Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 263 The USS Missouri (the battleship where the Japanese surrendered) was also seized!

Above Songaksan Mountain

"Bang bang bang-!"

"Da da da da da da-!"

The dull, rapid roar of 37mm anti-aircraft guns and the dense howl of 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine guns echoed through the valley!
The fire suddenly appeared!

A U.S. military fighter jet flying low suddenly exploded in a blinding fireball from its belly. The high-explosive bomb pierced its fragile aluminum skin and tore apart its fuel tank.

Like a flaming firebird, trailing long plumes of black smoke and flames, it tumbled and screamed as it crashed violently onto the mountainside, creating a deafening explosion.

"boom--!!!"

"Ugh——!"

Another Hellcat fighter jet, which was trying to pull up, had its left wing caught by a barrage of tracer rounds from an anti-aircraft machine gun.

The bullet pierced the engine cooling shroud instantly, and thick smoke and engine oil gushed out like a fountain.

It swayed violently, lost power, and tried to glide erratically towards the river.

It eventually disintegrated in mid-air, with debris falling like raindrops.

The U.S. fighter jets were clearly caught off guard by this sudden and far more intense counterattack than expected, and the formation was briefly thrown into disarray.

Seagull No. 1 fighter jet
"Damn it! Don't be afraid or hide!"

"This time, Lieutenant General Thomas gave us a death order: there are only two options—win or die!"

"The sooner we take down these Chinese artillery formations, the sooner we can complete our mission and reduce casualties!"

"Take advantage of the fact that the Chinese Air Force is not providing support and finish this quickly, otherwise it will be even more difficult to fight later!"

"I repeat, all-out attack, quick and decisive!"

U.S. Air Force Colonel Jack shouted into the communications radio.

"Received, over!"

"Received, over!"

"..."

Pilots of the US fighter jet group responded via radio, gritted their teeth, and continued to swoop down with their aircraft noses down, emitting a piercing scream!

"Keep an eye on the diving aircraft! Concentrate fire!"

"Don't let those damn American devils drop their bombs so easily!"

The thunder god's voice, transmitted through makeshift telephone lines and roars, reached every gun emplacement still capable of firing.

The battle entered its most brutal and bloody phase, a close-quarters combat.

U.S. aircraft braved dense anti-aircraft fire, using their speed to dive wildly and drop heavy bombs, or strafed exposed artillery positions with machine guns.

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army's anti-aircraft artillery positions, facing a barrage of bullets and whistling bombs, loaded, aimed, and fired at top speed!
"Quick! Loader! Hurry up!"

"Three o'clock! Another one! It's diving down!"

"Anti-aircraft guns! Suppress it! Don't let it aim!"

Smoke and flames filled the air at the Songyueshan artillery position.

The sharp whistling of shells cutting through the air, the deafening explosions, the cracking sounds of machine gun fire, the dying groans of aircraft engines, the cries of soldiers calling out to each other and even the screams of the wounded... all intertwined to create the most insane symphony of hell ever made by humankind.

A 57mm anti-aircraft gun position was accurately hit by a diving US Corsair fighter jet, the gun shield was torn open, and sparks flew everywhere!
The volunteer soldier operator was blown away by the massive shockwave and died on the spot.

The volunteer army's secondary gunner, his face covered in blood, struggled to his feet and roared as he lunged toward the gun emplacement, attempting to continue operating the gun alone.

However, even more machine gun bullets rained down.

The artillery position was instantly riddled with holes, and both the men and the artillery were reduced to burning ruins.

Not far away, an anti-aircraft machine gun emplacement was spewing fire wildly.

A series of fire whips lashed at a diving "pirate," sending sparks flying.

But the bomb it dropped exploded near the bunker, and the huge blast wave blew the entire sandbag bunker away.

The Volunteer Army machine gunner and assistant gunner were buried underneath; only the tilted machine gun barrel was still glowing red-hot.

At the same time, the US military aircraft group also paid a heavy price.

Burning U.S. warplanes continued to crash, explode, and disintegrate in the sky.

Burning fragments, like a meteor shower, crashed down on the ground and the river, carrying the scent of death, and the resulting flames illuminated half the sky.

However, the anti-aircraft artillery groups are also suffering rapid losses and casualties.

