force forward inflicting casualties north overran north korean 6th division headquarters rest task force slowed north korean resistance task force pressed area resulting confused battle fragmented force rely air strikes effective task force offensive collided delivered simultaneously north korean 6th division heavy fighting continued area days august task force retake task force aided air power initially advanced quickly north korean resistance heavy august marines picked advance inadvertently discovering north korean regiment armored division 1st marine air wing retreating column repeatedly inflicting casualties destroying regiment equipment vehicles 1st provisional marine brigade elements withdrawn force august perimeter task force continued forward supported naval field artillery capturing area eighth army requested units particularly attempt 25th infantry division division trains valley mud night august attacked morning north driven american forces high ground confusion north korean armor able penetrate assault supporting artillery positions surprise attack successful field artillery battalions equipment north korean american armor scene marine aviation continued provide air cover able gains despite inflicting heavy casualties american forces unsuccessful positions artillery overrun suffering numerous casualties failed attempts later inspection bodies men field artillery field artillery found executed area came american control later known bloody massacre task force forced withdraw unable hold gains august approximately positions started offensive task force failed objective north korean troops north failed objective reaching pass offensive noted significantly increased morale troops 25th infantry division performed extremely subsequent engagements 6th division reduced ranks south korean fighting region continued rest month battle lines walker ordered 25th infantry division defensive positions perimeter southern flank west august 25th infantry division moved positions rough terrain west limited choice positions mountain group west readily ground east pass foot mountain ridges san dominated area protected road means north south communication west northwest broken spur dominated feet san river excellent observation point surrounding area artillery area road junction 35th infantry regiment set positions northern 25th infantry division defense line 35th regiment line extended point miles west river turned east stream confluence river long regimental line yards twice length regiment typically assigned 1st battalion 35th infantry held regiment left flank west 2nd battalion held right river 3rd battalion redesignated 1st battalion 29th infantry reserve road south quickly line south 24th infantry regiment west 5th regimental combat team division left flank division orders 5th regimental combat team held ground coastal road far san soon decided 5th close gap northward 24th infantry 5th sent south korean unit men american officers higher slope san north korean troops drove ordered 5th ground late north korean consolidation 6th division ordered await reinforcements continuing attack north south division 13th 15th 14th regiments replacements arrived august approximately unarmed south seoul area joined division august 6th division issued grenades told recruits pick weapons killed wounded battlefield group replacements seoul area joined 6th division august bringing division strength approximately men week august week september recruits southwest korea joined division 6th division body recruits labor details later employed combat troops south korean forcibly taken homes north korean troops typically held weak morale north realized presented weakness lines unable acquire men means north placed rear guard troops formations threaten shoot attempted defect desert surrender positions north korean build south 7th division arrived near men 7th division occupied key ports protect 6th division possible amphibious landings rear eventually division committed combat conjunction north korean units simultaneous attacks hoped lines north korean advance august north resumed attack battalion north korean troops drove police hold long naval forces heavily shelled companies marines island amphibious landing near town force attacked north supported naval gun fire drove north lost men survivors withdrew reinforced north advanced 25th infantry division defensive line begun series attacks continue month battalion strength attacks came high mountains west battle mountain san area 6th division attacked held terrain features afforded observation supply concentration area deeply cut valley west battle 6th division shifted axis attack main attacking effort northern corridor river 35th infantry sector 35th infantry set work cover trip short supply gradually impossible replace short supply reserve stocks deteriorated degree percent supply issued regiment effective employed time lapse request delivery big allowed north korean threatened area illuminated field artillery battalion battery field artillery battalion attached company medium tank battalion supported fisher regiment medium tanks positions acted artillery placed fire medium tanks similar manner placed fire river pre dawn hours august north korean attack hit 35th infantry north korean artillery fire began falling 1st battalion command post hour later north korean infantry attacked company forcing positions mortar position daylight counterattack company regained lost ground beginning day battle 1st battalion southern spurs miles west north attempted turn left flank 35th regiment split 25th division line morning august company lost position north korean attack regained counterattack companies south korean police arrived reinforce battalion right flank continuing north korean attack artillery supporting 1st battalion fired average rounds hour night august days nights battle company 35th infantry company 29th infantry moved road morning august bolster companies large concentration north advanced renew attack troops directed artillery fire force called air strike observers estimated artillery fire air strike killed north korean troops half attack group north try position morning august north korean infantry started heavy attack 1st battalion employing artillery mortar preparatory fires force cut barbed wire perimeter attacked close quarters small arms grenades assault engaged american companies drove position hours fighting company regained lost position day august north frustrated area withdrew contact 35th infantry sector battle battle mountain high ground west 24th infantry established defensive line san mountain mass san reaches foot peak called hill miles northwest miles southwest crest ridge line curves northwestward rise mile away bald peak designated hill known battle