ABLE:  What is your response to the steadfastness of MacArthur’s insistence on the Inchon landing? How does it change, had the mission gone otherwise?

General MacArthur truly believed that the Inchon Landing was the key to turning the tide of the war. MacArthur realized he didn’t have enough infantrymen to sustain ground warfare all the way back to Seoul. He realized that he could use his air and naval forces to conduct an amphibious operation at Inchon. By attacking the enemy from the rear, he could use air and naval forces (marines) to cut off lines of communication/supply and ultimately destroy the enemy. Inchon was the “perfect spot” because S2 reported it as “lightly defended” and it was only 18 miles from Seoul. MacArthur knew Seoul was the nerve center of the Inmum Gun force. By capturing Seoul, the North Korean forces positioned south would be cut off from its higher headquarters. MacArthur was confident in his decision, “There is no question in my mind as to the feasibility of the operation and I regard its chance of success as excellent.” He was willing to accept the tactical risks and quickly assembled a 70,000 men force to conduct the attack. Despite all the warnings that the plan might not work, MacArthur didn’t second guess himself because he knew it was the quickest way to end the war.

MacArthurs planned could have failed in several ways. I believe the biggest friction point was Wolmi-Do. If the Marines failed to secure that island, the North Koreans could have used there guns to dramatically slow down the approach of the landing crafts. This would have given the North Korean forces time to warn there higher headquarters and realign forces along the coast of Inchon. I think if the Inchon assault failed, MacArthur would have pulled the American forces out and attempted a different landing site along the coast. However, MacArthur would have a harder time getting a second approval from the JCS and President. It would also take time to reassemble a large force to conduct a second attack. I believe Seoul would have still been recaptured but it would have taken the American forces longer if we had to conduct a second landing at a more southern site like Osan.