Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 228 A resounding victory with zero casualties! Ding Wei changes the course of the battle!

Below Red Cloud Canyon, the headquarters of the US 5th Division.

"what?!"

"Freeman isn't providing support? He just left with the First US Brigade?!"

"Fuck! Freeman is such an amateur, how can he fight a war like this!"

Upon hearing this, Major General Edward panicked and slumped down against the wall inside the air-raid shelter, his face turning deathly pale.

"Sir, the main reason is that Hengcheng has fallen and the situation on the eastern front is in a mess, which allowed the Chinese army to send the 40th Army to support the western front."

"Under these circumstances, Chipyong-ni, the junction of the eastern and western fronts, could very well be captured, and the 100,000 troops on the western front would be at risk of being surrounded."

"This time, our western region no longer has the Incheon port, so we can't do another Dunkirk evacuation."

The chief of staff of the 5th Division sighed and explained.

"asshole!"

"You're the chief of staff of the 5th Infantry Division, whose side are you on?"

"Now our division is facing the risk of being completely annihilated. Can't the First American Brigade help us clear the Red Cloud Canyon before we go?"

Major General Edward forced himself to stand up, still roaring angrily in his heart.

"But the 7th Steel Regiment of China isn't so easy to defeat..."

The chief of staff of the 5th Division muttered to himself.

"What did you say?"

Major General Edward frowned and asked.

"Sir, I say your strategy is truly insightful; Colonel Freeman is indeed an amateur!"

The chief of staff of the 5th Division of the United States quickly responded.

"That's pretty much it..."

"Pass down the order: after the bombing ends, immediately retreat back into Muyunli and engage in street fighting with the Chinese army!"

"It just so happens that the Chinese are attacking by surrounding three sides but leaving one side open. The side that's missing is the closest to us, so we can go straight back."

Major General Edward thought for a moment and then gave the order.

"Sir, is there an ambush in the area where the Chinese are missing?"

"I always had a feeling they weren't that kind."

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

"It's possible that they didn't. It was just to reduce our will to resist and let more people escape, so that we wouldn't have no way out and would have to fight to the death."

"It's also possible that they might set an ambush and kill us."

"But we have no choice but to take a gamble. After all, the flat terrain here is too difficult to defend, and our fortifications are rather rudimentary and won't last long."

"Only by retreating and joining forces with the garrison in Muyun can we hope for survival in both places."

"One reason is that the 1st Cavalry Division is about to capture Tiande Peak, forcing the Chinese army's reinforcements to return to defend it."

"One reason is that General Ridgway's 2nd Brigade was able to fight a brilliant battle and successfully support our breakout."

Major General Edward looked at the battle map and said.

"Then let's see how long we can hold out..."

"Sir, the Chinese bombing has ended!"

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

"withdraw!"

Edward uttered a single word and then swept past him like the wind, running outside.

"Retreat to Muyunli!"

Upon seeing this, the chief of staff of the 5th Division shouted and sped up, running outside.

The American troops inside the air-raid shelter had just been bombed all the way down and had long lost their courage.

Seeing the commander running away in such a panic, and so fast at that, I couldn't help but feel even more panicked.

So the remaining people desperately pushed their way out, leaving no one to carry the ammunition boxes, and some didn't even have time to grab their machine guns.

Soon, the entrance was crowded, and the American soldiers behind them rushed out even more eagerly.

"Fuck!"

"This is your job. Evacuate the men and make sure they retreat in an orderly manner!"

"Those who have already come out, come with me first, and go ahead to see if the Chinese army has any ambushes."

Major General Edward got into the jeep, pushed the chief of staff of the 5th Division of the US Army who was about to get in, and said with righteous indignation.

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

Meanwhile, on Red Cloud Canyon
"Interesting, those American devils are quite vigilant."

"That's fine, if we really fight to the death, our casualties will be too great."

"Switch to incendiary bombs, aim at the vicinity of the entrance to the US air raid shelter, and fire!"

"Sound the charge! The whole regiment, follow me and charge!"

"Once the artillery fire stops, we'll be close enough to reach them."

Wu Wanli put down his high-powered binoculars, fixed his bayonet, and spoke.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing quickly agreed.

……

After the order was given, Lei Gong waved his hand, and the cannons that had been prepared beforehand roared to life.

"call out----"

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

Accompanied by a series of explosions, a dense barrage of incendiary bombs detonated near the air-raid shelter.

At the moment of the explosion, dozens of bright white fireballs suddenly rose outside the air-raid shelter.

Naphtha clung to the piles of rubble and ammunition boxes, burning fiercely, and charred figures twisted and rolled in the flames.