mountain troops occasionally referred variously hill old bloody battle mountain ridge line narrows rocky troops called rocky northward battle mountain river ground drops sharply long spur ridges men fought called eastern green peak western north korean held base battle mountain villages miles crest north south mountain trail crossed high saddle north villages west slope halfway battle mountain road gave north advantage mounting supplying attacks area trail system ran battle mountain battle mountain observer look directly north korean held valley time battle mountain north look valley eastward observe 24th infantry command post supply road artillery positions approach trails held crest battle mountain rear areas forces seeing advantages holding crest battle mountain fought capture week long battle attack mountain line 24th infantry came morning august north overran company positions northern spur battle mountain killed company commander day lieutenant colonel paul roberts succeeded lieutenant colonel george cole command 2nd battalion 24th infantry day north attacked company battle mountain routed officers collect men bring position police ran fight remained defensive positions american officers threats physical force position mile line north existed 24th infantry lines close day unknown number north moving august 6th division intensified efforts attack battle mountain began sending stronger attacks capture peaks face company company commander men abandoned position battle mountain reaching mountain fled reported erroneously company commander killed position surrounded overrun north basis american artillery mortars fired concentrations company position fighter bombers sorties attacked crest battle mountain bombs rockets machine guns action forced company commander remaining men battle mountain held hours having declined surrender north platoon company men left position mountain soon attack progressed regimental left patrol company position san captured commanding officer 15th regiment killed minutes later trying escape patrol removed intelligence documents body day fighting battle mountain north drove police 24th infantry left flank san 24th infantry troops continued positions ignoring commands officers stay place african american white officers infuriated wrote sworn statements situation severe stayed positions given bronze star medals devices far outnumbered fighting battle mountain changed hands august agreement exact number times intelligence sergeant 1st battalion 24th infantry estimated peak changed hands times august end month north korean troops attacked mountain night peak changed hands times hour period usual pattern north night 24th infantry recapture day type fluctuating battle resulted relatively high losses artillery forward observers equipment period august seven forward observers members observer liaison section field artillery battalion casualties lost radios vehicles process 24th infantry consistently captured battle mountain way artillery mortar tank fire crest air strikes employing peak infantry attacked hill beneath east slope summit supporting mortars set base fire kept heights barrage infantry arrived point short crest mortar fire lifted infantry moved rapidly stretch usually find abandoned north september push august 25th division held miles beginning north bridge river extending west hills south river confluence bent southwest south san mountain mass tapered northern river line turned south rising ground san crossed saddle south face passed railroad highway continued southward battle mountain line dropped spur ridge lines southern coastal road near 35th infantry regiment held northern yards division line bridge highway regiment responsible highway regiment weakest vulnerable point mile gap river company west 1st platoon east platoon guarded steel bridge division extreme right boundary 2nd infantry division river south highway 24th infantry held high ground west including battle mountain colonel john 5th infantry regimental combat team held southern spur san coastal road marine_corps units continued line southern coast general 25th division command post 35th infantry command post east road 24th infantry command post 5th infantry command post august division suffering manpower shortages limited number brought ranks aerial reconnaissance week august disclosed eighth army large north korean activity lines opposite 2nd 25th divisions southern perimeter north built new underwater bridges river 35th infantry 25th division sector aerial bombing temporarily partially destroyed bridges repaired overnight eighth army intelligence credited north having moved new divisions tanks area west river opposite 2nd division intelligence strength divisions august eighth army intelligence officer warned general offensive expected time 2nd division 25th division aimed railroad highway capturing midnight august corps started portion great offensive coordinated attack perimeter goal breaking defensive lines capturing north korean soldiers crossed lower number points planned attack southward coast zones 2nd 25th divisions north greatest effort struck single massive coordinated attack battle left center 25th division line lieutenant colonel paul roberts 2nd battalion 24th infantry held crest second ridge west mile town north korean territory secondary road led shoulders low hills rice ground running east mile south main road came roberts 2nd battalion position pass mile west late afternoon august observers company 24th infantry noticed activity mile positions called air strikes hit area dusk artillery sent large concentration fire area effect fire known units line alerted possible north korean attack night north launched great offensive entire force 6th division advanced hitting company north pass road troops pass left positions fell company south north captured rifle pass turned american tanks knocking overran section mortars east end pass south pass dawn lieutenant houston found men assigned platoon remained mix troops north attacked position dawn came opening barbed wire perimeter supposed covered man automatic rifle fled throwing grenades area gun fire north quickly overran position numerous officers non commissioned officers attempted men line follow orders instance south korean troops killed company commander tried stop escaping shortly north korean attack started 2nd battalion 24th infantry fled positions company time battalion struck strong attacks exception dozen men company formation quickly troops running orders officers north passed lines quickly overran 2nd battalion command post killing men destroying battalion equipment 2nd battalion broken open direct north korean attack north encircled roberts 2nd battalion commander ordered officer remnants battalion establish south edge town officer