What event marked the first aerial combat between the United States and North Korea?

The bombing of Kimpo is recognized as the first aerial combat incident between the United States and North Korea during the Korean War. This event took place when U.S. aircraft engaged North Korean forces as part of broader military operations to support South Korean troops. This bombing highlighted the aerial tactics that would be crucial throughout the war and set the stage for the intense air engagements that followed.

The attack on Inchon, while a significant amphibious operation, focused on ground forces and the strategic recapture of Seoul, rather than aerial combat specifically. The battle of Pusan Perimeter primarily involved ground engagements as U.S. and South Korean forces defended against the North Korean advance. Similarly, the Battle of Kimpo involved ground and air operations but was not the initial encounter of aerial engagement. Thus, the bombing of Kimpo stands out as a pivotal moment reflecting the start of air confrontations between the involved nations.