Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 562 Foreword & Extra Chapter: The Changing Winds (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The destruction of Charles's advance party was just the beginning.

The US 24th Division then embarked on a series of crushing defeats.

After the Battle of Seoul wiped out the main force of the Southern Army, the Northern Army now had an absolute numerical advantage.

Relying on the simple tactic of using T-34s to clear the way from the front and then outflank from both sides, the US military was routed.

In just a few days, the US 24th Division retreated all the way to the south bank of the Jinjiang River.

In the eyes of the Union Army, the performance of the U.S. Army was even inferior to that of the Confederate Army at the same time.

Although the South Korean army lost more than 70% of its main force in the Battle of Seoul, the arrival of the American troops gave them hope.

Therefore, after a large-scale reorganization and replenishment, the Confederate army was now fighting better than the American army.

Although the final result was that they couldn't stop it, at least they didn't collapse at the first touch, and they held on for longer and longer periods of time.

The disastrous performance of the US 24th Division left MacArthur completely stunned.

MacArthur then overturned his previous battle plan and began sending telegrams to the White House requesting assistance.

At this point, MacArthur never mentioned again the matter of holding North Korea with two divisions.

In the telegram, MacArthur went from two divisions to four divisions, and then the next day he went even further, mentioning eight divisions.

Truman grew increasingly speechless as he watched MacArthur's escalating demanding telegrams.

"Damn it! Can't MacArthur say something else? Every telegram he sends is for reinforcements!"

More soldiers! More weapons! More planes!

"Every time I see his telegram, the quantity he requests is double the amount of the last one!"

"Eight divisions! How could he say that?!"

MacArthur's demand for eight infantry divisions nearly made Truman vomit blood.

Eight infantry divisions, plus supporting personnel, would require at least 200,000 men.

The United States Army, even including all overseas troops, currently has fewer than 600,000 personnel.

Even if it cost Truman his life, he still wouldn't be able to deploy that many troops to the Korean Peninsula.

However, Truman was also aware that the North Korean problem was no longer something that could be solved by two divisions.

"Which troops can be sent to the Korean Peninsula immediately?" Truman asked Marshall.

"The army can deploy 25 divisions and 1 cavalry division in a short period of time, and the rest of the troops will need to be replenished by conscripting retired soldiers."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started, gentlemen!" Truman said decisively.

With the order signed by Truman, a steady stream of soldiers, weapons, and aircraft began heading to Korea.

Even faster than the soldiers arrived were M26 tanks, anti-tank mines, and super bazooka rocket launchers—anti-tank weapons that the US military desperately needed.

On July 17, a special flag was raised at the Eighth Army headquarters of Lieutenant General Walker, who was appointed commander-in-chief of the US-ROK joint forces' frontline operations.

The United Nations flag appeared for the first time in history.

However, the UN flag could not repel the Union army, and Walker's first priority was to stop the Union army's attack.

The troops that had already landed were now in retreat, but it would take time for reinforcements to arrive.

The next day, Walker arrived at the front lines in Daejeon.

"Commander Dean, based on the current situation, the 1st Cavalry Division is expected to arrive at the Daejeon front line on the 21st."

"But if the 24th Division collapses before the 1st Cavalry Division arrives, the US forces in North Korea will likely be in dire straits."

Dean was in a difficult position when he heard Walker's request.

Since landing, the 24th Division has not won a single battle; every day it is either in retreat or on the way to retreat.

The division's strength was reduced from 17,000 to 11,000, and morale had long since plummeted.

Even with the advent of anti-tank mines and super bazookas, Union tanks were no longer invincible.

He truly lacked confidence in holding off the Northern Army in Daejeon.

However, Dean was well aware of the reason why Walker made this request.

Due to the terrain of the Korean Peninsula, the land area controlled by the US-ROK alliance at this time was pitifully small.

If the contraction continues, subsequent support troops may not have room to deploy, which will seriously affect the effectiveness of combat.

Seeing Dean remain silent, Walker added, "This is the 24th Division's last mission. As long as we can hold out until the 21st, the 24th Division can retreat to Japan for rest and reorganization."