The US bombing was extremely precise and relentless.

Using their numerical advantage and the power of their dive bombs, they relentlessly eliminated the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's anti-aircraft fire points, disregarding casualties.

One after another, the gun positions were silenced and destroyed. The roar of the anti-aircraft guns grew thinner and thinner, and the dense network of fire gradually revealed its weaknesses.

The Songyueshan air defense positions, which were originally as spiky as hedgehogs, were gnawed away and left in pieces.

"boom!"

In an instant, another anti-aircraft bomb fell.

The shockwave from the explosion, carrying shrapnel, spread rapidly and quickly injured Wang Ergou, a volunteer soldier who was on the edge of the blast.

"Ergou!!!"

Upon seeing this, Lei Gong rushed forward immediately.

He looked at the bloody holes in Wang Ergou's body, pierced by shrapnel, and felt as helpless as an old man watching his child die.

"Lei Gong, the commander-in-chief said...we might be able to seize a battleship in addition to the aircraft carrier."

"The muzzles of those battleships... are huge."

"What a pity... I won't be able to see it..."

With a relieved smile on his face, Wang Ergou said with difficulty.

"We can see it, we can see it! We'll have aircraft carriers, and we'll have battleships!"

"Medic, hurry up..."

Lei Gong wiped away his tears and was about to shout loudly.

"When my brother died at the hands of the Japanese devils, my mother had already cried herself blind..."

"Please...please take care of this for me, in Xia Rongshu Village, Luoyang, Henan..."

However, Wang Ergou grabbed Lei Gong's hand and said with his last bit of strength.

Lei Gong was already sobbing uncontrollably and could only nod emphatically in agreement.

Seeing Lei Gong nod, Wang Ergou felt relieved and then turned his head to sleep.

Lei Gong stood up and looked at the bodies lying quietly on the ground, his heart aching as if it were bleeding.

These were his brothers who had come all the way from Northeast China and from Changjin Lake, these artillerymen who had honed their skills under his command.

Right before his eyes, they fell one by one amidst the howling steel and raging flames.

He saw the young loader collapse at his gun emplacement, clutching the scalding hot shell, never to rise again.

He saw the old gunner's body being blown halfway into the trench.

He saw the communications officer running between positions to relay orders being torn to shreds by diving machine guns...

"The commander-in-chief... has ordered us to evacuate!"

"Moreover, only 30% of the anti-aircraft guns remain; they can't hold out any longer!"

A volunteer soldier stumbled into Lei Gong's bunker, his voice hoarse and choked with sobs, his face streaked with blood and tears.

Upon hearing this, Lei Gong suddenly looked up at the sky.

The U.S. military aircraft formation at this moment, although still large in scale, is no longer as overwhelming as it once was.

As far as the eye could see, the gray-blue shadows had thinned out considerably.

The trajectories of the US warplanes circling and diving in the air also revealed a hint of hesitation and apprehension.

Roughly estimated, at least half of the US carrier-based aircraft either trailed black smoke, turned into fireballs, or simply disappeared from sight.

In other words, when the US military attacks Incheon Port to seize aircraft carriers and battleships, its air force will be reduced by half.

On the ground, the familiar roars of anti-aircraft guns had indeed become sparse.

Many familiar artillery positions are now only silent smoke and burning wreckage.

Ammunition consumption is enormous and casualties are heavy. If they continue to hold out, the entire air defense group will be wiped out in no time.

"You idiots—! Finish the last round!!"

"After the battle, retreat via the predetermined route through the tunnels!!"

"Those who are alive, the rest of you, live!! Now!!!"

Lei Gong spoke into the microphone, letting out a nearly broken roar with all his might.

As the order was given, the remaining anti-aircraft gun positions seemed to hear the rallying cry from purgatory, and erupted in a final frenzy!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

"Da da da da..."

The few remaining 37mm cannons and anti-aircraft machine guns relentlessly opened fire on the enemy aircraft circling low in search of their final target.

The volunteer army ammunition handlers went shirtless, disregarding the scorching hot gun barrels, and delivered the last shells at top speed!

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army gunners roared as they turned the heavy traverse and elevation mechanisms, pouring their grief and hatred into every shot!
Two more US warplanes, which had dived too low and were unable to react in time, turned into two huge orange-red fireballs in the air!
"withdraw--!!!"

