Missouri Joins United Nations Forces in Kyushu, Japan

Missouri sailed from Pearl Harbor for Sasebo, Japan. Steaming about 10,000 miles, Missouri joined United Nations Forces west of Kyushu, Japan, becoming flagship of Rear Admiral A. E. Smith.
The first American battleship to reach Korean waters, Missouri bombarded Samchok, in a diversionary move coordinated with the Inchon landings. United Nations forces made an amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea, and began their drive toward Seoul. The 1st and 5th Marines fight their way to the Korean Capitol of Seoul after securing Inchon. This is also POW-MIA Recognition Day.
In company with cruiser Helena and two destroyers, Big Mo helped prepare the way for the Eighth Army offensive, by bombardment at Pohang area. Missouri demonstrate, once again, the power of her 16 inch guns. She reached far beyond the coast destroying rail bridges, rolling stock, warehouses, tank and troop concentrations. Her 16 inch projectiles enabled South Korean soldiers to cross the river and capture the town before pressing on towards Yongdok. Missouri also assisted at Inchon, where she furnished gunfire support to the landing and advanced Tenth Corps troops.
Two North Korean YAK-3 aircraft bomb USS Rochester; 15 die, but the planes are downed by HMS Jamaica. Liberation of Seoul South Korea by Allied forces begins.
Omar Bradley was promoted to the rank of five star general, joining an elite group that included Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, George Marshall and Henry “Hap” Arnold.
United Nation troops recaptured the South Korean capital of Seoul from the North Koreans. General Douglas MacArthur handed over the city of Seoul to President Syngman Rhee of the Republic of Korea. Missouri’s Commanding Officer, Captain Irving T. Duke, USN, participated in the triumphant march into Seoul