Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 198: Single-handedly annihilating the US 25th Division! (7K)

Outside Seoul
On the command vehicle of the US 25th Division

"Sir, the main force of the Chinese army is pursuing us!"

"Not only that, they also have many small groups of troops harassing, sniping, and waging guerrilla warfare against us in various places!"

"This will slow us down. Why don't we launch a counterattack now? We might get some unexpected results."

The U.S. Chief of Staff thought for a moment and then said.

In fact, his judgment was not wrong at all. The troops currently pursuing the US forces were the exhausted troops from Seoul, and the elite 7th Steel Battalion had been transferred to raid Anshan.

However, the US 25th Division, though weakened, still had several thousand fully armed elite US troops and a large amount of heavy firepower.

Once the US military returns and, in coordination with the air force, desperately wipes out the 3rd Battalion of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army under Wu Qianli's command, the remaining uprising troops will be unable to withstand the US military's advance.

"I already thought of what you said, but even if we crush the pursuers, what then?"

"How many troops and ammunition will we have to expend? More importantly, we can't afford to waste any more time."

Upon hearing this, Major General William shook his head.

"But with those Chinese pursuers behind us, our speed will also decrease."

The U.S. military chief of staff issued a reminder.

"Didn't we send a telegram to General Ridgway requesting assistance for our retreat?"

"What was General Ridgway's reply?"

Major General William narrowed his eyes slightly and asked.

"General Ridgway said that the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was also under great pressure. He had to consider the overall situation and could not sacrifice the UN forces in order to save us."

"so……"

The U.S. Chief of Staff swallowed hard and said in a low voice.

"So he just wants to watch us die?!"

Major General William angrily slammed his general's hat down and roared.

"No, he said he would draw elite troops from the US 2nd Division to provide support."

"But because the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was pursuing too fast and was too far away from us, the supporting troops could not go too deep."

"In short, we have to get past the reinforcements in Anshan to meet us. If we don't get through, the reinforcements won't be able to rush in..."

The U.S. Chief of Staff sighed and said.

Clearly, Ridgway was worried that if he entered Anshan, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army would wipe him out in one fell swoop.

"Anshan, Anshan, has become our Achilles' heel..."

"Leave a battalion to construct positions and block the Chinese army's advance!"

"I will allocate most of the air force to them, and they only need to hold out for three hours!"

"The remaining air force will be responsible for reconnaissance and bombardment of the guerrilla harassment forces on both flanks, and jeep convoys will be sent to patrol and provide cover on both flanks!"

“Tell the guys that they are heroes who fought for America, and I will bring them home.”

Major General William thought for a moment, a hint of desolation flashing in his eyes, and calmly gave the order.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff quickly agreed.

....................................

Soon, the US Air Force launched a massive bombing raid on the pursuing force led by Liu Hanqing.

The thousands of American troops left behind used vehicles and makeshift fortifications to block the pursuing forces.

For a time, the Seoul troops were unable to break through the American positions.

Seoul Military Provisional Command

"Deputy Commander, the American resistance is too strong; we can't break through it in a short time."

Looking at the fierce American troops in the distance, Wu Qianli said with a hint of regret.

"Okay!"

"Wanli truly lived up to his reputation for being a master strategist; he could foresee every step the US military took."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing's eyes flashed with admiration, and he said with a smile.

"good?"

"Does Commander Kaka have any contingency plans to help us repel the American blocking forces?"

Upon hearing this, Quan Douguang immediately asked.

"Repel? Repelling would be a poor strategy."

"Throughout the entire campaign, Wanli's overall strategy was to divide the US military, concentrate superior forces, and defeat them one by one, and this time was no exception!"

"It would be too much of a challenge for the Seventh Steel Battalion to hold off more than 4,000 elite American troops. Even if they succeeded, the casualties would be considerable."

"Now that we can retain nearly 30% of the US military's elite troops, the pressure on the Anshan blocking battle will be greatly reduced."

Liu Hanqing said.

"It might be difficult to keep them here, wouldn't it?"

"The US military isn't stupid. They'll probably hold us off for a short while, dampen our momentum, and once they've exhausted us, they'll leave."

