Battle of Chochiwon

Battle of Chochiwon
Part of Korean War
An American mortar crew fires on North Korean positions at Jochiwon, July 11
Date July 10–12, 1950 Location Jochiwon, South Korea Result North Korean victory
Belligerents
United Nations  United States	North Korea
Commanders and leaders
Richard W. Stephens	Lee Kwon Mu
Units involved
21st Infantry Regiment	4th Infantry Division 16th Infantry Regiment 18th Infantry Regiment 105th Armored Division 107th Tank Regiment
Strength
2,000	20,000
Casualties and losses
409 killed 665 total casualties[n 1] 9 Tanks destroyed	262 vehicles reported destroyed[n 2]

The Battle of Chochiwon was an early engagement between United States and North Korean forces during the Korean War, taking place in the villages of Jeonui-myeon and Jochiwon (then spelt 'Chochiwon') in western South Korea on July 10–12, 1950. After three days of intense fighting, the battle ended in a North Korean victory.

The United States Army's 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division was assigned to delay two advancing North Korean People's Army divisions following communist victories at Osan, Pyongtaek, and Chonan earlier in the month. The regiment deployed along roads and railroads between the two villages, attempting to slow the advance as much as possible.

Aided by air strikes, U.S. Army units were able to inflict substantial damage on the North Korean armor and other vehicles but were overwhelmed by North Korean infantry. The two understrength U.S. battalions fought in several engagements over the three days and suffered massive losses in personnel and equipment, but were able to delay the North Korean forces for several days, allowing the remainder of the 24th Infantry Division to set up blocking positions along the Kum River near the city of Dajeon.
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