by David "Hunter" Proeber

Tactical Concept

This campaign is a modern day simulation of the July 1950 defense of the Pusan Perimeter during the Korean War. This campaign could potentially last 15 hours when a stalemate is declared, but a result will most likely be seen within the first nine hours of play. You will see a more robust use of SEAD and EW packaging in this campaign as U.S. forces adjust to the tactical situation presented in Daring Thrust I.

BACKGROUND

The situation at Pusan in 1950 was critical. Allied forces had been pushed to the tip of the Korean Peninsula and were about to be pushed into the sea. North Korea had successfully used attack aircraft to support the invasion of the South, however, the long distance between bases in the north and Pusan prevented further effective DPRK air power to be employed in CAS.

The situation in Daring Thrust II - Pusan Perimeter is similar to the action in 1950 in that UN forces have been driven to Pusan but due to the distances involved, DPRK CAP flights have only limited duration. Unlike the situation in 1950, some forward DPRK bases have been set up for Su-25 and Mi-24 assets at vacated South Korean bases to the northwest of Pusan.

Early on in the campaign, you will fly DCA and BARCAP missions in the area. You are to protect U.S. M1A1 and HQ battalions operating north of Pusan from air attack.

Once air superiority in the area has been achieved, you will begin flying CAS to disrupt DPRK ground forces in the area. Just as in the 1950 defense of Pusan, you will notice a significant retreat of DPRK forces to the northwest of Pusan as you develop air superiority in that area. A significant victory can be achieved by cutting off the head of the retreating units by attacking and degrading the DPRK HQ battalion as well as supporting motorized rocket artillery and reinforcing motorized rifle battalions.

Escorting B2s

POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

As you will recall from Daring Thrust 1, the current Korean conflict erupted out of the North's attempt to capture Seoul with a lightning attack by a small but elite force. Their intent was not to destroy the South, so much as create an environment for favorable negotiations aimed at reuniting the two countries.

We'll assume for a moment that you didn't fare too well in Daring Thrust I and the North did capture Seoul. With DPRK tanks parked on Seoul's main boulevards, the North's leadership attempted to sue for peace.

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During the course of the battle, the South relocated its government to Pusan. The South's army fell back to the sea, essentially ceding over most of the country to DPRK forces. The South had no intent to negotiate, whatever terms the North extended, and called upon the U.S. to return F-15s and send additional troops to begin retaking the country.

Time was of the essence and a significant U.S. invasion force had been assembled at Kadena air base in Japan awaiting the Navy's fast sealift ships. Plans were already on the drawing board to stage another Inchon-style landing to relieve the forces at Pusan.

No F-15s were forthcoming, however. The country's entire combat-worthy inventory had been diverted to Taiwan to set up a CAP intent on ending China's retribution for the manipulated collapse of China's currency. That plan was working. The F-15s put an end to Chinese MiG-23s striking at Taiwan's economic base. A truce on that front was near.

The North Korean leadership was perplexed. The South had rolled up into a porcupine ball at Pusan and wasn't talking. What the North feared next was another landing at Inchon. Spies inside Japan reported the massing of troops at Kadena. A plan was hatched to isolate the south further by attacking Kadena with Tu-95 bombers. After the force at Kadena had been neutralized, a similar attack was planned against the airport at Pusan where your squadron of F-16s remained.

INTELLIGENCE

You will fly a variety of missions you would expect to find employed in defense of the Pusan Perimeter. The campaign begins as your squadron is tasked with developing air superiority over Pusan. Assume the skies are filled with threats as you take off. AWACS is operating off the coast of Korea and will give you a heads up, if you ask. Beware of SAM activity as well. As DPRK forces drive on Pusan, you can assume they have brought along portable SA-3s for point air defense.

Missions flown after 9:05 a.m. transition from air superiority to close air support, SEAD and a variety of CAP missions as the allies attempt to go on the offensive.

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