directed large group men accompany 2nd battalion longer effective fighting force pockets soldiers remained place fought fiercely majority fled attack north able uneven resistance surrounded 2nd battalion disarray north korean attack broke 2nd battalion 1st battalion commander ordered unit miles south road counterattack restore line roberts assembled men disorganized 2nd battalion find join counterattack got way contact north 1st battalion broke fled rear shortly daylight scattered disorganized men 1st 2nd battalions 24th infantry fled high ground miles east better regiments 6th division poured gap captured town held september ordered immediate counterattack restore 24th infantry positions minutes air_force aircraft struck north korean positions bombs rockets machine gun fire attacked north korean held ridges town minutes concentrated artillery fire followed fires spread infantry 3rd battalion moved attack west reinforced platoon tanks company tank battalion tanks mounting infantry spearheaded attack capturing city easily north korean troops abandoned north force held ridge west town machine gun fire swept approach north korean fire destroyed tank attacking infantry suffered heavy casualties check battalion pressed attack seized long ridge yards west secured half old battle position higher ridge mile west yards short crest remainder ridge infantry dug night recaptured pushing 24th old positions north attacked daily week following north korean september north korean attack ground halt north logistical manpower shortages focused heavily attacks 24th infantry positions battle mountain 35th infantry positions river 24th infantry troops encountered attacks september battle river north korean 7th division troops committed effort attacking 35th infantry line august north korean self propelled high velocity gun fired shells position company 35th infantry overlooking river minutes north korean artillery attacking line rifle companies regiment bridge west cover fire reinforced regiment 7th division crossed river attacked companies 35th infantry north korean soldiers crossed underwater bridge ground north near boundary 2nd battalion led lieutenant colonel john holding river lieutenant colonel bernard 1st battalion holding hill line stretched river san highway 35th infantry facing shortages equipment reinforcements equipped nonetheless prepared attack low ground battalions river ferry crossing site 35th infantry commander placed national police expecting hold long serve warning rest forces guns flanking hills cover low ground fire held 3rd battalion ready use counterattack stop enemy penetration occur unexpectedly police companies near ferry scattered north korean fire north korean troops streamed hole line turning left company flank rear turned right attack company spur ground west road platoon elements companies formed defense line north edge tanks joined north drive road fork miles south river colonel fisher expected instead turned east hills 2nd battalion september tank led relief force company headquarters troops cleared road san 2nd platoon company ammunition time repel north korean assault killing capturing north fisher 35th infantry held original positions forward platoon company north korean soldiers lines eastern penetration reached high ground south overlooking north south road felt situation dangerous ordered 2nd battalion 27th infantry regiment attack 35th infantry large division artillery direct north korean infantry attack morning hours september 7th division troops attacked american unit encountered company 35th infantry north shoulder gap north korean units attack company continued engaged company miles downstream attacked scattered units company way 1st platoon guarded bridge extreme right flank 25th division platoon drove north korean force fierce fight september company heavy battle destroyed north korean battalion bitter confused fighting continued 35th infantry line week battalions companies cut isolated fought independently higher control help supplied supplied relief forces trying reach line units tanks armored cars drove isolated units supplies food ammunition carried critically wounded return trips general 35th infantry fought original battle line positions battalion later battalions 27th infantry fought estimated north operating rear areas 25th division generally pressure september severe local attacks heavy rains caused rivers rise september reducing danger new crossings north korean attacks 2nd battalion 35th infantry occurred nightly approaches bridge key targets protect mined time north korean dead lying area september limited attacks 35th infantry north momentum broken muster strong attacks regiment evacuation civilians posed unexpectedly dangerous problem forces town large community communist agents peak north korean offensive han manager branch korean press association confessed chief south korean labor party information north headquarters additionally chief prison guards found head communist cell included seven subordinates information came light time intense fighting progress miles away considered situation dangerous ordered evacuated people police public officials railroad utility workers necessary laborers families evacuation completed days september 25th division evacuated people landing ship tank north korean withdrawal counterattack collapsed north korean line forced fronts september 25th infantry division fighting north korean forces lines north korean strong points existed heights battle mountain san felt division advance roads mountainous center division clear believed key advance 25th division lay center north held heights kept 24th infantry regiment daily attack 27th infantry left 35th infantry right roads held positions advance situation 24th infantry improved september discovered north abandoned battle mountain night 1st battalion 24th infantry moved occupied right 35th infantry began moving forward light resistance reached high ground hidden north korean soldiers spider holes shot 1st battalion soldiers rear day 1st battalion captured 2nd battalion captured long ridge line running northwest river north held strongly division left 27th infantry heavy fighting trying forward north withdrew area night september 7th division withdrew south river 6th division elements cover entire covered 6th division 7th crossed north river morning september 6th division withdrew positions san units rapidly pursued north passing battle mountain positions longer strategic importance aftermath 5th regimental combat team suffered killed wounded missing battles perimeter rest 25th infantry division suffered killed wounded captured missing fight killed wounded captured division breakout attack north korean troops suffered heavily fight casualties attack mid september 7th division