Operation Chromite: Inchon

UNITED NATIONS

NUMBER OF INFANTRY 40,000 80 NUMBER OF TANKS

GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR

The controversial leader of the UN forces was a man of strong convictions, with a very chequered track record.

Experience, and the courage to make bold decisions

Arrogance, nepotism, and inability to accept criticism

1ST US MARINE DIVISION

The US Marines had a legendary reputation for amphibious warfare, although post-war cuts had left them hollow.

Strong ethos and solid core of experienced officers and NCOS

Thrown-together units with little training time together

M20 3.5-INCH SUPER BAZOOKA

The WWII-ERA 2.26-inch bazookas had limited effectiveness against DPRK T-34s, but the improved M20 gave US infantry an excellent anti-tank weapon.

Light, man-portable and powerful

Only available in limited numbers in 1950

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

NUMBER OF INFANTRY 35-38,000 40 NUMBER OF TANKS

BRIGADIER GENERAL WAN YONG

Little is known about Wan

Yong except his name, but he commanded the 1st Air Force Division at Kimpo Airfield.

Most DPRK leaders were Chinese-trained and experienced

The DPRK were slow to react and poorly co-ordinated

1ST AIR FORCE DIVISION

The 1st Air Force Division was the nearest formed division to the landings, at Kimpo Airfield.

Well-established, with good positions around the airfield

Low numbers of actual combat troops, and poorly trained

T-34/85 TANK

The Soviet WWII classic with an upgraded 85mm gun.

Tough, powerful and robust, resistant to many US anti-tank weapons

Vulnerable to the newest bazookas, and inflexible on the rough terrain