Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 225 Micro-management Master Wu Wanli is back online! (Seeking monthly votes)

Central part of the Hanjiang South Front, Taihua Mountain, 38th Army Command Post
"No matter who is besieging the US 5th Division, my 38th Army must go and lend a hand!"

Commander Liang's piercing eyes swept across the battle map as he spoke with unstoppable force.

"Commander, it's good to help our brother units, but the 7th Steel Regiment has provoked two brigades and a division of tens of thousands of American troops."

"With the addition of the 1st Cavalry Division that attacked Tiande Peak, nearly 60,000 troops have now been amassed on the eastern part of the Hanjiang South Defense Line, accounting for half of the western battlefield!"

"We also have defensive pressure, so we should prioritize completing the defensive tasks assigned by our superiors..."

The chief of staff of the 38th Army advised.

"The 40th Army has gone, how can we stand idly by?"

"Moreover, if it weren't for the 7th Steel Regiment's actions, let alone encircling and annihilating the US 5th Division, we would probably still be under heavy attack and taking artillery fire."

"Now that so many of the main American forces have been drawn away, our defensive pressure is less, and we can complete the mission even if we just sit and wait to be killed. But what about Li Yunlong and his men?"

"I must live up to this uniform and to the comrades in my brother units!"

Commander Liang waved his hand and said righteously.

Which troops do you plan to send to provide support?

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, the chief of staff of the 38th Army asked helplessly.

"The 113th Division's raid on Sansuoli and the fierce battle at Songgufeng were very well fought!"

"Now send them to the eastern part of the Hanjiang South Front as quickly as possible!"

Commander Liang frowned and thought for a moment before speaking.

"This……"

"Commander, back then, the raid on San Suoli exhausted a lot of people, and the bloody battle at Songgu Peak was also a defensive operation at the limit."

"But this encirclement and annihilation of the US Fifth Division requires a charge attack, and it might not be a good idea to send a tired force into such a battlefield."

"I think it would be better to arrange for the 113th Division to bypass the main battlefield and instead head straight for Tiande Peak to take on the defensive mission."

"In this way, Commander Li Yunlong's 27th Army can be completely liberated and participate in the decisive battle to encircle and annihilate the US Fifth Division!"

"That's what the chief of staff of the 38th Army said."

"The 113th Division is blocking the 1st Cavalry Division, while the 27th Army is heading to the battlefield to encircle and annihilate the US 5th Infantry Division?"

"Isn't that a bit too idealistic? Would the 1st Cavalry Division really let the 27th Army pass through?"

Commander Liang stroked his chin, seriously considering the feasibility.

"According to the intelligence we have obtained, the 1st Cavalry Division originally had the mission of rescuing the US 5th Division."

"But they deliberately chose not to go, instead choosing to stay near Tiande Peak and prepare for a fierce attack."

"If they speed up, even the 80th Division won't be able to get through."

"So when the main force of the 27th Army breaks through, they will probably only symbolically try to stop them, or even be overjoyed."

"After all, with so many fewer troops guarding Tiande Peak, their passage to Seoul has become much smoother."

"That's what the chief of staff of the 38th Army said."

"Great, I'm relieved to have this information."

"It seems that the US military is not a monolithic entity, but rather like the former Nationalist army, full of infighting."

Upon hearing this, Commander Liang burst into laughter.

"The troops of American imperialism don't have much sentimentality to speak of; they all have their own ulterior motives and their own little schemes."

"Although MacArthur was reckless before, he was at least able to keep things under control."

"Ridgway said that before he had won a decent battle to establish his authority, he could not get the American troops to fight desperately on the battlefield."

The chief of staff of the 38th Army analyzed.

"No wonder he gathered his guard regiment and a regiment from the west to form the Second Brigade of the United States and went to rescue them personally."

"Very well, then let the 113th Division set off immediately to assist in the defense of Tiande Peak."

"Damn it, when Li Yunlong attacked Ping'an County, so many brother units fought to block him."

"Now you see the Korean battlefield, where our 38th and 40th Armies are providing cover for their 27th Army."

"If possible, after the war, you should give me the equipment for two howitzer battalions of the captured weapons."

"Or, he could give me that kid Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Regiment, that would be fine too, we could help each other out, hahaha..."

Commander Liang's eyes flashed with admiration, and he laughed heartily as he spoke.

"Then I feel that Commander Li Yunlong would rather give you a howitzer!"

"The 7th Steel Regiment is a fully American-equipped unit with its own artillery battalion, and given its merits this time, it will definitely be expanded after the war!"

The chief of staff of the 38th Army said with a smile.

"Alright, these are all things for later. Let the 113th Division get on with their work."

Commander Liang gave the order.

"Yes!"

The chief of staff of the 38th Army quickly agreed.

