July 2-July 21, 1950 Outbreak of the Korean War: Establishing a Position A Russian-made T-34 tank of the North Korean army bearing the message "Knocked Out 20 July 50 Under The Supervision of Maj Gen W.F. Dean." Photo: U.S. Army. Source: National Archives Central Plains Region.

For a comprehensive overview of the Korean War go to: The Korean War Week by Week

Chronology: Learn what happened day by day

Korean War: June-July 1950 Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Events July 2-July 5, 1950: The President and his advisors consider the necessity of securing a resolution from Congress supporting Truman's action in Korea. There is discussion on whether to address the American people and send a Presidential message to Congress on the situation. Tension continues between the State and Defense Departments. The first American ground troops meet the North Koreans. July 6-July 7, 1950: The U.S. military buildup to meet the Korean situation coincides with security initiatives prompted by recent foreign and domestic policy events. U.S. troops fall back along the main Seoul highway. July 8-July 9, 1950: President Truman designates General Douglas MacArthur commander of the United Nations forces in Korea. Previous budget ceilings for defense spending are reviewed. Although U.S. air power scores some successes, ground troops continue to retreat. July 10-July 12, 1950: After meeting with Congressional leaders, President Truman temporarily abandons the idea of a message to Congress. The defense buildup necessitated by Korea galvanizes support for implementing an important national security proposal, NSC 68, even though its impact on the economy is unclear. Again, U.S. troops come to grief. July 13-July 14, 1950: In developing a message to Congress and a speech to the nation, the question of mobilizing the country arises, along with continued concern about the defense budget. Generals Collins and Vandenberg of the Joint Chiefs of Staff hold discussions with MacArthur in Tokyo. General Walker of the Eighth Army assumes command of troops in Korea. An attempt is made to halt the North Korean army along the Kum River. July 15-July 18, 1950: President Truman decides on the scope of defense mobilization. White House aids begin drafting legislation, a message to Congress and a radio address to the nation. President Syngman Rhee transfers control of the South Korean military forces to the United Nations Command for the duration of the war. The American Kum River line collapses. July 19-July 21, 1950: President Truman sends the Message to Congress and addresses the nation on the situation in Korea. Disaster at Taejon.

Faces: Harry S. Truman, President of the United States General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief, United Nations Command W. Averell Harriman, Special Assistant to the President Leon Keyserling, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisors Eben Ayers, Assistant Press Secretary to the President

Accounts: Read the participants' version of events

[an error occurred while processing this directive]