Which U.S. Army division supplied the soldiers of Task Force Smith?

The 24th Infantry Division supplied the soldiers of Task Force Smith. The division was the closest U.S. Army formation to Korea in June 1950, stationed in Japan, so it became the first American division sent into the conflict.

Task Force Smith was named for its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bradford Smith. Its initial combat force included 406 men from the division's 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, supported by 134 artillerymen from Battery A, 52nd Field Artillery Battalion. The unit was hastily assembled and lightly equipped.

On July 5, 1950, Task Force Smith fought North Korean forces near Osan. Its obsolete anti-tank weapons struggled against Soviet-built T-34 tanks, and the task force was forced to withdraw after delaying the North Korean advance for several hours. The engagement exposed how unprepared U.S. forces were at the start of the Korean War. The 24th Infantry Division continued fighting in Korea, including at Taejon, where its commander, Major General William F. Dean, was captured.