The North Korean People’s Army received most of its arms from the Soviets after World War II, when the Russians still occupied lands north of the 38th Parallel, the most potent being the T-34 medium tanks, 122mm howitzers, and the 120mm mortar systems. The key points of the T-34 were its thick armor plating which could stand against anything the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) had in its arsenal and the 85mm cannon which was capable of effective fires out to 1,000 meters. The NKPA held 76mm self-propelled guns, heavy mortars, and a few machine gun variations. The Republic of Korean Army was not as lucky. ROKA capabilities were severely hindered by the distrusting US forces, still occupying land following World War II, who feared the brash Koreans might launch early attacks ahead of the US and UN’s readiness. They …show more content…
Initial US forces in Korea were limited to M-1 rifles and M1918 Browning Automatic Rifles, 2.36-inch bazookas, M-2 .50 caliber machine guns, 75mm recoilless rifles, 60mm mortars, and 105mm howitzers with a total of six high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. These were the initial push forces of Task Force Smith, and the minimal amount of weaponry would prove to be their downfall. Eventually, the US would bolster its forces with improved 3.5-inch rocket launchers which carried a 9-pound shape charge and was capable of neutralizing the T-34s. The US improved its indirect fire support with 81mm mortars and 155mm howitzers and increased its ammunition stores. The Army fought back NKPA armor using their own M-24 light reconnaissance tanks and M-26 Pershing tanks, which utilized a 90mm cannon as its primary delivery system. The Air Force made use of carryover World War II planes such as the B-26 medium bombers but also brought