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The Shadow of Task Force Smith: Re-evaluating the 24th Infantry Division in Combat, July-August 1950

Lee, Kyeore
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4267-9395
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1619095010302226

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, History.
This thesis evaluates the 24th Infantry Division’s combat effectiveness during its first two months of combat during the Korean War, July-August 1950. The existing literature on the Division’s combat record in Korea point to poor individual training, low morale, and a lack of discipline as the causes for the Division’s disastrous defeats in key battles against the Korean People’s Army (KPA). This thesis critically examines these claims in light of documentary evidence and oral veteran accounts to argue that the existing literature’s diagnosis of poor training and morale are rooted in opinion instead of fact. The thesis re-evaluates the Division’s combat record in Korea using regimental and divisional war diaries to objectively measure its performance in its execution of contemporary doctrine, adaptation to the tactical situation, and displayed proficiency of arms. The thesis ultimately argues that the 24th Infantry Division performed adequately in combat, and that its defeat is attributable to failures in strategic and operational leadership.
Peter Mansoor (Advisor)
Mark Grimsley (Committee Member)
95 p.
History
Korean War; US Army; 24th Infantry Division

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lee, K. (2021). The Shadow of Task Force Smith: Re-evaluating the 24th Infantry Division in Combat, July-August 1950 [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1619095010302226

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lee, Kyeore. The Shadow of Task Force Smith: Re-evaluating the 24th Infantry Division in Combat, July-August 1950. 2021. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1619095010302226.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lee, Kyeore. "The Shadow of Task Force Smith: Re-evaluating the 24th Infantry Division in Combat, July-August 1950." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1619095010302226

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1619095010302226
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.
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