reduced men loss committed perimeter men 6th division returned north_korea loss percent strength large groups troops divisions captured attempted return north_korea including north korean troops attacking force reduced end fighting position remained locked bitter stalemate entire weeks battle perimeter attempted attempt force withdrawal north unable pierce perimeter troops unable north point forced withdraw battle inconclusive able decisively defeat units achieved strategic goal preventing north advancing east threatening instead able hold line repeated attacks attack successful defeating north korean army subsequent engagements continued problem 24th infantry facto segregated unit statistics compiled found 25th infantry division 24th infantry august compared 27th infantry 35th infantry regiment criticized poor performance battle weeks earlier late august began investigating unit behavior finding poor performance starting bring units division considered regiment weak link chain poor performance battles battle mountain suggested walker regiment disbanded troops replacements units field virtually officers enlisted men regiment supportive idea walker declined feeling afford lose regiment conversely 35th infantry widely praised actions river line regiment performed north nominated presidential unit citation


battle battle took place april northern french war garrison dozen french troops occupied fortified outpost hills village border french outposts northern following decision french high command string isolated garrisons region order buy time major cities attack garrisons given orders radio dig fight approaching forces following fall satellite strong point troops captain resisted siege force thirty days supported air dropped supplies air strikes small french force repelled direct attacks endured series artillery strong points outpost eventually fell early morning midday french force lay defeated soldiers french reached french position miles away days travel jungle escaped resistance french garrison popular rallying cry french troops serving precursor french strategies decisive battle following year prelude early commenced invasion exert additional pressure paris french forces stationed area divisions long supply lines maintained army french command headed ordered establishment series french outposts northern resist invading forces long possible buy time fortification capital cities king remained added greater impetus french efforts terrain northern local climate isolated outposts night time fog known thick jungle lack roads steep terrain outpost given certain number days withstand forces including issued orders april hold fourteen days april satellite outpost command captain satellite outpost overseen lieutenant situated confluence rivers miles approximately miles south west black river vietnam outpost consisted separate strongholds referred alpha situated hills west south south east south south west confluence roughly yards forming triangle village lay western foot protected river large road french outpost miles north lay miles east path advance roughly miles south west miles vietnam border miles south highlands command garrison led reinforced platoon evening april battalion entered near san reached finding surrounded french stood days radio contact main strong point survivors following french captain retreated night april round route following assumption laid direct path french new path jungle reached april warned units following french attempted turn north met allied convoy travelling forces combined sailed river april convoy ran ambush yards strong point barrier floating tree attacked convoy machine guns mortars destroying canoe remaining french troops returned fire assistance forces heard firing routed troops left dead wounded french suffered seven missing dead wounded remainder joined french convoy equipment incorporated defence battalion regional regiment division heavy mortar company division drew near battle siege french troops making way canoe mother strong point forces feeling chronicler referred par creating void result presence area local villagers longer spoke french previously population began leaving farms markets deserted french viewed indicator imminent enemy attack furthermore thick jungle steep slopes isolated french strong points river airborne supply hand adequately supplied referred officially relatively small force handful french officers equipped mortars machine guns ordered april hold fourteen days colonel promised air support hours evening april mortar shells began landing slopes position alpha place night launched direct assault failed left dead defeat prompted previous tactics slowly away french outpost ordered leave forces continue siege remainder division moved overhead french bombed positions cargo planes dropped supplies ammunition french positions air bridge enabled garrison survive fourteen days later april intact french high command dropped legion honor men small group left deliver relevant decorations alpha movement positions extremely difficult possible small patrol village deserted french patrols served early warning system ambush assaults dominated night pattern continued french forces liberated reached position miles french patrol deployed village dogs french impending attack visible fog patrol returned issued alert radio bombardment soviet russian mortars rifles grenades began instructed radio operator sergeant request air dropped air support mortar fire landed alpha command continued support areas outpost mortar fire hours western flank fallen bombardment garrison informed weather conditions prevented air support forces launched successive assault waves overran men including attacks flanked position nearby time alpha overrun forces firing heard alpha survived remainder night seen fighting french aircraft morning transport aircraft returned resume supply drops flag removed command bunker survivors days fall garrison soldiers garrison radio operator reached remaining french outpost northern bernard fall recorded street joy years old looked kept walking like centre post stopped men staring ghost soldiers spent days moving jungle following defeat unit days later sergeant arrived outpost account detailed hours spent hiding day march food navigational aids encountering native provided food pony reached french forces aftermath vietnamese french media awarded considerable attention conflict newspapers worldwide covered battle bernard fall note significance battle epic street joy hell small place british newspaper times began covering conflict april reporting retreat despite correctly identifying half attacking force rated garrison mother strong point numbering battle received attention garrison fell garrison defeated coverage remained positive thought french survivors speculative future french military presence new commander french high command released assessment defeat stating night post resisted beginning offensive succumbed overwhelming mass january occupied forces subsequently overrun division commander lived village wife killed home attack battalions french foreign legion forces suffered losses covering retreat garrison survivors area later critical supply route site construction project proposed route french use lessons learned battle san defence plans turn employ similar tactics importance air bridge maintain supply lines strong artillery support human wave attacks need isolated mutually support important tactics taken board french conflicts disappearance local populations previously friendly french served precursor attack remembered troops abilities isolated individual maintaining hidden artillery support weapon reach french artillery battles human wave attacks


