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The President Washington, D.C. 18 September 1950 JOINT DAILY SITREP NO. 83 1 (maps attached) From 0800/17 (EDT) to 0800/18 (EDT) From 2100/17 (Korea) to 2100/18 (Korea) 1. Situation in Brief: GROUND a. U.S. X Corps: Kimpo Airfield was seized by elements of the 1st U.S. Marine Division late on the afternoon of 17 September, as the U.N. spearhead culminated an all-day drive that cut through enemy forces drawn from their 18th North Korean Division which is garrisoning Seoul. Thus far the enemy has exhibited little ability to offer serious opposition to halt the friendly drive, but resistance is stiffening. Astride the Seoul- Inchon highway, leading elements were within 2 miles of the Seoul-Suwon railroad by dusk on 17 September. Behind the widening front, the 7th U.S. Infantry Division is engaged in landing and preparing to add impetus to the U.N. assault. U.S. Engineers are in the process of improving port facilities in Inchon to permit "round-the-clock" unloading of supplies. Air Engineers report that the Kimpo Airfield is in good condition for any type of aircraft. (FECOM) (SECRET) b. U.S. Eighth Army: Although gains were added on some parts of the front, notably in the north and in the 2d U.S. Infantry Division zone, stiffening hostile resistance in certain spots was indicative of some re- maining will to fight, and suggested that the expected break-up of the NK forces has not yet seriously begun. Although the 24th U.S. RCT of the 25th U.S. Infantry Division found its way barred by a well-organized enemy strongpoint, leading elements of the 35th U.S. RCT drove to a point four miles southwest of Koman, and the 27th U.S. RCT succeeded in making limited gains. Despite stubborn resistance and the presence of minefields in the left portion of the 2d U.S. Infantry Division sector, the 38th U.S. RCT, on the right of the sector, pushed deep into hostile rear areas capturing numerous CP personnel of the 17th Regiment, 2d North Korean Division. Although the enemy continued to defend the hills in the 1st U.S. Cavalry Division zone stubbornly, elements of the Division continued to register small gains. The deepest advance reported was that of 2,000 yards by the 5th U.S. Cavalry RCT. The advance on the 1st ROK Division front continued to a depth of 3,000 yards against light resistance, Resistance was also light on all division fronts of the ROK II Corps, as friendly forces made gains of up to 5,000 yards. Strong resistance on the ROKI Corps front DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 DOD Directive 5100.30, June 18, 1979 By NLT- HL NARS2 Date 2/14/81