On July 21, 1950, during the Korean War, the U.S. 24th Infantry Regiment, composed primarily of African American soldiers, successfully recaptured the town of Yechon after a fierce 16-hour battle. This battle marked the first significant American victory in the Korean War. The regiment’s bravery and tenacity in the face of a fierce enemy helped stem the tide of the North Korean advance, and this victory was crucial in the broader context of the war, which had seen the North Korean forces quickly pushing south.

The 24th Infantry Regiment’s role in this battle is significant not only for its military achievement but also because it was one of the first major engagements involving Black troops during the Korean War, at a time when racial segregation was still prevalent in the U.S. military. Their success at Yechon demonstrated their courage and combat effectiveness, challenging some of the prevailing racial stereotypes of the time.