By Episode 9 – July, August 1950:
This episode details the fighting around the Naktong River, west of Taegu and the Pusan perimeter. The Chinese Nationalists on Taiwan (Kuomintang) wish to send 3 divisions to fight in the Korean War, but are turned down by President Truman. MacArthur wanted them. Presidential advisor, Averil Harriman, is sent to Japan to talk to MacArthur and tell him not to attack China, on the president’s orders. He’s also asked to check on MacArthur’s state of mental health, and whether he’s fit to command. The USA is able to control the messages coming out of Korea in the UN, as the Russians were still boycotting the Security Council. British Prime Minister Clement Atlee gets on board to support the UN collective security action in Korea. The British have difficulties sending combat-ready units to Korea, but eventually assemble the British 29th Brigade out of the UK advance base at Hong Kong.
1:01 pm on July 22nd, 2009 1
There is little doubt in my mind that the policies of MacArthur would have been disasterous for the US. I believe Truman understood this and was looking for ways to get rid of the popular WWII hero. MacArthurs mental state would also have been an issue, as his huge ego and elevation to near emporer status in Japan would make his ideas out of context with the thinking in the US.
General Walker, who was often belittled by MacArthur was perhaps the real hero of the Korean war. He held the Busan perimeter by shear willpower at times which allowed MacArthur the time and diversion of troops, needed to launch the Inchon invasion. If the same troops had been given to General Walker, I believe he could have not only have broken out, but routed the NKs as well. MacArthur gambled on a very risky operation and won. For his own glory.
6:01 pm on July 22nd, 2009 2
well said!