Bright Sword: The Flowers of War

Chapter 206 The First Patrol

Su Yaoyang's order for a large-scale expansion of the army was like a strong east wind, blowing through every village and town near Wutai County.

Among them, the most eye-catching and challenging task is the recruitment of Air Force flight cadets.

A sizable recruitment area has been temporarily set up in a corner of the airport along the Jiuqu River.

Unlike the bustling and noisy recruitment points for ordinary infantrymen, this place was much quieter and more rigorous. A striking banner hung at the entrance of the recruitment area: "Join the army enthusiastically, defend your country, and become a glorious Shanxi militia air force pilot!"

Under the banner, several simple tables were lined up in a row, behind which sat several serious-looking militia officers.

Before them stood a long queue of enthusiastic young people who had come to sign up as flight cadets after hearing the news. Most of these young people came from villages, towns, and counties surrounding the base area, and some were even farm boys who had just put down their hoes. At this moment, they stood in line in front of the recruitment point, their faces filled with anticipation for the future, longing for flying, and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

At the very front of the recruitment team, at a separate table, sat a blond, blue-eyed foreigner, none other than Jimmy Doolittle, the squadron leader entrusted with an important mission by Su Yaoyang. Not far away, Elizabeth, Anna, Margaret, Susan, and several other medical personnel were examining the applicants.

Today, he specially changed into a clean and neat flight jacket, his expression focused and serious, occasionally exchanging something with the translator and militia officer next to him in his not-so-fluent Chinese.

Su Yaoyang was well aware of the extreme importance of pilot selection, so he specially invited Doolittle, a flight expert, to personally oversee the initial screening of trainees.

The selection criteria for pilots are far more stringent than those for ordinary military branches.

This is not only a test of physical fitness, but also a comprehensive examination of intelligence, willpower, cultural level and even family background.

"Next!" a military doctor in charge of the physical examinations called out.

A young man, slightly thin but with clear and bright eyes, took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The physical examination process is extremely detailed and complicated.

The first step is a vision test.

An eye chart hangs on a wooden board in the distance, its symbols densely packed, some so small they are almost indistinguishable.

Margaret stood beside the eye chart, pointing to different symbols with a thin stick, and asked the applicants to answer them accurately.

Doolittle also observed with great interest, as good eyesight is the primary condition for spotting the enemy and locking onto targets in air combat.

Many people are eliminated at this stage because their eyesight is impaired due to their daily work and malnutrition.

Next comes the tests of hearing, smell, and color perception. A deficiency in any of these areas means being barred from the blue sky.

Then comes a more rigorous physical examination. Elizabeth and her team would carefully examine the applicants' height, weight, limb coordination, any hidden illnesses, skeletal development, and so on.

Sometimes Doolittle would even personally approach the applicants and have them perform specific actions, such as standing on one leg, turning quickly, or walking in a straight line with their eyes closed, to test their balance and physical flexibility.

He explained that pilots need to withstand enormous G-forces and complex airflow changes in the air, and without a strong and coordinated body, it is impossible to adapt.

Some seemingly strong young men may be eliminated due to subtle ailments such as flat feet, joint problems, or mild scoliosis. They often argue their case, but they can only leave helplessly in the face of the impartial military doctors and Doolittle.

“Pilots are the nation’s treasures, and there can be no carelessness!” Doolittle emphasized in broken Chinese.

Passing the rigorous physical examination was merely a ticket to the next round. Next came the cultural level test.

China's illiteracy rate is extremely high today, and finding a group of young people who are both physically fit and have a certain level of literacy is no easy task.

The literacy tests were conducted by several teachers seconded from schools in the county town. They would provide applicants with sheets of paper printed with basic arithmetic problems and short passages, requiring them to read, write, and perform calculations.

The questions weren't too difficult, mostly at the level of third or fourth graders. But even so, many young people with excellent physical fitness were eliminated because they didn't know many characters or couldn't do simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Doolittle watched from the sidelines, and couldn't help but sigh. He knew that modern air combat placed increasingly higher demands on pilots' cultural literacy; they needed to learn complex flight theories, aerodynamics, navigation technology, radio communications, and so on. Without a certain level of education, it was impossible to understand and master this knowledge.

Physical fitness and academic qualifications are sufficient, but that's not enough. As the core force that will one day pilot advanced fighter jets and control the airspace over their bases, the political reliability of flight trainees is the most important factor for Su Yaoyang.

The political vetting was conducted by officers from the militia's intelligence department. They would interrogate applicants in a detailed manner, with the details being astonishing.

"Name? Age? Place of origin?"

How many people are in your family? What do they all do for a living?

"In your family's three generations, have there been any traitors, bandits, or local tyrants?"

"What are your thoughts on our Shanxi militia and Commander-in-Chief Su?"

"Why join the Air Force? Is it to fight the Japanese, or to get promoted and make money?"

These questions were bombarded on the applicants like a machine gun. Meanwhile, the intelligence officers meticulously observed every expression and glance of the applicants, trying to discern the truthfulness of their words.

Anyone who hesitates or evades questions in their answers, or whose family background is found to have a "blemish," will be eliminated without hesitation.