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

Tiande Peak, 27th Army Headquarters
"Ha ha!"

"Tell Liang Daya that I thanked him!"

"what?"

"The equipment of two howitzer battalions?"

"no problem!"

"We'll discuss this further. I, Li Yunlong, am a man of my word. How could I possibly renege on his promise?"

"Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Regiment are out of the question. They're my lifeblood. I'd even lend them to Zhang Dabiao for a while, but don't even think about Wu Wanli!"

Li Yunlong looked at the telegram, his face beaming like a chrysanthemum, and said...

"With just one fight by Wu Wanli, the entire south of the Han River is in complete chaos."

"The 38th Army, the 27th Army, and the 40th Army—the three branches of the armed forces converged here."

"The 5th U.S. Division, the 1st U.S. Cavalry Division, the Provisional 1st U.S. Brigade, the Provisional 2nd U.S. Brigade, and all the elite units of the U.S. Army were deployed together."

"To be honest, this is much harder than when you attacked Ping'an County, Lao Li."

Kong Jie looked at the battle map and couldn't help but say something.

"Elite?"

"I'm going to take down the elite!"

"As long as that kid Wu Wanli can hold on, this will be a huge victory!"

Li Yunlong said domineeringly.

"Yes, Ridgway actually personally went out to help, which means the American devils are really panicked."

"Judging by the time, the 7th Steel Regiment should have already engaged in combat with the American forces on both sides. Hopefully, they can hold out."

Kong Jie said with a look of worry in his eyes.

"Back in Seoul, he had already fought a tough battle like this with the US 25th Infantry Division. I believe in him."

"Order the main force of the 27th Army to prepare. As soon as the 113th Division arrives, the entire army will set off immediately!"

Li Yunlong gave the order.

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

Red Cloud Canyon, 7th Steel Regiment Command Post

"Wanli, the US 5th Division on the west side and the Provisional US 1st Brigade on the east side launched an attack on our first line of defense, but they were both repelled."

"It seems to be just a probing attack to find out our firepower."

"Next, they're going to get serious."

Liu Hanqing said.

"Commander, we have received a call from Lizhou. The Air Force Corps has one last batch of ammunition left and can provide us with one more air support mission."

"Should we move them over first to destroy the US artillery units?"

Yu Congrong took the telegram from the staff officer and handed it to Wu Wanli.

"Air Force Command, do not move!"

Wu Wanli waved his hand and said.

"Not moving?"

"Commander, the situation is critical. If we don't act, our troops may suffer heavy casualties."

Liu Hanqing said with some surprise.

"A gun is most intimidating when it is fully loaded but before the trigger is pulled."

"Why did the US military only use artillery and not its air force? Did we really shoot down all their fighter jets?"

Wu Wanli straightened his military overcoat and said calmly.

"This……"

"I'm afraid that's impossible."

"Moreover, judging from the situation of the 50th and 38th Armies, the US Air Force has reduced its bombing of them, which is probably because the fighter jets are being moved to our side."

Liu Hanqing picked up several other telegrams and began to analyze them.

"It's not an estimate, it's a certainty!"

"If I'm not mistaken, Lichuan has at least four hundred fighter jets, but they haven't used them to bomb us. Why do you think that is?"

Looking at the Iron Heart Sky Eye map in his mind, Wu Wanli, already having a plan in mind, said.

"This……"

"Are they waiting for the crucial moment to deliver the fatal blow?"

Yu Congrong scratched his head and guessed.

"I don't think so."

"The American devils aren't as frugal as we are. They use aerial bombs like they're free, so how could they possibly wait that long?"

Liu Hanqing shook his head.

"Our air force has won several major battles in recent years, and has even been able to launch counterattacks while cutting off their fuel depots and ammunition supplies. This has probably aroused great concern among the US military."

"So now that their air force has concentrated, their first objective should be to destroy our air force."

"Or rather, bomb Lizhou Airport!"

Wu Wanli looked at the Sky Eye map in Heart of Steel and said with a smile.

On the map, an arrow pointing directly at Yeoju can be seen from the US Air Force formation in Lichuan.

Next to the arrow is a label: [Target: Bomb Yeoju Airport]

"what?!"

"Those American devils are really cunning!"

"They clearly have so many more fighter jets than us, yet they resort to sneak attacks on airfields!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong immediately cursed.

"On the battlefield, there is no such thing as treachery or cunning, only victory and defeat."

"Since they want to play this way, I'll just go along with it."

Wu Wanli said as he flipped through the various intelligence reports and telegrams in his hand.

"Commander, what have you gleaned from all this information?"

Looking at Wu Wanli's confident demeanor, Liu Hanqing asked curiously.

"Order the Air Force Command to remain stationary for now, but in one hour and forty-three minutes, fly to the Red Cloud Canyon battlefield along the route I have drawn."