Seeing that the time was right, Lei Gong immediately let out his final shout.

The surviving volunteer soldiers retreated from their positions like a tide.

They supported each other, dragged the wounded, and rushed without hesitation toward the dark tunnel entrances hidden behind rocks, under charred tree roots, and deep in bomb craters.

American pilots spotted signs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's retreat and attempted to strafe and intercept them.

But the surviving volunteer soldiers were exceptionally quick; they knew the locations of these crisscrossing tunnel entrances like the back of their hand.

In an instant, the figures disappeared into the cave entrance.

The machine gun fire that followed futilely scattered scorched earth and rubble near the cave entrance.

Several soldiers worked together to carry a wounded soldier whose legs had been blown off, and under the cover of machine gun fire, they staggered and fell into the nearest tunnel entrance.

Two other soldiers were responsible for detonating the pre-set explosives. With several muffled explosions, the main tunnel entrances were successfully blocked, preventing the pursuers from getting through.

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

Meanwhile, on the mountainside of Songyue Mountain
The vanguard of James's regiment, lured into the complex area, is now in a living hell.

Gao Daxing's main force had previously feigned a retreat, luring them into an ambush.

Immediately relying on the remaining surface fortifications, reverse slopes, and numerous concealed firing ports, they launched a resolute "close the gate" counterattack.

Almost instantly, the entire mountainside area erupted in excitement!
"Thump thump thump thump thump thump thump..."

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

The roar of light and heavy machine guns was heart-wrenching, forming visible whips of fire that lashed down on the unsuspecting American troops crammed into mountain paths, open fields, and shell craters.

Tracer rounds flew like meteors, tearing American soldiers' bodies to shreds and instantly ripping open the thin steel plates of the armored vehicles they relied on for cover.

The mortar positions, hidden deeper within, emitted muffled "thump! thump!" sounds.

The 82mm and 60mm mortar shells, whistling sharply, traced high arcs and accurately struck the temporary command post, heavy weapons assembly point, and chaotic crowd that the US military had just attempted to establish.

"Boom! Boom! Boom..."

The explosions sent flames and plumes of smoke rising and falling, and dirt, rocks, and human remains were thrown into the air.

Shrapnel rained down like steel bullets, inflicting widespread casualties on exposed American troops.

"Fight back! Counter-suppress from the firing positions!"

"Armored vehicles and tanks provide cover!"

Upon seeing this, James immediately shouted loudly.

Soon, the US military's armored vehicles and tanks unleashed their power, with vehicle-mounted machine guns and tank cannons firing simultaneously.

"Boom! Boom! Boom..."

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

For a time, the US military, under the cover of powerful armored firepower, actually managed to fight the Chinese People's Volunteer Army to a standstill.

"Comrades, follow me and wipe out the US armored forces!"

Upon seeing this, a volunteer army commando officer immediately led his commando squad into the tunnel.

They are assault teams specifically tasked with dealing with armored targets and firing positions.

Using tunnels for mobility, they quickly appeared on the weak flanks or rear of the US forces.

A volunteer soldier carrying a bazooka rocket launcher calmly takes aim.

"Boom!"

In the dazzling flames, a Sherman tank that was trying to suppress the firepower of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army with its armor and heavy machine guns had its turret blown off and turned into a pile of burning scrap metal.

Another team precisely eliminated a US heavy machine gun position that was frantically suppressing the flank.

The terrain of Songyue Mountain, which already limited the deployment of the US military, has now become their nightmare.

The American soldiers were horrified to discover that bullets and shells were not coming from one direction, but from all directions, from the sky and the ground at the same time!
Overhead, mortar shells and machine gun fire roared overhead; ahead, a sudden and fierce counterattack of firepower; and on either side, firing ports appeared like ghosts.

Behind them... came the earth-shattering battle cries of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army assault team!
They were like people thrown into a giant, boiling steel can.

Bullets sparked as they hit rocks, clanged as they hit helmets, and produced dull tearing sounds and agonizing screams as they struck human bodies.

"Fuck!"

"Hold on!"

"We've already taken out their artillery positions; we don't have any more incendiary bombs to use!"

"The wall of fire will soon dissipate, and our reinforcements will arrive soon!"