Doolittle was somewhat puzzled by this strict political vetting. In his view, as long as one was technically proficient and loyal to their duties, that was enough. But Su Yaoyang had privately explained to him: "Jimmy, in China, people's hearts are more important than technical skills. Our planes and pilots are too precious to tolerate even the slightest mistake."

After such rigorous selection, those who ultimately remain are undoubtedly the elite, one in a hundred. They may come from humble backgrounds or have limited education, but they all share a common trait: a healthy body, a sharp mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a fervent patriotism.

After more than half a month of rigorous selection, 368 pilots were finally chosen.

…………

In the spacious command post's operations room, a huge sand table occupied the center of the room, meticulously marking the terrain and enemy and friendly forces surrounding the Wutai Mountain base area.

Su Yaoyang, Doolittle, and Chief of Staff Pi Ruoyu were gathered around the sand table, occasionally pointing with their batons and discussing in hushed tones.

It is said that three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang. Doolittle has extensive experience in air combat and is very familiar with the Air Force's organization, training subjects, and logistical support.

Pi Ruoyu, from the Virginia Military Institute in the United States, was bold yet meticulous. Based on the actual situation of the Shanxi militia, he carefully considered the feasibility of various plans, the resources required, and coordination with existing troops.

Su Yaoyang acts as the mediator. Although he is far less professional than the other two, he can always offer some key guidance.

Just as the three were having a heated discussion, a communications officer rushed in, carrying a newly translated telegram.

"Report!" The communications officer snapped to attention and saluted. "We've received urgent intelligence from the Eighth Route Army headquarters!"

"Oh?" Su Yaoyang raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue. He knew that the Eighth Route Army headquarters wouldn't send a telegram without a reason.

The communications officer cleared his throat: "According to information obtained by our intelligence department, recently... the Japanese army has amassed a large number of air forces at Fenglingdu Airport on the east bank of the Yellow River, including various types of fighter planes and bombers."

Based on our analysis and assessment, the Japanese military's operation is highly likely aimed at Wutai County, particularly the Jiuquhe Airport, with the intention of destroying your key military targets through a large-scale air raid. Your unit is urged to be on high alert and take preventative measures as early as possible.

The telegram was short, but as soon as it was read, the air in the command center seemed to freeze. Doolittle's relaxed expression vanished, replaced by a grave look. As an experienced pilot and commander, he knew all too well what a large-scale air mobilization meant.

Pi Ruoyu's brows furrowed tightly. He quickly walked to the military map on the wall, his gaze shifting back and forth between Fenglingdu and Wutaishan, calculating the possible distance and timing of an air raid.

Su Yaoyang took the telegram and read it carefully again. Although he remained calm, a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"The Eighth Route Army's intelligence... It seems that old Japanese devil Yoshio Shinotsuka really can't sit still anymore."

Su Yaoyang thought to himself. He had anticipated that the Japanese army would launch a frenzied retaliation after suffering losses at Wild Wolf Valley, but he did not expect them to assemble such a large-scale air force so quickly.

“Doolittle, Chief of Staff Pi,” Su Yaoyang broke the silence, his tone steady, “What are your thoughts on this intelligence?”

Doolittle spoke first, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Sir, if the intelligence is true, then the situation is very serious."

Fenglingdu Airport is less than 300 kilometers away from here, which is not too far for a bomber.

Once the Japanese army has completed its assembly, it could launch a surprise attack on us at any time. Our Jiuquhe Airport, with its relatively complete takeoff and landing facilities and its nascent air force, will inevitably be their primary target.

Pi Ruoyu nodded in agreement, saying, "Commander-in-Chief, Colonel Doolittle is right. We cannot underestimate the Japanese army's determination and capabilities."

Intelligence about Jiuquhe Airport was likely already known to the Japanese. Their choice to launch a preemptive strike with absolute air superiority before our air force was fully developed was an extremely ruthless strategy.

Su Yaoyang nodded, completely agreeing with their assessment. It seemed that a "decapitation strike" targeting the Wutaishan base, especially the Jiuquhe Airport, was imminent.

"It seems that our previous decisions to expand our military and prepare for war, especially to strengthen airport defenses and establish an air force, were entirely correct," Su Yaoyang said in a deep voice. "The enemy will not give us time to develop at our leisure. We must race against time!"

He walked to the sand table and glanced at several key locations around Mount Wutai.

"Chief of Staff Pi," Su Yaoyang ordered, "Immediately issue the order to accelerate the construction of the radar stations deployed around Wutai County at all costs! I demand that a preliminary air defense early warning capability be established in the shortest possible time! Even if it's rudimentary, it must be there!"

"Radar station?" Doolittle's eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing the word. He knew that radar, such advanced early warning equipment, was only just beginning to be experimentally deployed even in the United States. He hadn't expected that Su Yaoyang possessed it and had already begun deployment. This young Chinese man always seemed to have an endless stream of secrets.

Su Yaoyang did not explain the source of the radar, but continued, "At the same time, the airport's air defense capabilities must be strengthened immediately! All anti-aircraft guns and machine guns must be readjusted and deployed to form a three-tiered air defense fire network of long, medium, and short range. The airport garrison regiment must immediately enter a state of first-level combat readiness and conduct targeted air defense drills!"