"Once we arrive, ignore the US 2nd Brigade and bombard the US 5th Division!"

"Send a telegram to the New Eighth Army and the 80th Division, informing them of the approximate time of the air force bombing, and launch the general offensive at that time!"

Wu Wanli sketched out the approximate route with a pen and handed it to Liu Hanqing, saying...

"Commander, this route is a bit too roundabout; it will greatly reduce our flight speed."

Liu Hanqing looked at the pen marks on the map and asked.

"It's a bit of a detour, but it won't run into the US Air Force, and it's almost impossible to be detected."

“Those who plan great things must consider all aspects. Let’s do it this way,” Wu Wanli said, waving his hand.

To be honest, Chiang Kai-shek mostly micromanaged the army and rarely micromanaged the air force.

Wu Wanli, however, took the micro-management mastery to the extreme, cleverly maximizing the combat effectiveness of each unit by utilizing the full map view and information.

"Reporting to the commander, the US 5th Division has launched a fierce attack on the reconnaissance battalion on the western flank!"

"The US 1st Brigade launched a fierce attack on the assault battalion on the east flank!"

At this moment, a messenger came to report.

"Order Lei Gong to bring out my howitzer and bombard the US 1st Brigade on the east side with all his might, no need for cheap shells!"

"The reconnaissance battalion also opened fire, pinning down the US 1st Brigade and preventing them from climbing the mountain."

Wu Wanli glanced at the information on the Tianyan map and immediately gave the order.

The US First Brigade was well-organized and had a high casualty rate, so suppressing it with firepower was the safest option.

However, the casualty rate of the US 5th Division was already very high, and its organization rate was only 65%.

Once the organization is completely destroyed, it means that morale has completely collapsed, and the US military will surrender.

"Commander, the artillery fire is concentrated on the US 1st Brigade on the east side, but what about the US 5th Division on the west side? We can't just abandon the first line of defense, can we?"

"With the first line of defense gone, their artillery fire will be able to reach the vicinity of our 7th Steel Regiment's command post at its maximum range."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing immediately offered a reminder.

"The assault battalion on the west flank can inflict casualties on some American troops with limited firepower. Once they get close, they can fire a volley of mortars and then engage in hand-to-hand combat!"

"Bayonet fighting is a good thing. It can buy time, make the American artillery hesitant to fire, and wear down their already low morale."

Wu Wanli said.

"Okay!"

"When it comes to hand-to-hand combat, we Chinese are the ancestors!"

"However, if we're going to have close combat, we'd still need more people to have an advantage."

"Commander, let me take the artillery battalion."

"I guarantee I'll beat those American devils so badly they'll slink back off the battlefield!"

Yu Congrong patted his chest and said with great confidence.

"Keep this fresh force, the firepower battalion, for now; don't move it lightly."

"I personally led the guard company to the west to provide support, and I was able to adjust the command on the spot to prevent the US military from turning the tide."

Wu Wanli waved his hand and said.

"Commander, you've personally gone to the battlefield, leaving me and the soldiers of the artillery battalion here waiting..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong's eyes still burned with the fire of battle, and he pleaded slightly.

"No hurries?"

"There are plenty of battles for you to fight!"

"Right now, Pinghe Gaodaxing and the others are holding the defensive, but when the time comes to launch a counterattack, we'll need a fresh force to charge with me."

A smile appeared on Wu Wanli's lips as he looked at Yu Congrong and hinted.

"Counterattack?"

"Commander, you mean, after the air force circles around..."

"Thank you, Captain!"

"All soldiers of the firepower battalion are resting and preparing, ready to follow the regimental commander into battle!"

Yu Congrong responded and immediately said excitedly.

"Hanqing, I'll leave this place to you for now."

"Guard company, assemble! Proceed to support the western flank!"

Wu Wanli nodded to Liu Hanqing, then put on his military overcoat and walked outside, shouting loudly.

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

West side of Hongyun Canyon, assault battalion position
"The American devils have stopped firing, they're about to attack! Give them a good beating!"

Gao Daxing roared and personally operated the machine gun, firing downwards with the muzzle pressed down.

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

Countless golden bullet casings were thrown into the air and flung into the sky.

"Bang! Bang! Bang..."

"Dong dong dong dong dong dong..."

At the same time, the assault battalion soldiers across the entire position poured fire downwards, pinning down the American troops so they couldn't raise their heads.

The American soldiers below charged forward under a hail of bullets, but before long, countless droplets of blood flew through the smoke, and American soldiers fell one after another.

[US Military Organization Status: 60% Remaining]

Below, the enemy's forward command and observation post
"Set up machine guns and suppress their fire!"

"Rocket launchers, pinpoint and eliminate their firing positions!"

"Give the artillery another blast! Make sure this battalion of men gets to charge!"