U.S. Army Commander James roared loudly, trying to boost the morale of the U.S. troops.

But his screams were quickly drowned out by the deafening roar of gunfire, and the radio was filled with jumbled cries for help and desperate shouts.

The U.S. military's originally well-organized battalion and company structure collapsed rapidly under the sudden, all-round, and three-dimensional attack.

This scene was captured by Wu Wanli's all-seeing eye, but Wu Wanli was not too surprised. Instead, he felt a little anxious.

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

Incheon Garrison Command
"Reporting to Commander Wu, Kaka!"

"The artillery units at Songyue Mountain have completed their objective of depleting the manpower of the carrier-based aircraft and are now transferring in an orderly manner."

"The vanguard of the US forces that advanced also suffered heavy losses from the barrage of fire. It is estimated that they will be able to win after a while."

Quan Douguang said.

"We can't keep grinding!"

"With the artillery positions on Songyue Mountain gone, we can no longer use incendiary bombs to block American reinforcements."

"The existing firewalls and white phosphorus gas won't last long; we must act quickly."

"Order Gao Daxing to seize the time to annihilate this American force, and if necessary, use hand-to-hand combat to finish them off."

Wu Wanli shook his head and said.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Quan Douguang immediately agreed.

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

Soon, Wu Wanli's order was transmitted to Gao Daxing via radio.

Upon receiving the order, Gao Daxing did not hesitate at all and immediately ordered the final assault.

On the mountainside of Songyue Mountain
"Drip drip drip drip drip drip drip————"

In an instant, the loud and stirring bugle call of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, piercing through the sounds of gunfire, echoed across the mountainside!

The volunteer soldiers, who had been lying in ambush at the closest distance, leaped out like a tide from behind shell craters, rocks, corners of collapsed houses, and even shallow tunnel entrances!

They held their rifles with gleaming bayonets level, their waists were full of uncapped grenades, and they roared with deafening fury.

"Kill--!"

"loyalty!!!"

"Surrender and you will not be killed!"

At this moment, the bayonet became the scythe of death!

With morale already shattered and organization completely destroyed, the last vestiges of resistance of the American soldiers crumbled in the face of this overwhelming, vengeful charge of bayonets.

Some of the stubborn American veterans tried to form a circular defensive line using the wreckage or to fire with submachine guns, but they were instantly pierced by several bayonets at the same time.

The gleaming bayonet pierced precisely into the chest, neck, and abdomen.

The clanging sound of blades striking carbines and M1 rifles, and the dull thud of blades entering flesh.

The muffled groans and screams of the dying formed the main melody of the meat grinder's final operation.

A brave volunteer platoon leader wielded a captured American shovel and cleaved open the head of a white soldier who was trying to surrender.

Grenades exploded one after another among the American troops, clearing out the stubborn strongholds that were putting up a last stand.

The battle quickly devolved into a one-sided, bloody massacre.

The surrounded American soldiers were like ants on a hot pan, scattering and fleeing but having nowhere to go.

Some were stabbed down in the bayonet charge, some were knocked down by bullets, and some knelt down begging for mercy only to be mercilessly pierced by bayonets...

On the hillsides, on the roads, and in the shell craters, lay piles of American corpses, some in khaki uniforms and others in blood-splattered olive-green uniforms.

Blood flowed down the scorched hillside, forming a dark red stream.

As the bugle calls and battle cries gradually subsided, only sporadic gunfire and the groans of the dying remained on the battlefield.

With their faces smeared with gunpowder and blood, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers vigilantly surveyed the battlefield, ready to deliver the final shot or stab to the still-writhing American wounded.

They quickly gathered available ammunition, food, and medical kits.

Time is of the essence, and US reinforcements could break through that dying wall of fire at any moment.

"Quick! Move quickly!"

"Evacuate via the pre-arranged tunnels! Take the wounded with you!"

Gao Daxing's orders were urgently issued via radio and communications personnel.

The surviving volunteer soldiers helped each other with their wounded comrades, and like the receding tide, they rushed quickly and orderly toward the nearest tunnel entrance.

Soon, the dark openings swallowed the last figure.

Immediately following was a muffled explosion—the entrance was decisively destroyed and blocked!

……

At the foot of the mountain, the terrifying wall of fire that had been burning for so long had begun to shrink and darken.