After thinking for a long time, Dean finally nodded with difficulty: "Alright, I will lead the 24th Division to hold out until the 1st Cavalry Division arrives."

Seeing that Dean had agreed, Walker finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If Dean was unwilling, he had no other choice.

By the 19th, the Northern Army had advanced to the outskirts of Daejeon, and the two sides began to exchange fire again.

To ensure the 24th Division could hold out for a longer period, Dean chose to set up his command post in Daejeon, where he would personally direct the battle.

Dean was determined to demonstrate the level expected of the U.S. military this time.

However, the 24th Division at this time was no longer in the state of the US military during World War II.

After spending several years enjoying life in Japan, I was suddenly thrown into the battlefield.

What followed was a series of defeats and casualties; the 24th Division's morale had long since collapsed.

Upon seeing the Northern Army launch an attack, the two battalions responsible for defending the outer perimeter of Daejeon withdrew from their positions and began to retreat without giving any notice to their superiors.

Dean, who had not received any news, was completely unaware that the outskirts of Daejeon had fallen.

He thought the day had passed peacefully, and after a sigh of relief, Dean lay down on the bed. He hadn't slept for several days.

The next morning, Dean was awakened by the booming sound of cannons.

Dean, who was still a little dazed, opened his eyes wide instantly after glancing at what was happening outside the window.

"Fuck! What's going on?!"

Why are the Northern Army in Daejeon?

He vaguely saw Union T-34s appear.

Just as Dean rushed to the observation post, looking shocked, Chief of Staff George hurriedly ran over.

"Sir, something's wrong! Many combat units have lost contact! The Northern Army has entered Daejeon; we need to retreat immediately!"

"Fuck! Fuck!" Dean kept kicking the wall in front of him, unable to accept this reality.

Regardless of whether Dean accepts it or not, the situation in Daejeon continues to deteriorate rapidly.

"Sir, I must remind you that the Northern army will soon complete its encirclement and outflanking maneuver. If we do not retreat immediately, we will suffer heavy losses."

"Alright, that's enough!" Dean waved his hand, interrupting George.

"Pass on my order: retreat immediately!"

"yes!".
Although the 24th Division was not good at fighting, it was very fast at retreating.

Taking advantage of the speed of full motorization, the 24th Division, after suffering the loss of more than a thousand men, quickly broke away from the Northern Army.

However, not everyone was able to break free of contact so smoothly.

The most unfortunate person on the escape route was Dean, the commander of the 24th Division.

His driver was unfamiliar with the terrain and was somewhat panicked. In his haste, he stumbled and drove headlong into the deep mountains.

By the time they realized what was happening, they were already completely lost.

The Union Army was not surprised by the speed of the US withdrawal and continued to advance after taking control of Daejeon.

Although the 24th Division retreated repeatedly and lost its supreme commander, its chief of staff, George, still managed to launch a blocking attack using every defensible piece of terrain.

Until the 21st, although they lost Daejeon, the 24th Division managed to hold out until the arrival of the 1st and 25th Cavalry Divisions.

With a steady stream of reinforcements arriving, the front line was about to stabilize, and Walker finally breathed a sigh of relief.

However, on the 23rd, another bolt from the blue struck Walker.

"Sir, Mokpo and the three surrounding ports have been occupied by the Northern Army!"

"How is this possible!" Walker exclaimed in disbelief.

Mokpo is located in the southwestern corner of the Korean Peninsula, which can be considered part of the interior.

Eighth Army Chief of Staff Dane said with a serious expression, "Sir, it is very likely that it is the Union army unit that was discovered earlier."

Three days earlier, reconnaissance aircraft had already detected Union troops moving south along the west coast, but the exact number could not be confirmed.

Walker judged it to be a small flanking force and therefore didn't take it too seriously.

But now the enemy has captured Mokpo and three surrounding ports in a short period of time, which means that the enemy's numbers are far greater than we imagined.

This made Walker feel uneasy.

At this time, all the main forces of the US military were locked in a stalemate with the main forces of the Union Army in southern Daejeon, and there were no main forces in the rear!