"And..." Su Yaoyang turned his gaze to Doolittle, "Tell your men to make sure they quickly familiarize themselves with the new aircraft and the surrounding airspace. I'll give them three more days; after three days, they need to be ready to take off and fight at any time."

As for the training of flight cadets, it can be moved to a relatively safe backup airfield and conducted covertly using existing primary trainer aircraft.

He said firmly, "I absolutely do not want our air force, on which we have placed such high hopes, to be strangled in its cradle by Japanese bombs before it can truly soar through the blue sky!"

"Yes!" Doolittle and Pi Ruoyu replied in unison.

…………

At dawn, as the sky began to lighten, two brand-new P-47 Thunderbolt fighter jets gleamed with a cold metallic sheen in the morning light on the runway of the airport on the banks of the Jiuqu River.

Its robust fuselage, powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 "Twin Wasps" 18-cylinder radial engine, and four .50 caliber Browning M2 heavy machine guns poised to fire at the wing roots all proclaim its formidable firepower.

Next to the cockpit of one of the P-47s stood a burly American pilot with a black eye patch over his left eye.

He was the hot-tempered "One-Eyed Jack," and at that moment, he was meticulously conducting the final pre-flight checks on his vehicle.

Jack bent down to check the tire pressure carefully, and tapped the wing skin with his hand, feeling the texture of the metal.

He then nimbly climbed onto the wing, opened the canopy, and crawled inside. Inside, various instrument panels and control sticks were displayed, exuding the distinctive smell of new machinery.

He skillfully flipped the switches, checking the fuel level, lubricating oil pressure, and the operation of each control surface. Then his gaze swept over the ammunition indicators under the wings, confirming that the eight heavy machine guns were fully loaded with bullets.

A young Chinese ground mechanic stood under the wing after One-Eyed Jack finished his inspection, gave him a thumbs-up, and looked a little nervous.

This was the first time he had independently maintained such an advanced fighter jet, and he was extremely careful in every aspect.

One-Eyed Jack grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and returned the thumbs-up, saying in heavily accented Chinese, "No problem! Well done!"

After receiving confirmation from the mechanic, One-Eyed Jack took a deep breath, his eyes sharpening. He began to start the powerful radial engine according to the operating procedure.

"Buzz...buzz...crack...rumble—!"

With a deep starting sound, the P-47's massive four-bladed propeller began to spin slowly, then accelerated, eventually becoming a blurry disc, emitting a deafening roar. Powerful airflow surged from behind the propeller, whipping dust and weeds from the ground backward.

As Jack felt the surging power from his vehicle, a ferocious smile appeared on his fleshy face.

He then released the brakes, and the P-47, like a beast awakening, began to taxi on the runway, its speed increasing rapidly. Moments later, the nose lifted slightly, and the heavy fuselage gracefully lifted off the ground, soaring into the sky.

Immediately following behind, another P-47 emitted the same roar.

It was piloted by a young American pilot named Tom King.

Although Tom is not as experienced as One-Eyed Jack, he is calm and steady and quite skilled in flying.

After carefully completing the pre-flight checks and receiving a signal from the ground crew, Tom successfully piloted his "Thunderbolt" onto the runway, following One-Eyed Jack's trajectory as it roared into the sky.

Two silver-gray P-47 fighter jets, illuminated by the morning light, resembled two arrows released from a bow, rapidly climbing one after the other.

A lithe figure traced a graceful arc across the azure sky, the roar of the engine echoing through the valley.

This is a P-47 fighter jet from the Shanxi Militia Air Force, carrying out its first aerial patrol mission under combat conditions.

Soon, the two aircraft climbed to their designated cruising altitude of 6,000 meters. At this altitude, the sky appeared even clearer and more expansive, and the mountains and land below resembled a miniature sand table.

One-Eyed Jack piloted his fighter jet, occasionally swaying the wings from side to side to survey the surrounding airspace. Tom, as his wingman, followed closely behind him, maintaining a standard combat formation.

One-Eyed Jack's slightly hoarse voice came through the radio; he seemed to be in a good mood.
"Hey Tom, how's it going? This 'Thunderbolt' is way more powerful than those 'Wildcats' we used to fly on the 'Bumblebee,' isn't it?"

He was referring to the F4F Wildcat fighters they had previously flown on aircraft carriers.

Tom's voice came through the radio, tinged with youthful excitement: "Yes, sir! This thing is a monster in the air! The power is incredible! When it was climbing, I felt like I'd been kicked in the butt!"

“Haha, that’s right!” One-Eyed Jack laughed. “But don’t get too excited, kid. Remember what the boss told you. This time we’re on patrol. Our main mission is to familiarize ourselves with the airspace, test the aircraft’s performance, and monitor any suspicious aerial targets. Don’t forget, those Japanese planes could pop up like flies at any moment.”

“Understood, sir!” Tom’s tone immediately turned serious. “I will keep a close watch on my area and not let any suspicious target slip by!”

(End of this chapter)