Daily Archives: June 30, 2020

First American ground troops deployed in Korean War 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 1 1950)


Video: 'Korean War - PART 6, The First Weeks (June, July 1950) 6.25' (American ground troops sent to South Korea at 7:00)

(Saturday, July 1, 1950, 11:00 a.m. KDT; during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — The first United States ground troops flew in to South Korea today in an attempt to stem a Communist armored drive threatening to overrun all resistance before the refugee capital of Taejon.

Two companies of the U.S. Army First Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division departed early this morning from the U.S. base in Japan at Kyushu under the name “Task Force Smith,” arriving near Pusan.


Video: 'PBS - American Experience - Truman (1997) 5of5' (American ground troops sent to South Korea at 10:00)

23 American soldiers became the first to die in the Korean War when their C-54 transport plane crashed into a 2,000 foot high hill, forty miles northwest of Pusan, upon arrival from Japan.

U.S. Marines and North Korean troops would engage in combat for the first time on July 5, 1950, at the Battle of Osan, 20 miles south of Seoul.

In the meantime, the 8055th MASH became the first Mobile Army Surgical Hospital to be activated in South Korea today. On July 6, 1950, its physicians, nurses and support staff would be sent from Sasebo to Pusan, initially to be set up at Taejon.


Video: 'The Real M.A.S.H. - Korean War

It was followed by the 8063rd MASH (often referenced in the television show M*A*S*H, which featured the fictional 4077th MASH unit, loosely based on the 8055th), which was activated July 17 and sent on July 18 to Pohang to support the U.S. 1st Cavalry, and the 8076th M.A.S.H. (activated July 19, and sent to Taejon on July 25, 1950).

‘Step by Step’ by New Kids on the Block peaks at #1 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 30 1990)

(Saturday, June 30, 1990)“Step by Step” by New Kids on the Block peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for three consecutive weeks (June 30, July 7/14, 1990). Continue reading ‘Step by Step’ by New Kids on the Block peaks at #1 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 30 1990)

Last U. S. troops leave Cambodia 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 30 1970)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - Cambodia and Laos [8/11]' (U.S. troops leave Cambodia at 26:30)

(Tuesday, June 30, 1970; during the Cambodian Campaign, part of the Vietnam War, Cambodian Civil War, Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — The last American advisers and support troops withdrew from Cambodia today, 63 days after major allied operations began against North Vietnamese and Vietcong sanctuaries. Continue reading Last U. S. troops leave Cambodia 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 30 1970)