This creates a very terrifying situation: if this Northern Army force heads straight for Busan, the consequences will be unimaginable.

If Busan is lost or surrounded, they will lose their only current passage.

The troops that have already landed will immediately be cut off from logistical support, and subsequent reinforcements will be unable to be deployed.

For the US military, this was a devastating blow.

After thinking for a long time, Walker gritted his teeth and said, "Go and invite Major General George here."

24th Division Commander Dane has gone missing, and Walker has reported himself killed in action. Now even the compensation and medals have been distributed.

However, the 24th Division could not be without a division commander, so the original chief of staff, George, was quickly promoted to acting division commander.

If he could, Walker wouldn't want to send this wretched unit to plug the breach again, but he had no other choice now.

The 24th Division was the only unit he could deploy.

A few minutes later, George walked in: "Sir!"

"Major General George, I have a difficult task for you now."

Upon hearing that there was a mission, George's expression immediately changed.

The 24th Division is now completely ineffective in combat!
Seeing George's drastic change in expression, Walker naturally knew the reason.

"I will temporarily assign the newly arrived 25th Regiment to the 24th Division, so your combat effectiveness should be guaranteed."

Without waiting for George to speak, Walker pointed to the map and said, "I need you to immediately lead the 24th Division to establish a defensive line west of Busan."

"Northern Army troops have appeared in the Mokpo area. You have only one mission: under no circumstances can you let the Northern Army reach Busan!"

"This is a direct order; it must be done."

"Yes, sir!" George replied helplessly, but ultimately said nothing more and chose to lead the team to set off immediately.

Watching George leave to carry out his orders, Walker secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Although the 24th Division had suffered defeats since entering the war, it was still a regular field army and could hold off a detachment of the Northern Army without tanks and heavy artillery.

However, Walker clearly relaxed a bit too early.

This flanking force that made its roundabout attack was no ordinary unit, but the elite 6th Division of the Northern Army.

As a former G Army unit particularly skilled in long-distance raids and long-distance maneuvers, Li Tianfu immediately set his sights on Busan after learning that the US military had entered the war.

If Busan is captured, the war on the Korean Peninsula will soon be over.

On July 26, the two sides suddenly encountered each other, and a battalion of the 24th Division was ambushed and wiped out in a short time.

The next day, the 24th Regiment of the 24th Division was defeated, and the remnants retreated to Jinzhou.

The two consecutive days of battle reports left Walker dizzy and disoriented, completely unexpected.

Even the main Union forces, equipped with tanks, did not achieve such results.

"The 24th Division is in danger!" Walker asserted, knowing that the remnants of the 24th Division and the 25th Regiment were absolutely no match for this force's attack.

Walker strode to the map and circled it several times: "Immediately transfer the 33rd Regiment and these two Southern Regiments from the front lines and urgently reinforce them in the Jinzhou direction."

"Yes, sir!"

What new troops have arrived in Busan right now?

After thinking for a moment, Dane said, "There are no more infantry. We only have three M26 tanks and two infantry fighting vehicles."

"Strengthen the defenses in Golden State!" Walker didn't hesitate for a moment.

"Furthermore, I have another order: all soldiers who subsequently land should not linger in Busan. After disembarking, they should go directly to Jinju to report to the 24th Division!"

"Yes, sir!"

After sending all available troops to Golden State, Walker kept a close eye on the situation there.

At this moment, the importance of Jinzhou even surpassed that of the main battles on the front lines.

However, just two days later, Walker received a devastating battle report.

Without any support or logistical assistance, the 6th Division of the Northern Army, braving relentless air bombardment day and night, managed to defeat two divisions of the US-Southern Allied forces with its single-division strength.

Jinzhou has fallen!

This result shocked the entire Southern Court, Tokyo, and even Washington.

With the fall of Jinju, Busan is left with only Masan as its last line of defense. If Masan is also captured, Busan will be defenseless.

"Pass on my order: the 25th Division shall immediately withdraw from the front line and the entire army shall move to Mashan to build a defensive line and make every effort to stop the 6th Division from the north."