The sandbag fortifications at the entrance of the air-raid shelter were ignited by the high temperature, and thick smoke, carrying the smell of burning flesh, poured into the shelter.

The American soldiers crammed at the exit screamed as they retreated, only to be pushed and shoved into the inferno by the surging crowd behind them.

Three trucks loaded with supplies were the first to be hit; their fuel tanks exploded in the high temperature, and the splashing gasoline turned the entire retreat route into a river of fire.

American soldiers trying to avoid the flames stepped on the gel-like mixture of unexploded incendiary bombs. The gel stuck to their trouser legs as they walked, instantly igniting an inextinguishable, eerie blue flame.

"Don't bother looking at the air-raid shelter. Major General Edward has already led a company ahead and gone far away."

"The Volunteer Army is about to attack. Let's not wait any longer, let's go!"

The chief of staff of the 5th Division glanced with a hint of guilt at the air-raid shelter engulfed in flames, made a gesture of praying for God's forgiveness, and then fled forward.

Upon hearing this, the more than 700 American soldiers who had just escaped quickly followed the footsteps of the chief of staff of the 5th Division.

…………

When the 7th Steel Regiment attacked, all the more than 1,000 American soldiers inside the air-raid shelter were wiped out by incendiary bombs.

Many of them were not actually burned to death, but rather died from oxygen deprivation caused by thick smoke flowing back into the cave entrance, which caused the American soldiers inside to faint and eventually suffocate.

Outside the air-raid shelter, on the US military position
"Not long ago, the 1st Cavalry Division just demonstrated what it means to remain steadfast and unmoved when friendly forces are in trouble."

"Now, the US Fifth Division has launched another retreat and withdrawal against me, as swift as the wind!"

"Damn it, they're running away faster than we're charging!"

Looking at the large amount of abandoned weapons and ammunition, and the countless American corpses in the air-raid shelter, Wu Wanli couldn't help but laugh in anger.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha……"

"Who knows, when they're about to report their victory to Congress, they might say, 'We've annihilated 100 million enemies and are now a formidable force in Busan,'"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing couldn't help but burst into laughter in response.

He was indeed happy; this battle was, in fact, a great victory.

The Air Force drove the American troops into air-raid shelters, and then bombarded them with another wave of incendiary bombs, killing thousands of American soldiers.

Although it was a pity that they didn't catch up with Edward's forces, a great victory with zero casualties was no less impressive than capturing a U.S. major general alive.

"Commander, the statistics are in. We've captured enough weapons, equipment, and ammunition to arm and reinforce an American-equipped battalion!"

"In addition, we annihilated approximately one thousand American troops, while suffering zero casualties on our end!"

Pinghe walked over and said.

"No no no!"

"There is no death, but there is one injury!"

"Yu Congrong! He saw the American troops were about to run away, and in his haste, he twisted his ankle. This injury needs to be reported so he can really make a fool of himself!"

Gao Daxing pointed at Yu Congrong, who was limping over, and laughed loudly.

"Go to hell with Gao Daxing! I'll beat you up once I'm healed!"

"Commander, I'm truly impressed!"

"They were running so fast, I panicked and twisted my ankle!"

Yu Congrong cursed in grief and indignation.

"Go find a medic to bandage it properly."

"Now that you're a deputy regimental commander, be more composed. Leave the things like charging into battle to your subordinates. Don't set a bad example."

Wu Wanli punched Yu Congrong on the shoulder and lectured him.

"Wanli, so you understand this principle!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing couldn't help but speak.

"Hahaha... Let's not talk about this anymore."

"Including those that were withdrawn, how many American troops are left in Muyun now?"

Wu Wanli asked.

"Only about a battalion was withdrawn, and it wasn't even a full-strength one."

"That means the US 5th Division, which started with more than 20,000 elite troops, now only has about 4,000 to 5,000 men left."

"The dawn of victory is just around the corner..."

Liu Hanqing remarked with emotion.

"To be honest, although the US 5th Division was poorly commanded and suffered repeated defeats, their soldiers were truly elite."

"An army that can withstand this level of casualties without surrendering is one we cannot afford to be careless about now; we must go all out."

"How are the 80th Division and the New Eighth Army making progress?"

"We've wiped out thousands of American soldiers, and they haven't made a move?"

Wu Wanli asked.

"Progress is slow, after all, because Ridgway's 2nd Brigade is almost here, and a wave of elite troops have been transferred to prepare for interception."

"Moreover, the casualty rate in urban warfare is very high. The firepower and personnel quality of the US military are extremely lethal to the newly recruited Eighth Army."