spanish coup july spanish coup july fractured spanish republican armed forces marked beginning spanish civil war following period troubles second spanish republic group officers attempted overthrow left wing popular government elected months previously military coup planning started early coup launched july coup failed complete control country civil war ensued rising intended swift government retained control country including taken rebels general managed secure madrid rebels barracks fell july cabinet headed newly appointed prime minister ordered distribution weapons unions helping defeat rebels madrid barcelona led taking control large parts rebel general surrendered barcelona later condemned death rebels secured support half spain army allowing large numbers extended leave totaled men strong army africa army africa spain professional effective military force government retained half supply rifles heavy light machine guns artillery pieces sides tanks outdated aircraft naval capacity fairly officers weakened republican units types background following elections november spain entered period called black years spanish negro continued prepare receiving backing italian prime minister struggled control youth wing copied germany italy youth movements turned attention fascist leadership rivera open violence occurred streets spanish cities continued mimic german nazi party staging rally march anti strike law successfully provoke break unions time efforts remove local councils socialist control prompted general strike brutally arrest deputies significant articles constitution september announced longer support radical republican_party minority government replaced cabinet included members general strike unsuccessful spain general francisco franco informal command military effort miners revolt place succeeded workers called arms days franco men brought spain army africa acted killing men women children carrying summary executions main cities workers killed government soldiers marked effective end republic months retaliation repression sides followed torture political prisoners bombings political religious killings usual streets political parties created armed militias prompted cabinet collapse members new government conceded military members reformed loyal promoted franco chief staff elections won grouping left wing parties united popular right began best overthrow republic taking control government weak led minority government reconciliation huge task acts violence april parliament replaced president increasingly isolated everyday politics replacement weak watershed event inspired conservatives parliamentary politics turned campaign chest army replaced right leading spokesman parliament best avoid revolution promoting series public works civil order reforms including parts military civil guard communists quickly took ranks socialist organisations middle classes generals decided government replaced dissolution spain prevented held contempt professional politicians preparations republican government attempting remove suspect generals posts franco relieved chief staff transferred command islands replaced inspector general general islands moved head army africa military commander allowed direct mainland uprising relationship leaders problematic general operation helped come agreement chief second command rivera prison mid march order restrict government actions thorough warnings director security figures acted june prime minister met general juan accused growing conspiracy north_africa managed convince loyalty republic held meeting garrison commanders north spain june local authorities hearing meeting surrounded civil guards ordered removal saying trusted began planning spring general francisco franco early july inspiring refer miss islands franco key player prestige director military academy man suppressed socialist uprising respected spanish army spain strongest military force wrote cryptic letter june suggesting military restrained charge failing arrest buy franco placing overall command impossible franco assigned control morocco new regime largely sidelined july aircraft chartered franco islands morocco arrived july murder july madrid member named murdered lieutenant assault guards police force member socialist party day members assault guards arrested leading spanish prominent parliamentary conservative original target found protested agricultural reforms restrictions authority catholic_church considered instead advocated creation state shot guards trial killing prominent member parliament involvement police aroused suspicions strong reactions government opponents right massive followed conservative nationalist generals advanced stages planned uprising event provided catalyst convenient public justification coup particular spain saved anarchy military democratic means communists led demanded arms distributed people military took prime minister hesitant franco plane landed july based unable plane death general military commander killed shooting accident july death accident suicide murder unknown beginning coup uprising timing fixed july agreed leader timing changed men spanish morocco rise spain starting exactly day later control spanish morocco achieved forces sent morocco coincide rising intended swift coup état government retained control country rebel control spanish morocco certain strong army africa comprised professional elite spanish army soldiers acted mercenaries vast majority officers backed rebel cause troops recruited local populace predominantly muslim told republic wished abolish plan discovered morocco july prompted enacted immediately scheduled time spanish morocco secured moved working class areas shot army commander eastern morocco general senior officers loyal republic executed little resistance encountered total people shot rebels franco immediately took control islands