Battle of Osan

Battle of Osan Map

Task Force Smith near Osan, 5 July 1950

A team mans a Bazooka at the Battle of Osan. Members of the 24th Infantry Division, first United States ground units to reach the front, go into action against North Korean forces at the village of Sojong-Ni, near Osan. At right is Private First Class Kenneth Shadrick, who was killed by enemy fire a few moments after this photo was made, thus becoming the first United States soldier to die in the Korean campaign.

Task Force Smith near Osan, 5 July 1950

Task Force Smith near Osan, 5 July 1950

A commemorative ceremony is held at the Task Force Smith Memorial in honor of the men who fell near this spot on July 5, 1950. From left to right are Lieutenant Colonel Tilden Ried, Commander, 1st Battalion, 21 Infantry; Major General Alexander M. Weyand, Commander, 25th Infantry Division, and General Park Noh Young of the South Korean army.

Map of the Battle of Osan.