Following an initial penetration to the north, the retreating 34th Infantry moved south to Nonsan.
On July 15, the 19th Infantry moved its 2nd Battalion to fill some of the gaps left by the 34th.
There, it was reinforced by troops from the Republic of Korea Army (ROK).
The combined forces observed a large build-up of KPA troops on the west side of the river.
At 03:00 on July 16, the KPA launched a massive barrage of tank, artillery and mortar fire on the 19th Infantry positions and KPA troops began to cross the river in boats.
The KPA forces gathered on the west bank and assaulted the positions of the 1st Battalion's C and E Companies, followed by a second landing against B Company.
KPA forces pushed against the entire battalion, threatening to overwhelm it.
The regimental commander ordered all support troops and officers to the line and they were able to repulse the assault.
However, in the melee, KPA forces infiltrated their rear elements, attacking the reserve forces and blocking supply lines.
Stretched thin, the 19th Infantry was unable to hold the line at the Kum River and simultaneously repel the KPA forces.
Following an initial penetration to the north, the retreating 34th Infantry moved south to Nonsan. On July 15, the 19th Infantry moved its 2nd Battalion to fill some of the gaps left by the 34th. There, it was reinforced by troops from the Republic of Korea Army (ROK). The combined forces observed a large build-up of KPA troops on the west side of the river. At 03:00 on July 16, the KPA launched a massive barrage of tank, artillery and mortar fire on the 19th Infantry positions and KPA troops began to cross the river in boats. The KPA forces gathered on the west bank and assaulted the positions of the 1st Battalion's C and E Companies, followed by a second landing against B Company. KPA forces pushed against the entire battalion, threatening to overwhelm it. The regimental commander ordered all support troops and officers to the line and they were able to repulse the assault. However, in the melee, KPA forces infiltrated their rear elements, attacking the reserve forces and blocking supply lines. Stretched thin, the 19th Infantry was unable to hold the line at the Kum River and simultaneously repel the KPA forces.
Chaplain–Medic massacre