"Including the previous battles, the New Eighth Army has lost nearly 10,000 men, while the 80th Division has lost more than 3,000 men." "The current situation is that the central battlefield is: the 80th Division's 7,000 veterans, plus the New Eighth Army's 20,000 soldiers, and the remaining 1,000 elite troops of the Steel Seventh Regiment, are besieging the 4,000 to 5,000 veterans of the US Fifth Division in Muyunli."

"On the eastern side, the Yeoju-Jipyeong-ri battlefield was: the US 1st Brigade intended to use more than 8,000 elite troops to annihilate the mixed Yeoju city defense forces of 4,000 to 5,000, forming the Yeoju-Jipyeong-ri defensive belt to prevent the 40th Corps from providing support."

"The western battlefield is..."

Liu Hanqing is currently compiling information from various sources to help Wu Wanli.

"Report to the leader!"

"A telegram from the headquarters of the 27th Army at Tiande Peak!"

"The 113th Division of the 38th Army has arrived at Tiandefeng to relieve the troops. Commander Li Yunlong is preparing to mobilize all his forces to break through the encirclement and support Yangcun."

"He told us to focus on attacking Muyunli, and that he could handle the blocking action at Yangcun!"

At this moment, a staff officer from the 7th Steel Regiment walked up to Wu Wanli with a telegram and said something.

"Okay!"

"Commander, based on the previous performance of the 1st Cavalry Division, it seems that they are not going to fight the 27th Army to the death. They will most likely just put on a show and let the 27th Army pass."

"With the pressure of blocking the enemy at Yangcun gone, our 80th Division can now fully commit to the encirclement and annihilation operation at Muyunli!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing immediately spoke up.

"Okay!"

"Commander, wouldn't your brother and you be fighting together from both sides to the middle? Like brothers fighting tigers together!"

Yu Congrong said.

"I remember that Comrade Wu Qianli's First Assault Regiment suffered heavy losses in the previous attack on the outer perimeter of Muyunli."

"The current urban warfare is still like a meat grinder, so they probably won't be using their main force."

"If it weren't for the support of the main force of the 27th Army, they might have brought a part of the New 8th Army to defend Yangcun and block the US 1st Brigade."

"Even if they were all withdrawn now, it would probably only be to assist in the attack."

Liu Hanqing said.

"The risk of withdrawing them all would be too great; the main force of the 27th Army might not be able to break through completely."

"Telegram to Division Commander Zhang Dabiao: Leave a battalion there, preferably Zhang Taofang's sharpshooting battalion."

"I always had a bad feeling, as if something was going to happen."

Wu Wanli said.

"An ominous premonition?"

"With the addition of the 27th Army, our strength is overwhelming. We can easily sweep through without any problems."

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing said...

“I know, but I’m worried that something might go wrong with the 27th Army.”

"After all, the 1st Cavalry Division's combat strength should not be underestimated, and its firepower is fierce."

"If the 27th Army is blocked, and the US 1st Brigade captures Yangcun to provide support, the US 5th Division might actually be able to break out."

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then spoke.

"What are you afraid of!"

"Let's take out the US 5th Division before the US 1st Brigade arrives, and then turn around and deal with them too."

"If they provoke us, they'll take both Icheon and Suwon!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong immediately spoke with a surge of fighting spirit.

"Your courage is commendable, but when fighting a war, you must consider the overall strategic situation and not just seek momentary tactical pleasure."

"Icheon and Suwon on the west side are indeed important military strongholds of the UN forces."

"But it is not as important as the area where the east and west meet, such as Yeoju and Chipyeong-ri."

"Hanqing, send another telegram to the 80th Division and the New Eighth Army."

"The 7th Steel Regiment will join the battle and launch an attack together with them."

"It would be best to annihilate the remaining regiment of the US 5th Division before the US 1st Brigade arrives!"

Wu Wanli gave the order.

"Yes!"

Liu Hanqing quickly agreed.

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

Tiande Peak, 27th Army Headquarters
"Old Li, Zhang Dabiao called back!"

"The troops from Yangcun have already been transferred to the Muyunli battlefield, leaving only one battalion in Yangcun."

"Our main strategy against Ridgway's 2nd Brigade is to launch a surprise attack and intercept them!"

Kong Jie handed the battle report to Li Yunlong and said.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

"God has eyes!"

"The position is now in the hands of the 113th Division. Tell the brothers to pack up and take their heavy weapons. Also, bring those cannons with you and take them to Yangcun!"

"After watching for so long, it's finally my turn to shine!"

Li Yunlong laughed heartily.

"Old Li, I think we should be more cautious."