The orange-red flames reluctantly licked the last few bits of solidified gasoline, and the rising black smoke gradually thinned out.

The heatwave and toxic smoke that had obscured the view and blocked reinforcements slowly dissipated, revealing the scorched-black battlefield of Songaksan, which resembled the entrance to hell.

At this moment, Harrison and the others were finally able to see the view on the mountain.

"Sir, the vanguard has lost communication, and the gunfire has stopped. They might already be..."

The chief of staff of the 6th Brigade put down his binoculars and sighed.

"Chase!"

"Chase down those damned Chinese troops!"

Harrison's eyes were cold, and he spoke with a hint of anger.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the U.S. Sixth Brigade immediately went down to relay the order.

Soon, the follow-up American troops, under the command of their officers, carefully carried their guns and stepped over the still slightly hot scorched earth, advancing towards the mountainside where they had just experienced hell.

However, when their boots stepped onto the hillside riddled with bullet holes and corpses, all they saw was a deathly silent battlefield.

There were no intense gunfire, no enemy soldiers struggling in their death throes, and... not many comrades were still alive.

As far as the eye could see, there were only large numbers of American soldiers who had died in various postures and tragic ways, and a few scattered corpses of North Korean soldiers in olive-green uniforms.

"Strange, why didn't the Chinese leave any bodies behind, only North Korean soldiers were found?"

"A young U.S. soldier named David muttered."

"The Chinese army is relatively small, and many of its officers command North Korean troops."

"And unless absolutely necessary, the Chinese will take their comrades' bodies with them."

"This was said by a seasoned U.S. Army major."

"Well, look at this terrible battlefield. I'm so glad I didn't fight the Chinese."

"Young soldier David said."

Broken weapons, charred fragments of military uniforms, and scattered limbs covered the scorched ground.

The heavy smell of blood and burnt flesh mixed with gunpowder smoke, creating a nauseating, suffocating odor.

David kicked aside a charred corpse at his feet and looked at the empty hillside with only a few small, still-burning flames.

"Rumble————"

At this moment, several jeeps and armored vehicles passed them and headed upwards to conduct reconnaissance.

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

At the foot of Songyue Mountain, the headquarters of the 6th US Brigade

“Sir, our soldiers have not found any Chinese troops at the foot of the mountain.”

"The vehicles have already charged up the mountain, but there's no sound of gunfire yet."

"If I'm not mistaken, the Chinese troops have already escaped through tunnels or mountain paths."

After observing the situation through binoculars, the chief of staff of the U.S. Sixth Brigade guessed.

"Ran?"

"Shouldn't the Chinese army fight to the death to the very end?"

"This is a bit...unlike their style."

Upon hearing this, Brigadier General Harrison immediately frowned.

"Sir, our vanguard force has more than three thousand men."

"Their annihilation was so swift, they must have been a desperate attack with no regard for casualties, and their losses must have been enormous." "In addition, their artillery positions were destroyed, and their largest artillery cluster was no longer relied upon, greatly reducing the strategic value of Songyue Mountain."

"In this situation, retreat is normal."

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 6th Brigade of the United States analyzed the situation.

"Okay, how many people have we lost?"

Harrison asked.

"During the first crossing of the river, more than a thousand people were lost."

"The second time, the vanguard force of more than 3,000 men was attacked from both sides by the Chinese army and completely annihilated."

"Including the losses suffered by our reinforcements from the white phosphorus incendiary bombs, it's about five thousand."

"The US 6th Brigade has been reduced to the size of a reinforced regiment by now."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Sixth Brigade sighed and said.

"It's alright. Taking Songaksan means the end of the Incheon campaign."

"Telegram to Lieutenant General Thomas: Tell him that after a fierce offensive, we have finally defeated the Chinese and North Korean forces and captured Songaksan!"

"Brigadier General Harrison said."

"Sir, since the Chinese and North Korean troops didn't retreat voluntarily, should we report them as defeated...?"

Upon hearing this, the commander of the US Sixth Brigade asked in a low voice.

"Never mind that, just crush them!"

"We can't report that we lost half of our troops and that the Chinese army voluntarily withdrew in large units, can we?"

"Besides, we did win the battle and occupied the territory, so it's not unreasonable to give a nicer report."