assigned warned coup imminent roads july franco avoided capture taking airport july refused offer help proclaiming outside spanish morocco joined rebels populace trust legal methods deal uprising handing weapons illegal proclaimed general strike effect opened weapons buried paramilitary forces better trained army waited outcome militia action joining suppressing rebellion quick action rebels militias decide fate town general managed secure rebels arresting number officers outcome despite determination supporters coup rebels failed major cities critical exception provided landing point franco african troops primarily conservative catholic areas old fell quickly celebrated uprising festival government retained control taken rebels help troops army africa madrid barracks barracks fell day republican leader replaced ordered distribution weapons civilian population facilitated defeat army insurrection main industrial centres including madrid barcelona main cities mediterranean area allowed arm control barcelona large barcelona official government lost control security essential services welfare held demanding political power consequences general surrendered barcelona later condemned death despite broadcasting message explaining captivity radio request authorities army africa crossed gibraltar transport planes provided nazi_germany loyalist air_force interference owing confusion lack decision spanish republican massive troops spanish morocco world long range combat allowed franco troops join general forces quick movement allowed meet general northern army secure northern northwestern spain central western republican government ended controlling eastern spanish coast central area madrid country north keen create sense fear nationalist controlled areas massive purge wide left including moderate result coup spain following general orders fear potential pro republican ranks means systematic executions captured cities spontaneous revenge form random murders perceived conservatives coup loyalist areas nationalist area control contained roughly million spain population million rebels secured support half spain territorial army men republican units officers rebelled defected merely disappeared loyalty republic doubt later turn nationalist ranks considerably reduced units effectiveness new command structure fashioned problem occurred nationalist units army africa entirely nationalist control numbered men considered spain fighting force rebels joined members spain police forces assault guards civil guards members stayed loyal government rifles retained government issued madrid populace days following uprising usable lost following early nationalist advances war republicans controlled heavy light machine guns artillery pieces republican hands spanish army coup tanks sufficiently modern design republicans retained terms numbers nationalists seized control warships leaving republicans modern cruisers class nationalist hands ready service war broke launched compensated lack numbers spanish republican navy suffered problems army officers defected killed trying concerns republican officer coup imminent thirds air capability retained government air service outdated vulnerable flight mechanical problems


action action naval skirmish bay napoleonic wars action honourable east india company convoy carrying goods worth attacked partially captured french frigate caroline east convoy fought opponent batteries cannon ultimately powerful trained opponent defeated smallest escaped action string attacks important convoys indian_ocean french cruisers operating france campaign british shipping region background november squadron powerful french frigates sailed france commodore squadron orders attack capture destroy british shipping indian_ocean particularly heavily armed convoys east carried millions pounds worth trade goods british india far_east britain convoys operated honourable east india company ran british india maintained private army navy secure colony trade routes late napoleonic wars french naval strategy focused disruption trade use fast armed frigates operate independently british trade routes capture british merchant ships affected british economy severely stretched war forced royal_navy divert resources distant parts world protect british trade late spring following end indian_ocean hurricane season ordered ships operate bay frigates gun caroline built antwerp weighed tons caroline commanded jean newly promoted following sudden death previous captain captains find british convoy spotting sails horizon belonged britain bound convoy east departed river laden worth silk trade goods ships important asset originally larger convoy guarded sloop hms victor consisting smaller vessels storm divided convoy victor small ships monarch earl separated remainder europe lord keith monarch sprang leak unprotected large built carried number cannon europe weighed tons carried cannon smaller lord keith tons carried guns years earlier convoy east driven french ship line attached frigates admiral similar waters forming battle line firing opponents closed crews east royal_navy standard insufficient training large numbers chinese seamen proved unreliable combat battle smaller ships convoy american merchant ship named separated main body storm arrived islands encountered caroline american captain reported location value convoy setting sail took caroline north west sighted convoy days leaving islands british ships loose command john originally french frigate missing victor half hour passed realised danger ships ordering form line battle placed ship centre small lord keith ahead europe lack naval experience british ships resulted sailing far line leaving unable provide effective mutual support able attack ships individually caroline pulled alongside europe began heavy fire merchant ship intermittently replied available guns minutes europe rigging guns number crew wounded killed moving past disabled opponent attacked slowed unsuccessful attempt support europe frigate came heavy fire badly damaged casualties crew guns hiding decks resistance hopeless hauled company flag surrendered engagement caroline lord keith europe fired sporadically french ship little effect pulling away surrendered opponent fired lord keith captain peter campbell realised ship stood chance frigate turned eastward running wind escape despite suffering severe damage lord keith rigging william captain europe attempted flee battered ship condition virtually untouched frigate surrendered lord keith eventually arrived safely june casualties british ships killed wounded french lost killed wounded aftermath repaired captures sea returned france arriving months later july discovering presence british frigate squadron port louis diverted saint paul goods removed ships worth silk stored warehouses near docks british raid saint paul september warehouses contents burnt caroline europe captured raiding force despite subsequent losses highly commended leadership action received promotion governor charles received letters captains europe attention courtesy crews passengers period captivity