"At that time, their numbers will be smaller, and they will still be mechanized. I estimate that they will eventually be able to catch up with the main force."

Wu Qianli thought for a moment and then said.

"Under normal circumstances, it would indeed be difficult to keep them there. The US military commander probably took this into consideration, which is why he dared to divide his forces to intercept them."

"Look, have you even temporarily overlooked those guerrilla and harassment forces that are following the main US forces?"

Liu Hanqing smiled slightly and looked at the two of them.

"Damn it, I really overlooked that!"

"Those dozen or so guerrilla harassment units combined numbered over a thousand!"

"They might not be able to win an offensive, but they'll definitely be able to hold off the American rearguard!"

"Commander-in-Chief Kaka's stroke of genius was to use the tactical objective of harassment to cover up the real strategic objective of counterattacking the US forces!"

"In this way, the remnants of the US 25th Division were split in two again!"

Quan Douguang's body trembled violently, and his heart became as clear and bright as if it had been doused with snow water.

"This is an open conspiracy. In order to increase the chances of survival and buy time, even if the US military commander thought of this possibility, he would still take the gamble, and might even comfort himself by thinking that he was making a brave sacrifice!"

"Wanli, that kid, seems to have been born to fight!"

Wu Qianli touched the pistol that Wu Wanli had given him and couldn't help but sigh.

"Pass down the order: each unit should form assault teams and take turns attacking the American blocking positions."

"We don't need many people; just spread them out loosely along the battle line!"

"I want to keep the US military on high alert at all times. I refuse to believe that I can't crush their already low morale!"

"The guerrilla forces in front all gathered together, turned around, and built a defensive line not far from these American troops."

A cold glint flashed in Liu Hanqing's eyes, and he immediately gave the order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Qianli and Quan Douguang agreed in unison.

....................................

On the battlefield where Seoul troops and US blocking forces clashed

Countless Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers were charging towards the American positions in a three-on-three formation, providing alternating cover.

Three people per group, three groups per team, countless teams forming a common offensive wave, crashing against the American defense line wave after wave.

However, the offensive waves often stop retreating at the extreme distance where casualties would increase significantly, and then the next wave would continue.

US military positions

"Da da da da da da da da..."

A white U.S. soldier, holding a machine gun, was firing at Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers in the distance, swinging a belt of ammunition.

Not far away, a US soldier carrying an ammunition box had only taken a few steps when he stumbled and fell to the ground.

"Oh!"

With a dull thud, the gleaming yellow bullets from the ammunition box scattered all over the ground.

"hiss--"

The American soldier, clutching his aching hand, struggled to get up when a hand appeared in front of him.

"Buddy, you've worked hard."

U.S. Army Major Goodwin reached out and helped the U.S. soldier up.

"Sir, I'm sorry, I'm just too tired."

"From the Han River to Seoul, and now here, I haven't had a good night's sleep in so long..."

The American soldier looked at Goodwin with bloodshot eyes and said, slightly dizzy.

"I know, I know everything."

"But Major General William said he would take us home, and maybe we could even have turkey for next Thanksgiving and receive gifts from Santa Claus..."

Major Goodwin, battling his sleepiness, tried his best to inspire the soldiers at the front.

But the American soldiers just glanced at him blankly and continued loading and firing without any emotion.

"Sir, the 25th Division is down to only a few thousand men now. Most of them will never go home."

"Fine, that's fine, but why should we stay?"

"These Chinese are attacking relentlessly, without a moment's rest, and I can't take it anymore!!"

The American machine gunner angrily slammed his machine gun to the ground and roared.

"Surrender without killing!"

"Surrender and you will not be killed!!"

"Surrender and you will not be killed!!!"

At this moment, the soldiers of the Seoul troops slowed their attack and shouted this phrase in English together.

Upon hearing this, the American soldiers, who were fighting a tough battle, were slightly taken aback and their resolve wavered.

Surrender is permitted under U.S. military doctrine, but only under certain conditions.

For example, in extremely disadvantageous situations: such as being completely surrounded, running out of ammunition, or suffering casualties that are unbearable.

During the Battle of Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines in 1942, the U.S. military chose to surrender due to supply shortages and heavy casualties.

At this moment, all the American soldiers in the vicinity turned their attention to Major Goodwin.