"Furthermore, send a telegram to Tokyo requesting the immediate dispatch of reinforcements!"

Given the current situation, it seems unlikely that three or five divisions would be able to hold the Korean Peninsula.

"Yes, sir!"

On the other hand, although the 6th Division of the North changed the entire battle situation single-handedly, they also paid a heavy price.

The original full-strength division of over 10,000 men was reduced to less than 5,000 after the battle of Jinzhou.

Without supplies and support, the 6th Division of the Northern Army has lost its offensive capability, but the US military is currently unaware of this.

Upon learning of the crushing defeat in Golden State, Washington was terrified and immediately agreed to MacArthur's request for aid.

Not only was the 7th Division stationed in Japan ordered to go to Korea, but the 3rd Division of the Army was also quickly transferred from Europe to Korea.

This is all the troops the United States can muster in a short period of time.

After the reinforcement plan was finalized, the Ministry of National Defense immediately restarted its recruitment efforts, and a large number of World War II veterans were recalled.

At the same time, Walker also issued a retreat order to the front line: "All Allied forces shall immediately retreat to the Nadong River line and establish the last line of defense in Busan!"

Although everyone knew this would leave their defensive lines pitifully small, they had no other choice at this point.

After the 25th Division was transferred from the front lines, the troops at the front were no longer able to stop the advance of the main force of the Northern Army.

As the Allied forces continued to retreat, the Union army continued to advance.

By August, the two sides had re-established a standoff in Busan.

At this point, the Northern army was already somewhat exhausted.

Since the start of the war, although the Union army has won a series of victories, its casualties have been considerable because it has adopted a strategy of advancing in one direction.

By the time Busan was besieged, the total number of North Korean casualties had reached nearly 60,000, almost 60% of the total number of North Korean troops involved in the war.

Although the number of North Korean troops around Busan still reached 100,000 after several large-scale replenishments, their combat effectiveness had declined.

Moreover, the most important issue is not manpower, but equipment.

Since the U.S. military entered the war, the Union's aircraft had long been wiped out, and the U.S. military had completely gained air superiority.

The U.S. Air Force's precision ground attacks and the large number of newly added anti-tank weapons have rendered the Union T-34s ineffective as a deterrent.

Under the relentless attacks of the US Air Force day and night, the Union Army's tanks and artillery were reduced to less than one-third of what they were before the start of the war.

Moreover, as the battle lines stretched out, the Union army's supply lines became increasingly difficult under the air strikes of the US military.

In comparison, the Allied forces besieged in Busan numbered a full 180,000.

In addition, there were 36,000 U.S. Navy personnel and 37,000 U.S. Air Force personnel participating in the war.

Moreover, the Allied forces had more than ten times the heavy equipment available to the Union army.

As for logistical support, the difference is even more stark.

With Japan as their logistical base, American soldiers had no shortage of food and drink; they wouldn't drink beer or cola unless it was ice-cold.

However, this UN force, which had far more manpower, equipment, and supplies than the Union army, was being strangled and beaten by the Union army.

“General Walker, I have very important business to attend to in Japan to meet with MacArthur Sting. Please send me a plane.”

After the Northern Army launched another full-scale offensive and broke through several positions, Li Chenglong once again found Walker.

Every time the Northern Army launched an attack, he would come to the Eighth Army Headquarters. This was the fifth time he had come in less than a month.

There was nothing Li Chenglong could do; he was truly terrified.

Although the Allied forces had an absolute advantage on paper, the Battle of Busan was extremely dangerous.

The headquarters of the 8th Army Group has been moved several times.

Upon hearing Li Chenglong's request, Walker rubbed his forehead speechlessly.

"President Lee, don't worry, the Northern army won't be able to break in."

"Even if the front line is lost, we can calmly retreat to Japan by sea."

Walker didn't say it explicitly, but MacArthur had long been prepared for another Dunkirk.

"I'm not trying to run away, I really have something important to do," Li Chenglong stubbornly insisted.

“Alright, alright, if it’s really important, you can use my encrypted channels to contact the Tokyo headquarters.” Upon hearing that Walker’s channels were to be used, Li Chenglong waved his hand: “Forget it, I need to talk to you in person about this.”

