The Situation

The net result of the fighting in Korea last week was that the Allied beachhead, although altered a little in size and shape, remained intact. There were no more wholesale withdrawals; there was still a good deal of defensive terrain and plenty of room for deployment of men, arms, supplies. The closest Red thrust to the port of Pusan had been flung back. Thus another week was gained for the U.S. buildup.

The Reds might have taken Pusan if they had struck with greater force on the south coast. But it was too early to feel safe. The North Koreans still held the initiative, still fought with unabated fury —and apparently, with ample reserves—to destroy the U.S. beachhead. They had assembled massive forces aimed at Taegu (see map). Tough, ubiquitous General Walton Walker was still forced to shuttle his units from one crisis to another, like a Dutch boy trying to plug four holes in the dike with two thumbs.