Clearly, neither of them wanted to continue fighting.

Major Goodwin was also somewhat shaken, but as America's elite ace, he still had a touch of pride in his heart.

How could the descendants of military officers and graduates of West Point surrender to the historically weak Chinese army?

"Guys, according to the surrender terms, we don't qualify as being completely surrounded."

"We are Tropical Lightning 25th Division, we are the pride of America!"

"From now on, I will fight alongside you on the front lines!"

"Until the Chinese army..."

Just as Major Goodwin was encouraging the American soldiers to prepare for a final stand, another unexpected event occurred.

"Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"According to reconnaissance, a Chinese army unit suddenly appeared behind us, and we are now completely surrounded!"

At that moment, an American soldier rushed to the position and shouted loudly.

"We're completely surrounded?!"

Major Goodwin's eyes widened, his heart skipped a beat, and he dropped the gun in his hand to the ground.

Upon hearing this, the American soldiers on the position spread the news by word of mouth.

"pat-"

"pat-"

Soon, rifles were left outside the trench.

One by one, American soldiers walked out of the trenches with their hands raised.

"Surrender, surrender..."

"If there is a next life, I will never fight against the Chinese again!"

Seeing this, Major Goodwin simply gave the order, and finally, with trembling hands, drew his pistol and pointed it at his own throat.

"boom!"

With a gunshot, an arrogant American officer shot himself.

After taking in the captured American soldiers, Liu Hanqing led the remaining troops to continue advancing towards the main force of the US 25th Division.

Not only that, he also ordered Wu Qianli to lead the Third Battalion of the Volunteer Army to set off quickly to meet Wu Wanli.

....................................

At this time, the 27th Army was on its way.
"Old Li, Old Li, good news!"

"Wan Li has already led the 7th Steel Battalion on a rapid attack on Anshan, and it is estimated that they will be able to cut off the retreat route of the US 25th Division ahead of schedule!"

"Not only that, the US 25th Division split up to intercept the Seoul troops, but our harassing and blocking forces in front turned around and launched a pincer attack!"

"The morale of the US blocking force collapsed, and thousands of men surrendered!"

"That was awesome! So awesome!"

Kong Jie excitedly took the telegram and said with a shocked expression.

"what?!"

"So, more than a thousand American devils have been wiped out so quickly?"

"My 27th Army fought to the death in Gaoyang City for so long, and we only managed to kill nearly two thousand American soldiers!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yunlong froze for a second, then gaped and exclaimed, "Comrade Wu Wanli led his troops in a surprise attack on Anshan, so isn't Han Qing the one commanding the Hancheng troops?"

"Could it be that he commanded this battle?"

Zhao Gang was taken aback for a moment, then asked.

"He was in charge, but he specifically said in the telegram that the whole plan was exactly what Wanli planned!"

"With flawless strategies and the ability to win battles from afar, this future star is destined to shine brightly!"

"If he had fought his way all the way from northwestern Shanxi, his achievements would probably be greater than mine!"

Kong Jie praised without reservation.

"Old Li, I suddenly thought of a possibility."

"Based on the distance and time, the Seoul troops may have already surrounded the US 25th Division before we arrive."

"The US 25th Division is now completely exhausted, and its morale has plummeted."

"Do you think the 25th Infantry Division might be wiped out before we even arrive?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Gang made a bold guess.

"hiss--"

"During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, the U.S. 1st Marine Division was actually breached at its command post, which is why it surrendered."

"If Wanli can divide and annihilate the US 25th Division through battle after battle, the achievement will be even more impressive than before!"

Kong Jie gasped and exclaimed in surprise.

"Damn it, Wanli has taken half the credit for this third campaign!"

"We just finished a tough job, and we're hoping we won't even get a bowl of soup?"

Li Yunlong admired Wu Wanli immensely, but outwardly he laughed and scolded him.

"It's not just Wu Wanli; I feel that Comrade Liu Hanqing will also grow from this battle."

“Some people in the military actually hoped that he would stay in the rear and not go to the dangerous elite troops for training.”

"But now it seems that Comrade Liu Hanqing is about to be refined into a piece of true gold!"

Zhao Gang remarked with emotion.