"Since I can't go to Japan in the short term, I'll wait a bit. It's not a big rush."

After saying that, Li Chenglong left without looking back.

Watching Li Chenglong's retreating figure, Walker shook his head helplessly.

If it weren't for the morale of the Southern Army, he would have dismissed Li Chenglong long ago.

At this time, MacArthur convened a joint operations conference at the UN Command headquarters in Tokyo.

"Gentlemen, according to the latest report, the situation on the Busan front has been stabilized."

“We should start planning our counterattack now,” MacArthur said, smoking his pipe and gesturing to his staff to hang up a map.

With the return of World War II veterans and the arrival of large quantities of heavy equipment, the combat effectiveness of the U.S. military has undergone a dramatic transformation compared to two months ago.

"My plan is to land at Incheon in the middle of the peninsula, cut off the Union army's retreat in one fell swoop, and completely annihilate them," MacArthur said confidently, pointing to the map.

"In this way, the Northern Dynasty will completely lose its ability to resist."

Although they could push back without landing, this would force the Northern army to retreat again.

If the enemy cannot be outflanked, the victory can only be considered half-hearted at best.

Upon hearing MacArthur's plan, everyone at the meeting frowned.

Judging from the map alone, landing at Incheon is a very good option.

Landing there would allow them to reach Seoul directly, and then heading east would cut off the Northern army's retreat route.

However, there is a very serious problem here: the landing conditions at Incheon are extremely poor.

The naval commander said solemnly, "General, I must remind you that the Incheon landing is a complete gamble!"

“Apart from the dock, the rest of Incheon is all silt. Unless there is a very unusual high tide, it is impossible for troops to land.”

"The only remaining high tide this year is on September 15th, which is just around the corner."

"Moreover, even with high tide, the window of opportunity for landing is only three hours. After three hours, subsequent troops will not be able to land."

"In other words, if Incheon is not captured within three hours, the troops that have already landed will be isolated and helpless."

"Furthermore, the Incheon waterway is very narrow. If a warship were to strike a mine and sink, the entire waterway would be completely blocked."

"Our navy's suggestion is to land at Gunsan Port, where the conditions are excellent and a large-scale amphibious landing operation can be carried out at any time."

After listening to the Navy's list of objective difficulties, MacArthur agreed: "These problems do exist."

"But I believe the Navy can overcome these difficulties, I have faith in you!"

The naval officers present remained silent; they themselves did not believe their own claims.

MacArthur didn't wait for their answer, but continued:

"Gunsan Port is indeed a viable landing site, but landing there will not cut off the North Korean army's supply lines. If the landing at Incheon is successful, the North Korean army will be completely annihilated!"

"The main force of the North Korean army is currently engaged in the battle in Busan. I judge that there will not be many troops in Incheon."

"And I believe that the more dangerous a place is, the safer it is!"

"I will personally go to Incheon to command the landing. If the landing fails, I will take full responsibility!"

"However, I'm certain that the Inchon Landing will only succeed, not fail!"

After MacArthur finished speaking, the entire meeting room fell silent.

They all knew that MacArthur was taking a huge gamble.

But at this point, no one raised any further objections.

After all, if they lost, MacArthur would bear all the blame, and if they won, they could share the credit. No matter how you looked at it, they were guaranteed to make a profit.

MacArthur knew he was gambling, but he wasn't afraid of losing.

If the Incheon landing fails, he can quickly reorganize the Gunsan landing.

As for the consequences of failure, for a five-star general like him, it was not enough to shake his foundation.

Since no one raised any explicit objection, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, upon receiving the report, could only approve the Inchon landing plan.

As for the login time, there is no room for discussion; the only option is September 15th.

After confirming the landing at Incheon, the U.S. military immediately began active preparations.

In an effort to confuse the Union forces, the U.S. Navy and Air Force conducted saturation bombing raids on multiple ports.

Moreover, the US military deliberately created the illusion that they were going to land at Gunsan Port.