"After the vanguard battalion charged forward, the remaining two battalions immediately followed, capturing the Chinese army's position in one fell swoop!"

Edward lowered his telescope and gave the order.

He left an infantry regiment to guard Muyunli in conjunction with the artillery regiment, while he personally oversaw the troops' attack from there.

"Sir, isn't it a bad idea to shell now?"

"Our troops have entered the danger zone. The shells could very likely cause friendly fire, and the impact on morale would be immeasurable."

"That's what the US Fifth Division Chief of Staff said."

"Fuck!"

"I'm risking my life to personally oversee things here, do they really think they're afraid of being accidentally hit by a few shells?"

"Bomb it! If we don't take the 7th Steel Regiment's position, none of us in the 5th US Infantry Division will survive!"

Edward steeled his resolve and gave the order.

"Yes, sir!"

The chief of staff of the 5th Division sighed and had no choice but to agree.

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

On the west side of Hongyun Canyon, at the assault battalion's position

"what?"

"The regimental commander ordered me to reduce firepower, inflict limited casualties on the American troops, and send them up for hand-to-hand combat?"

"why!"

"We can temporarily crush the American devils halfway with our firepower."

"Now they are in a dilemma. The US military is hesitant to fire its artillery at them, so they can't just ignore their own people and start bombing, can they?"

Gao Daxing frowned and asked.

"Battalion Commander, that's what the regimental commander ordered, so we..."

Hong Jianguo said with a troubled expression.

"Fine, let's do as the commander says!"

"The commander never makes a mistake, I obey orders!"

"Leave the machine guns, bazookas, and two platoons of soldiers behind. The rest of you, follow me to the air-raid shelter!"

After thinking for a moment, Gao Daxing waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes!"

Hong Jianguo quickly agreed.

Soon, Gao Daxing led a large number of soldiers into the air-raid shelter to rest.

Although the remaining soldiers continued to fight desperately against the American advance, they were too few in number, and the Americans quickly closed the distance.

"Hahahahahaha..."

"Guys, we've finally got to the front! Victory belongs to America!"

"Machine guns, continue providing cover and suppression, don't stop!"

"Infantry, charge forward with me!"

U.S. Army Major Tyson waved excitedly, taking the lead in the charge for the first time.

As a tough and daring man, he was a well-known assault battalion commander in the US 5th Division, and he was basically assigned to fight the toughest battles.

"rush!"

Seeing that their firepower had indeed been greatly reduced, the remaining American troops also rushed forward.

"call out------"

However, at that moment, the whistling sound of artillery shells rapidly approached.

"What?!"

"At this distance, don't these Chinese people even care about their own people?!"

U.S. Army Major Tyson turned around and roared in shock.

"Sir, they're not Chinese, they're ours..."

A U.S. Army captain looked back and roared halfway through his sentence, his voice filled with grief and anger.

"boom!"

The first shell struck suddenly, and brilliant flames rose up, blasting him into a bloody mess.

The remaining American soldiers realized what was happening and immediately dropped to the ground in shock and anger.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

Countless shells crashed onto and in front of the position, kicking up huge clouds of dust and blinding flashes of fire!
Due to Wu Wanli's orders, there are not many soldiers from the 7th Steel Regiment on the front lines, so the casualties are less than half of those of the American troops.

Besides the casualties, the morale of the US military was severely damaged.

[US Military Organization Status: 50% Remaining]

In the distance, the guard company's reinforcements had just arrived at the position.
"good chance!!"

"Bugler! Blow the charge!"

"Comrades, fix bayonets and charge with me!"

Wu Wanli threw down his binoculars, raised his gleaming bayonet, roared, and charged forward.

"Drip drip drip drip drip drip!"

The unique bugle call of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army resounded like thunder, its powerful sound echoing through the sky.

Inside the air raid shelter
"Charge!"

"The regimental commander has brought reinforcements!"

"Comrades, fix bayonets and keep up with the commander's attack!"

Upon hearing the bugle call, Gao Daxing quickly fixed his bayonet and led the assault battalion soldiers out to launch an attack on the American troops.

The American soldiers, who had just dodged a round of artillery fire, were terrified and looked up in panic, only to see countless figures in yellow uniforms appearing in the smoke.

[US Military Organization Status: 45% Remaining]

……

Below, the forward observation and command post.
"Sir, our men just rushed in and took the hit!"

"Stop it now!"

The chief of staff of the 5th Division of the United States observed and said.

Due to the great distance and obstructed view, he could only see the advancing American troops.

"Great! They're all excellent!"

"It's alright. The Chinese people must have suffered just as much. Their sacrifices were worthwhile!"

"Cease fire! Reserves, prepare to advance!"

Upon hearing this, Edward felt no remorse, but rather a hint of smugness, and he gave the order with a smile.

(End of this chapter)