"More than that, although Shiji made a promise, his final status still couldn't be confirmed."

"The Korean People's Army has also expressed its desire for this South Korean uprising division equipped with American weapons to join them."

"However, given our current battle achievements and the willingness of the uprising troops, we will probably need another force like the 50th Army in our army!"

"Wanli, that kid, has quietly helped so many people improve!"

A hint of relief flashed in Kong Jie's eyes as he spoke.

"We can't relax until the very last moment of the battle. Don't put all the pressure on Wanli."

"Pass on my order: the entire army will continue to advance towards Anshan to support the Seoul troops!"

Li Yunlong gave the order.

....................................

Outside Anshan, on the command vehicle of the US 25th Division

"Sir, it's a bit strange, those guerrillas and harassment troops suddenly disappeared for so long..."

The U.S. military chief of staff always had a sense of foreboding.

"It's normal that we repelled them with our air force's jeep convoy."

"Give me a good publicity for this victory; we desperately need a morale-boosting opportunity."

Major General William was overjoyed and immediately spoke.

"Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"Our blocking force was defeated and captured by the Chinese army!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer rushed in and said.

"what?!"

"How could a main force of over a thousand elite troops suddenly disappear!"

William was taken aback at first, then jumped up and said.

"Sir, those guerrilla harassment troops suddenly turned around and attacked our rearguard from both sides."

"The pressure from being attacked from both sides, coupled with the outbreak of morale and fatigue problems, led them all to surrender, and Major Goodwin shot himself!"

The U.S. military staff officer said.

"How could this be? The attacking forces' objective wasn't harassment at all!!"

Major General William tore the telegram to shreds and roared.

“Sir, their resistance was worthwhile; at least it bought us time.”

"If we can quickly cross the Anshan Gorge and receive reinforcements, we will have a glimmer of hope!"

Upon seeing this, the US military chief of staff hurriedly and anxiously offered a reminder.

"You're right!"

"Order the entire army to pass through the Anshan Gorge at top speed! Be quick!"

Major General William took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the U.S. Chief of Staff immediately responded.

....................................

Anshan, ambush position
"Commander-in-Chief, we've finally... made it!"

Yu Congrong said, panting.

"Our 7th Steel Battalion, with its few hundred soldiers, can completely hold the canyon entrance. Once reinforcements arrive, this battle will be over!"

Gao Daxing said with a smile.

"No, let some American troops in, and we'll ambush them!"

Wu Wanli looked at the situation of the Sky Eye map in Heart of Steel and said.

"ambush……"

"We've come from a long march, and we don't have many heavy weapons. The best we have are mortars and machine guns."

"Commander-in-chief, we can't wipe out the American devils, can we?"

Upon hearing this, Lei Gong offered a reminder.

"If we hold out to the death, won't the US Air Force just launch a direct saturation bombardment?"

“When ambushing, they will be hesitant to act rashly, and at most they will only launch a precision strike.”

"What's more, as the battle progressed, my brother led the Third Battalion to attack the American troops from behind."

"It's a miracle that this group, already at their last gasp, has held on this long. I don't believe they can keep fighting like this!"

Wu Wanli said with certainty.

"Commander-in-Chief, the main force of the US 25th Division is about to enter the ambush zone."

At this moment, Pinghe approached and reported.

"No rush, let's bring some in first."

"Take my gunshot as the signal, and fire hard as soon as the shot is fired!"

Wu Wanli said.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately agreed.

……

Soon, the US troops squeezed into the canyon in a slightly panicked manner.

The American soldiers had long lost the arrogance they had shown when they first arrived at the Han River, and even their military formation was chaotic as they marched.

U.S. Army Colonel Raphael sat in his jeep, wiping his pistol, his heart filled with both excitement and sorrow.

"Finally, I can escape this damn place! Apart from having some fun with a few girls in Seoul, it's been nothing but defeats all the time!"

Raphael leaned back in the jeep's seat, his body swaying with the vibrations of the vehicle.

"If I had a choice, I would prefer to be stationed in Japan with General MacArthur."

"There's no risk in playing with Japanese girls there, unlike in North Korea where your life is in danger every day!"

The U.S. Army lieutenant colonel standing nearby smiled and echoed.