While other ports were bombarded intermittently, Gunsan Port was bombarded 24 hours a day, and the US military was also conducting large-scale Gunsan landing operation training in Busan.

The U.S. military's feint also achieved quite good results, drawing the Union army's attention to Gunsan Harbor and prompting them to strengthen the port's defenses.

On September 15, the U.S. fleet arrived at the outskirts of Incheon as planned.

In the early hours of the morning, MacArthur summoned his trusted confidant, Brigadier General Honeynet, to the flagship's command center.

Although MacArthur had spoken with absolute certainty in the previous meeting, he was also very nervous when the time came.

The failed Inchon landing will not shake his foundation, but it will affect his political life.

Do you think this surprise attack is feasible?

MacArthur paced back and forth in the cabin, not giving Honeyt a chance to interrupt, and kept talking to himself.

"If we want to achieve the greatest results, Incheon is the only option!"

"Washington opposed the Inchon landing, but we pushed the opposition away."

"Whether we win or lose, I will take full responsibility."

"What if I'm really wrong? Thousands of people will die because of it."

"However, there is no war without bloodshed."

"Is it possible that the enemy has noticed? Is the enemy prepared?"

“Once the troops are stuck in narrow waterways and mud, they will be shot at will by the enemy like ducks.”

"Will today become America's most painful day of defeat?"

"Are there any other alternatives? The mountains? The 8th Army's counterattack?"

"No!" MacArthur suddenly roared:

"There is no alternative! My decision was correct! All losses are within acceptable limits!"

After shouting, MacArthur finally convinced himself.

“Honnett, thank you for listening to me.” MacArthur rubbed his face. “Now it’s time to take a break.”

"Good night, sir," Honeyt said, his only words upon entering the room, before leaving the command center.

After daybreak, the login command was officially issued.

Hundreds of ships lined up in a row, countless shells flew toward the port, and carrier-based aircraft took off and dropped napalm bombs.

The entire Incheon Port was completely engulfed by the explosion.

Faced with the overwhelming attack from the U.S. military, the more than 1,000 garrison troops stationed at Incheon Port were no match for them.

Their defensive fortifications were barely more effective than a piece of paper against oversized naval guns and heavy aerial bombs.

After an extremely long period of artillery preparation, and after confirming that Incheon Harbor had been bombarded several times, the entire elite 1st Marine Division of the U.S. Army was deployed.

Riding the surging tide, countless landing craft rushed toward the landing site.

Although the remaining North Korean soldiers at Incheon Harbor also launched fire, they were quickly destroyed by the carrier-based aircraft that were constantly circling overhead.

The 1st Marine Division encountered very little resistance and successfully landed on the shore.

"Sir, the 1st Marine Division has successfully captured Incheon!"

"Yes!" MacArthur excitedly pumped his fist repeatedly; he knew he had won his gamble.

MacArthur calmed himself down and asked, "What about the casualties?"

"The 1st Marine Division suffered 20 dead, 1 missing, and more than 170 wounded."

"However, these casualties were mostly accidental casualties from naval fire; the Northern Army only offered sporadic resistance."

"Very good!" MacArthur nodded in satisfaction. This was an unprecedented victory!

"Order the engineers to immediately repair the port and facilitate the landing of heavy equipment!"

"Yes, sir!"

Facing the overwhelmingly superior Allied forces, the Union army was already battered and bruised, and they had only managed to hold on until now thanks to their high morale.

However, upon learning that their retreat route had been cut off, the morale of the Northern Army, the only thing that could sustain their fighting spirit, immediately collapsed.

Just a few days ago, the Northern Army was launching a fierce attack southward, but in the blink of an eye, it began to turn around and retreat frantically northward.

They all wanted to retreat north of the 38th parallel before the US forces could encircle them.

However, normally this is completely impossible.

If the U.S. military were to capture Seoul, which was just a stone's throw away, it could easily cut off the main escape route for the Union army.

As for the passages in the eastern mountains, the US military could easily cut them off using motorized speed.

At this moment, the air in Seoul was almost frozen.

"Deputy Commander, the situation is urgent. What should we do? Should we retreat immediately?"