operation royal flush operation royal flush military deception employed allied nations second world war strategic deception operation bodyguard royal flush political deception expanded efforts bodyguard deception operation threat norway lent support parts operation subtle diplomatic spain turkey idea information neutral countries filter german intelligence planned april royal flush executed june allied ambassadors neutral states implementation plan revised times extreme diplomatic demands information neutral trusted result royal flush limited impact german plans background operation royal flush formed operation bodyguard broad strategic military deception intended confuse axis high command allied intentions lead normandy landings royal flush developed series political support june july evolved operation political deception aimed sweden february march suggested planned london controlling section aim convincing swedish government allies intended invade norway support operation north war sweden maintained neutral position relations axis allied nations assumed sweden believed imminent threat norway passed german intelligence envisioned extension existing pressure allies placing sweden end neutral stance increasing pressure head colonel john hoped convince germans sweden preparing join allied nations royal flush intended support operation overall deception plan middle eastern theatre developed threats greece southern france february july intention tie german defensive forces region period day operation royal flush planned april deputy controller theory based idea allied nations rely forms help neutral countries following invasions having seen implementation operation aimed scandinavia mediterranean chose sweden turkey spain targets sweden continuation demands russia germans denied access country following allied invasion norway case turkey built existing pressure applied outset war join allied nations turkey plan called diplomatic pressure june following normandy landings allow allied forces access turkey purposes staging invasion greece support story time russians similar request bulgaria agreed pre invasion turkey german forces instead allies took advantage german warships permitted june access turkish territorial waters transit sea complaint turkish government emphasised allies interest balkans wish germans reinforcing region june spain approached ambassador request use spanish ports evacuating wounded following landings southern france originally plan request access purposes staging initial invasion toned light historical resistance foreign occupation spanish soil invading france june british ambassador reinforced request discussion spanish government agreed invasion occurred supervision red_cross emphasise change objective allies followed operation ferdinand threatened invasion italy impact information neutral countries targeted royal flush limited impact german plans july report identified countries outspoken deception centres matters worse allies political tightly controlled double agents overall information channel confusing complaint turkey desired effect locally apology country government commitment breaking diplomatic ties germany required failed response germany allies request spanish government relayed germans identified immediately deception


battle farm battle farms took place june county virginia seven days battles american_civil_war peninsula campaign battle mill north river forces confederate general john conducted reconnaissance force developed minor attack union line south river farm attacked near farm morning june cases easily repulsed action farms accomplished little convincing attacked sides background military situation richmond virginia center southern rebellion city obvious strategic importance sides american_civil_war context general george army began campaign virginia peninsula city early attempts successful fact nearly advantage end army split half banks river wing encompassing union corps south river wing federal corps north joseph general chief confederate army northern virginia sought capitalize led columns soldiers union position south river resulting conflict called battle seven fair oaks inconclusive plan fell apart army lost ground wounded day june jefferson davis president confederate states appointed military adviser general robert lee lead confederate armies fighting peninsula subsequent weeks ending union offensive oak grove june lee men managed halt attacking day went offensive battle beaver dam creek battle ended confederate heavy southern casualties victorious general orders retreated swamp south established formidable battle line june confederate armies launched attack mill battles peninsula campaign conflict mill conflict near farms south turn battle farm opposing forces union confederate battle james farm near old tavern situated edge banks river near farm plain belonging simon farms creek hill named hill union soldiers brigadier general william brooks brigade william smith corps began placing artillery pieces hill night battle activity resumed brigadier general scott brigade corps following morning june batteries reserve artillery placed worked confederate soldiers major general david jones division began taking positions area brigadier general robert brigade positioned west colonel george anderson brigade took position northwest area mile house anderson ordered fire union soldiers opportunity presented preparing general engagement told avoid clash result lasted hour ended confederate withdrawal union positioned guns guns situated open field later major general men advanced union line farm withdrew minutes heavy fire subsequent hours ending attack union line ordered feel enemy instead engaged sharp sustained fight nightfall advance repelled brigade hour half fighting suffered casualties day conflict action farm accomplished little following day june union confederate soldiers clashed near house jones suspected near house withdrawing authorized perform reconnaissance force true turned reconnaissance operation engagement advanced anderson men repulsed corps aftermath days fighting farms suffered casualties suffered anderson men bore federal counterattack suffered casualties second day fighting battle accomplished little helped convince attacked sides evening june convened meeting generals announced willing pursue attack richmond attack spell defeat destruction army result meeting begin retreat commanding general announced purpose begin movement james river day noted union general william franklin decision withdraw james set stage subsequent battle savage station