"Whatever, we'll be escaping this damn Korean battlefield soon anyway!"

"The cunning Chinese tried their best, but in the end they still failed to annihilate us!"

"Hahahahaha..."

“Please Send Me Someone To Love…”

In his excitement, Colonel Raphael began humming a popular American song.

He was completely unaware that Wu Wanli on the right hillside had already raised his gun and aimed it at a spot in front of his head.

"boom!"

With a gunshot, a hot bullet left the barrel, spinning as it struck Raphael in the head inside the jeep.

"The commander-in-chief's signal has come! Give it a shot!"

Upon hearing the gunshots, Yu Congrong instantly mounted a machine gun and began firing wildly at the area below.

At the same time, gunfire erupted from the hillsides on both sides.

"Dong dong dong dong dong dong..."

"Da da da da da da da da da da da..."

In an instant, a barrage of bullets swept towards the American soldiers in the canyon.

These American soldiers never expected that Wu Wanli could rush ahead of them to ambush them, resulting in heavy casualties.

The remaining American soldiers jumped out of the vehicle in fear, hid behind it, and fired back, but even their hands trembled as they fired.

Do they have any chance of survival? This is the question on the minds of all US soldiers.

On the command vehicle
"What?!"

"How is that possible? Are all the soldiers in the Chinese army superhuman?"

"How could they possibly ambush us? How could they be faster than us?!"

Seeing this, Major General William's heart sank, and he roared in frustration.

"Sir, the Chinese managed to raid San Suoli, a distance even greater than this, back then, and now..."

The U.S. Chief of Staff sighed helplessly and said.

"Can we break through? How long will it take to fight our way through?"

Major General William was thrown into a panic, his heart pounding. He abruptly stood up and asked, his face pale.

"Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"According to reconnaissance by our fighter jets, a force of Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers is rapidly approaching from behind and will soon be able to encircle us!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer rushed over to report.

"Snapped--"

Major General William slumped back into his seat, his body limp, his last glimmer of hope shattered.

“Sir, we can continue to resist for a while longer, but…”

The U.S. Chief of Staff remained silent for a few seconds, then hesitated before speaking.

They all knew it was pointless.

Aside from increasing casualties and costing the enemy their lives, they have lost their last hope of escaping.

"These veterans have done a great service to America by holding on until now; they are all heroes!"

"Surrender! They can't die anymore! They deserve to live!"

Major General William hesitated for a long time before finally finishing his sentence in a hoarse voice with his last bit of strength, and then closed his eyes to rest.

He didn't want to see or hear what was going to happen next.

The proud 25th Division of the United States, the Tropical Lightning, the ace unit that fought all the way to Tokyo, Japan, had its unit number wiped out on this day!

With a small force and without reinforcements, Wu Wanli annihilated the entire US 25th Division!
....................................

Anshan position

"Commander-in-Chief, the U.S. 25th Infantry Division has finally surrendered!"

"We...we're such a small group, yet we managed to..."

Looking down at the American soldiers who had dropped their weapons and surrendered, Yu Congrong felt as if he were in another world.

Not long ago, this US military force launched a desperate offensive in the Han River and Seoul, and they almost couldn't hold their ground.

But now, the US 25th Division, which has a superior number of troops, has actually given up resistance completely.

"Commander-in-Chief, after this battle, you'll definitely be promoted, and our Steel Seventh Battalion can continue to expand!"

"If the previous battles were about making a name for oneself, this time our commander-in-chief has achieved legendary status in a single battle!"

Gao Daxing said with a smile.

"It's not surprising at all. We've won so many times, at the cost of so many comrades' lives, and through so many perilous gambles, to finally achieve this victory."

"As for what position the Party organization may promote me to, I will accept it, but I am not fighting for fame and fortune."

"If I had a choice, I would prefer that there be no war between China and the United States."

"I would rather these fallen comrades had never had to fight, but could have been enjoying the happiness of being at home with their wives and children."

"I do not desire titles and honors; I only wish for calm seas..."

Wu Wanli looked at the volunteer army heroes waving their guns and cheering, and said with a smile.

(The book is not finished, and there are still many, many, many words to be written.)
(End of this chapter)