"Although analysis suggests that the 1st Cavalry Division is unlikely to fight to the death, there's no guarantee they won't suddenly change their minds."

"On the battlefield, you must consider all the worst-case scenarios."

Zhao Gang thought for a moment and then reminded him.

"Do you think I'm afraid of that damn 1st Cavalry Division?!"

"I have never pinned my hopes on the American devils letting the water go!"

"Even if we face the 1st Cavalry Division going all out, my 27th Army still dares to draw its sword!"

"When two brave men meet on a narrow road, the bravest will prevail!"

"Even if they fight to the death, I'll fight my way through!"

Li Yunlong waved his hand and said domineeringly.

"Okay!"

"This Li Yunlong hasn't lost the fighting spirit he had on the battlefields of Shanxi and the domestic battlefields!"

Hearing his old friend's words, Kong Jie felt a surge of energy and said...

"Pass down the order: the entire army shall set off, break through the encirclement of the 1st Cavalry Division, and head towards Yangcun!"

Li Yunlong slammed his hand on the table and gave a loud order.

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

US First Brigade, on the command vehicle
Has the helicopter arrived?

Li Qiwei took a deep breath and asked.

"Coming……"

"Sir, I don't quite understand. Why didn't you just issue the order to the 1st Cavalry Division directly? Why did you have to go there in person at this critical juncture?"

"Chief of Staff Van Fleet said."

"I have no choice but to go, it's a matter of life and death..."

"The latest intelligence indicates that the 113th Division has been relieved of its duties at Tiande Peak, and the 27th Army is likely to be sent to support Yangcun and hold the flank of the Chinese attacking forces."

"If they succeed, none of the US Fifth Divisions will escape."

"As I said before, if the US 5th Division is also completely annihilated, that would be the size of three divisions, or an entire corps."

Li Qiwei sighed.

"But...wouldn't the 1st Cavalry Division be able to capture Cheondeok Peak, then march north and capture Seoul?"

"Chief of Staff Van Fleet said."

"That's what I thought before too. I thought that taking Seoul, which was poorly defended, shouldn't be a problem, so I didn't pay attention to the 1st Cavalry Division."

"But a senior spy just gave me a coded message with the latest intelligence."

"The Chinese army has dispatched a new corps to North Korea to provide support. I think the corps commander's name is... Ding Wei?"

"I heard he was also a fierce general in China, very skilled in warfare."

"In terms of speed, it is possible that the cavalry division will arrive in Seoul first."

“I dare not gamble. If we lose, more than 100,000 UN troops will be surrounded, and the 1st Cavalry Division will be trapped behind enemy lines. The situation in Korea will be over.”

"By then, I'm afraid even suicide wouldn't be enough to atone for my sins!"

Li Qiwei shook his head and said.

"Because Ding Wei might arrive in Seoul first, you dare not gamble, but the 1st Cavalry Division might not be able to resist the temptation."

"After all, to put it bluntly, if we win, Tonber will be good enough to replace you, or at least become the commander of the Eighth Army."

Chief of Staff Van Fleet thought for a moment and then analyzed the situation.

"That's right, that's what I'm worried about."

"Damn it, this Chinese man named Ding Wei led troops into Korea and directly changed the course of the war."

"So I have to go there in person to take charge, so that they don't just do a perfunctory job."

"I'm entrusting the US 1st Brigade to you. Are you confident that you can break through Yangcun in a short time and reach the rear of the Chinese attacking forces?"

Li Qiwei nodded and asked.

"Sir, my operational philosophy is to strike the Chinese army with overwhelming firepower, rendering them incapable of resistance under endless artillery fire!"

"So as long as you give me enough ammunition, I guarantee I can complete the mission!"

Van Fleet thought for a moment and then immediately made his request.

At this time, the term "Van Fleet ammunition load" had not yet appeared.

However, VanVleet's own preference for superior firepower is deeply ingrained.

"no problem!"

"Those hundreds of warplanes had just finished bombing Lizhou and were returning to Lichuan to resupply bombs and fuel."

"I'll hand them over to you then. Also, the howitzers in the US First Brigade should be enough for you."

"Fire whatever shells and bombs you want. Even if it means taking Yangcun a minute earlier, it's worth spending hundreds more bombs!"

Ridgway patted Van Fleet on the shoulder and smiled.

"Sir, the helicopter has landed not far away. You can set off now."

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer in the vehicle spoke.

"it is good!"

"Van Fleet, I'm going to personally take command of the 1st Cavalry Division. The fate of the 5th U.S. Division is in your hands."

After Ridgway finished speaking, he got out of the car and walked towards the helicopter.

(End of this chapter)