Inside the command post, Cui Yongjian, the deputy commander of the Northern Army, stared at the map without saying a word.

After going into exile in 1922, Cui Yongjian studied at the Yunnan Military Academy and the Whampoa Military Academy.

Later, he participated in the Northern Expedition, the Guangzhou Uprising, and the Northeast Anti-Japanese War.

Shortly after the start of the war, he stepped down from the front lines and took charge of the defense of the western coast as the deputy commander-in-chief.

However, this was clearly a sinecure, as the main force of the Northern Army was all in Busan, and the west coast was defenseless.

"How many troops have been organized now?" Cui Yongjian suddenly asked.

一旁的参谋立刻打开文件夹报告道：“目前汉城的部队有独立25旅、独立78团、新编13师、第9师87团、以及17装甲师一部。”

"Besides that, there are the Seoul Garrison and the remnants of the Incheon Garrison."

"The total number of people is over 18,000."

"What about the US military? How many troops landed?"

"According to reconnaissance, the U.S. forces that landed were the 1st Marine Division and the 7th Marine Division, with a total strength of more than 5 men."

"At this point, the entire equipment team had discovered a large number of armored vehicles, heavy tanks, large-caliber howitzers, self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, and self-propelled howitzers, and US Navy carrier-based aircraft were ready to be deployed for attack at any time."

With less than 20,000 ragtag troops facing off against 50,000 heavily armed American elites, it's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot no matter how you look at it.

For Cui Yongjian, the most advantageous option at present is to retreat north immediately.

However, he also knew that if he withdrew at this time, the main force in the south would be completely annihilated.

Cui Yongjian turned to look at everyone and said calmly, "Everyone, prepare for a fight to the death!"

After the successful landing at Incheon, MacArthur did not set foot in Incheon, but happily returned to Tokyo.

"Sir, the 10th Corps reports that all equipment and personnel have landed, and the 1st Marine Division and the 7th Division have completed all preparations."

“Very good.” MacArthur nodded.

"Order the 10th Army to retake Seoul by the 25th!"

The Korean War began on June 25. If Seoul were recaptured before the 25th, he could declare in the newspapers that he had recaptured Seoul and ended the battle within three months.

In MacArthur's eyes, ten days would be more than enough for the elite troops to handle the miscellaneous tasks.

"Yes, sir!"
MacArthur anticipated that the 10th Army would achieve an easy victory, and he planned to hold a celebration party in Seoul on the 25th.

However, as the 25th drew closer, the 10th Army had not yet advanced to the outskirts of Seoul.

MacArthur had already started making grandiose claims, and with the deadline fast approaching, he began calling the 10th Army every morning to inquire about the progress.

On the 25th, MacArthur's phone rang again right on time.

Seeing the ringing phone, Almond, the commander of the 10th Army, was at his wits' end, but he had no choice but to step forward and answer it.

"Where did we get to today?"

"Sir, the vanguard of the 10th Army has reached the outskirts of Seoul."

Under Cui Yongjian's command, these ragtag troops performed exceptionally well. They utilized every advantageous terrain to launch layered attacks and also carried out various nighttime raids, leaving Almond in a state of utter chaos.

Although the 10th Army is advancing every day, the progress is very slow, and it seems that we won't be able to hold a banquet today.

"But please rest assured, sir, it's only a matter of time before we take Seoul."

“Very good!” MacArthur nodded and hung up the phone.

Although the 10th Army had just fired shells into Seoul, MacArthur chose to read comprehension.

In the afternoon, MacArthur issued a statement at a press conference: "UN forces have recaptured Seoul today!"

"From the North Korean army's shameless sneak attack, the US military recaptured the South Korean capital in just three months!"

MacArthur then began his hour-long, captivating speech.
However, Seoul will not be taken just because MacArthur makes a good point.

It wasn't until the 27th, after confirming that the main force of the Northern Army had withdrawn to the north, that Choi Young-geon directed his troops to withdraw from Seoul in an orderly manner.