killings killings croatian serbian involved killing civilian residents village october croatian war independence killings took place immediate aftermath occupation village yugoslav people army supported croatian forces october days croatia declared independence yugoslavia occupation occurred battle sought consolidate control area surrounding city killings abuse civilian population continued october troops guarding group civilians forced walk minefield gunpoint opened fire croatian forces established control village population required wear white mark houses white sheets church houses looted destroyed civilians forced leave homes bodies victims retrieved mass grave individual graves rebuilt war population size compared pre war level occupation killing expulsion civilian population included international criminal tribunal yugoslavia president serbia high ranking official croatian declared wartime region eastern western died trial completed trial ongoing serbian authorities tried convicted group killings ordered following appeal croatia indicted persons connection killings available authorities acquitted declared unfit stand trial background croatian democratic union won parliamentary elections socialist republic croatia ethnic tensions serbs republic worsened ethnic groups divided religious lines catholics serbs orthodox christians yugoslav people army confiscated weapons croatia territorial defence forces minimize resistance august tensions escalated open revolt croatian serbs centred predominantly populated areas parts eastern croatia revolt followed january unsuccessful attempts serbia supported montenegro serbia provinces obtain yugoslav presidency approval operation croatian security forces skirmish insurgents croatian special police march supported serbia allies asked federal presidency wartime authorities declare state emergency request denied march consequence serbia abandoned goal yugoslavia greater serbia leadership fragmented supporters federal government aligned serbia breakup league communists yugoslavia came control serbian president control shifted publicly declared longer recognized authority federal presidency planned establish serbian army draw serbian personnel new force initial objective yugoslav unity abandoned sought support preferred campaign expand serbia preserve yugoslavia protecting serbs croatia preservation yugoslavia summer control control federal presidency influence federal defence minister ranked officer general army chief staff colonel general end march conflict escalated croatian war independence stepped increasingly supporting croatian insurgents preventing croatian police intervening early april leaders croatian revolt declared intention integrate area control known serbia government croatia viewed declaration attempt croatian government responded forming croatian national_guard garde development hampered united_nations arms introduced september october croatia declared independence yugoslavia late saw fighting war yugoslav campaign croatia culminated siege battle timeline armed clashes eastern gradually intensified committed significant new units battle including brigade 1st guards division armoured brigade initial stage battle bypassed number villages southeast city including late september easternmost croatian positions area ran line connecting villages defended 2nd battalion 3rd guards brigade infantry brigade october took control road 2nd battalion 3rd guards brigade infantry brigade moved south attempt restore croatian control route tasked 2nd guards brigade clear croatian pocket centered supported serbian control serbian national renewal party croatian forces supported entered unopposed morning october according court testimony took events troops moving told expect troops defending village attacking force entered village troops continued throw grenades shoot houses random hours assault civilians killed homes yards immediate aftermath takeover civilians required wear white houses marked white sheets marked houses looted authority village turned member styled commander village remained overall control entire region following week civilians killed troops improvised detention facilities improvised prisons torture abuse captives including war rape causing injuries civilians october men aged ordered report meeting detained overnight instead pretext fired shots village previous night beaten abused night approximately released morning rest told assigned harvest duty civilians walked village military escort civilians killed guards group reached point kilometres miles road ordered gunpoint men told hold hands sweep feet ground previously placed land mines field mines set troops guarding civilian fired men field survivors forced retrieve dead injured clear remaining mines civilians forced minefield killed minefield number persons wounded explosions gunfire variously reported civilians killed end november aftermath immediate aftermath takeover village civilians forced leave local roman_catholic_church michael houses destroyed establishment united_nations transitional administration eastern western gradual restoration croatian control region agreed croatian authorities croatian serbs region agreement united_nations experts began victims mass grave june bodies including people killed ultimately recovered mass grave recovered nearby individual graves victims march monument civilian victims erected site mass grave cross mark location minefield mass grave containing bodies individuals discovered nearby forest individual graves similar burial sites victims buried included killed killed area rebuilt war population declined compared pre war level international criminal tribunal yugoslavia included war crimes civilians property committed october indictment trial commenced february died march verdict reached croatian authorities filed separate cases total persons including indicted charges genocide war crimes committed civilian population group included tried process split milan available croatian authorities year later judged fit stand trial acquitted serbian authorities charged persons associated croatian authorities eastern war crimes committed consisting officers members trial started group convicted killing civilians sentenced total years prison received prison term years received prison sentences ranging fourteen years court appeals ordered new trial indicted croatian political leader eastern region head eastern western government declared croatian serbs region time merged republic serbian charges include war crimes murder imprisonment torture acts cruel treatment transfer population destruction property march trial commenced october progress