Although Cui Yongjian withstood the pressure and secured a way out for the Northern Army, the Northern Army still suffered heavy casualties under the all-round attack of the US military by land, sea and air.

The main force of the North Korean army that was eventually successfully withdrawn was less than 30,000.

At this point, the Union Army had completely lost the ability to continue fighting the Allied forces.

The successful landing at Incheon instantly changed the course of the Korean War, turning a major defeat into a major victory for the U.S. military.

Coupled with his various grandstanding efforts, MacArthur's prestige had reached its peak at this point.

Faced with overwhelming praise and flattery, MacArthur became increasingly smug.

MacArthur then turned his gaze back to the map of the Korean Peninsula.

He wanted to replicate the Inchon Landing to end the war and prepare for the next presidential election.

After the 10th Army finally captured Seoul, MacArthur immediately announced the Allied forces' next operational plan.

Standing in front of the map, MacArthur pointed to it and said:

"I have decided to advance northward at full speed with the Eighth Army."

"The 10th Army immediately returned to Incheon and took a boat to Wonsan for the landing operation."

Everyone was stunned as they watched MacArthur speaking eloquently in front of the map.

They had no objection to the Eighth Army advancing north, but sending the 10th Army to land at Wonsan was a bit absurd.

This is equivalent to sending the 10th Army around the Korean Peninsula by boat, from the westernmost point to the easternmost point.

At motorized speeds, this distance would take at most two days to reach, and even with the Northern Army's resistance, it wouldn't exceed three days.

However, if traveling by sea, including the time for boarding, preparation, and landing, it would be impossible to do so in less than four or five days.

Most importantly, almost all the important cities on the Korean Peninsula are on the west coast. If the 10th Army were to travel thousands of miles to the east coast, they might not even see the enemy.

However, after exchanging glances, the generals below all chose to remain silent.

Unfortunately, MacArthur's prestige was so high that no one dared to question this plan they couldn't understand.

Truman felt a headache coming on as he looked at MacArthur's plan to land on Mount Motohiro.

Wonsan is different from Incheon; it is located north of the 38th parallel.

According to current international understanding, if the US military crosses the line, China and the Soviet Union will each participate in the war with their respective ground and air forces.

After much deliberation, Truman finally dispatched Defense Secretary Marshall to Tokyo.

"Mr. President, you're being too cautious." MacArthur shook his head dismissively. "I'm sure even if they cross the 38th parallel, they won't go to war!"

"If they were going to come, they would have come long ago. Why would they wait until now?"

In MacArthur's view, the arrival of China and the Soviet Union within the first three months of the war would be a fatal blow to the UN forces, regardless of when they joined.

They wouldn't even need to fight; if they had just helped the Northern Army defend the port, the Allied forces would probably have already retreated back to Japan.

"I need to remind you that, according to intelligence, more than 400,000 main force troops have now gathered in the Northeast region, and more than 200,000 troops in the Beijing and Tianjin areas."

"And a new major deployment is underway, with dozens of troop transport trains constantly running on their railways."

"Heh. Don't worry, President. If I say I won't come, I won't come. They simply wouldn't dare." MacArthur said, sounding very confident.

"They're just putting on a show. The war on the mainland hasn't ended yet, so why would they go abroad to fight?"

The victory at Incheon made MacArthur feel that he was invincible.

As for the disastrous defeats of the previous three months, it was all due to being caught off guard, and had nothing to do with me.

Now, America's elite troops and all kinds of new equipment have been transported to North Korea. No one can stop the fully-equipped US military!
Looking at MacArthur's confident face, Marshall had nothing to say.

In fact, before he came to Tokyo, senior officials in the Pentagon were also fervently demanding to move north.

If the entire Korean Peninsula, the Northeast heavy industrial base, and the core area of ​​the Soviet Union's Far East could be taken over, they would all be within the range of US military strikes.

They believed that both China and the Soviet Union would be afraid because of the US military's great victory.

There are certainly calm people among the top officials in the United States, but if they dare to speak out, they will immediately be drowned out by the spittle of fanatics.

Under MacArthur's constant urging, the U.S. government officially approved the northward expansion plan.

(End of this chapter)