"Is Carter still engaged in street fighting with the Chinese army in Incheon?"

Brigadier General Harrison snorted and said.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 6th Brigade of the United States immediately agreed.

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

Incheon City
Gunfire roared like thunder across the ravaged streets, the smoke and the stench of blood thick and heavy.

The fierce offensive by the US military has torn the city to pieces.

"Cover us! Move out!"

Yu Congrong's voice rang out during a lull in the explosions, calm and steady.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a piercing shriek ripped through the air from above!
"Lie down!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

A new round of mortar shells from the US military pounded the ruins where the rearguard had just left, kicking up clouds of dust and debris.

"Quick! Move fast! Crawl through that broken wall!"

Yu Congrong's voice came from the side. He was kneeling on the second floor of a collapsed building, with the Springfield sniper rifle resting steadily on his arm.

He chewed the last bite of chocolate, his gaze sweeping over the pursuing American troops with the sharpness of a hawk.

"boom!"

An American gunner attempting to mount an M1919 heavy machine gun had his helmet thrown back sharply, and blood splattered amidst the smoke.

"boom!"

Another sergeant who had been leaning out to direct the squad fell to the ground.

The advance of the US vanguard paused slightly, as if pricked by an invisible needle.

"dong dong dong dong..."

Almost simultaneously, a terrifying roar, as dull as a heavy hammer striking the ground, resounded!
Xu Mumu's heavy machine gun platoon occupied a bunker, and the crossfire of two large-caliber heavy machine guns was like a death whip, lashing hard at the densest pursuit route of the American troops.

Large-caliber bullets easily tore through the sandbag bunkers, tearing the American soldiers hiding behind them to shreds.

Two jeeps attempting to advance quickly were instantly turned into burning fireballs, blocking the narrow street, and the American infantry were pinned to the ground by the torrent of fire.

"Suppress that firing point! Quickly!"

The roar of the US Army's vanguard major was drowned out by the gunfire.

Mortar shells and tank shells began to hurl at the ruins opposite, sending debris flying everywhere.

"Success! Three rapid-fire shots! Smoke grenades to clear the way! Blindfold those pursuers!"

Yu Congrong gave another order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Chenggong immediately ordered the North Korean artillerymen to operate the mortars and bombard the area.

"Whoosh—hiss hiss hiss!"

Several smoke mortars exploded precisely between the pursuing American troops and the rearguard, and thick white smoke instantly spread out, obscuring visibility.

"Thump thump thump!"

Immediately afterwards, mortar shells pierced through the smoke, slamming into the area where the US reinforcements were gathering with a retaliatory whistle.

The flames and dust from the explosion formed a new barrier.

"Well done! The pursuit and suppression have been successful!"

"Keep retreating! Everyone follow!"

Yu Congrong waved his hand, signaling the troops to speed up and pass through the pre-designated retreat route.

The main force moved rapidly under the cover of smoke and artillery fire, weaving through the ruins like shadows.

But things didn't go smoothly everywhere.

At the entrance of a narrow alley
A small group of American scouts used the ruins of the building as cover, maneuvered around the enemy, and suddenly cut off the retreat route of the rearguard squad!
"Damn it, it's completely blocked!"

The veteran squad leader of the volunteer army leading the team had a stubble beard and bloodshot eyes.

Enemies were on both sides, and the narrow space offered no room for maneuver.

There was no time to think, and no need to hesitate.

"Fix bayonets!!"

The old sergeant of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army roared like a wounded wild beast.

"Crack! Click!"

Seven or eight mud-covered bayonets were instantly attached to the muzzles of guns, their cold gleam gleaming.

“Poor Chinese, you are surrounded, and your main force is abandoning you to escape.”

"As long as you lay down your weapons, I guarantee you will live and have enough to eat in the prisoner-of-war camp."

A U.S. military officer spoke in broken Chinese.

"Fuck you, if you've got the guts, hit me!"

"I'm from the Seventh Steel Regiment, don't even think about catching a single one of you alive!!!"

"kill!!!"

Upon hearing this, the veteran sergeant of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army spat out a mouthful of phlegm and roared as he charged toward the American troops.

"kill!!!"

The volunteer soldiers behind them roared with thunderous shouts and followed the charge without the slightest fear.

They actually launched a counter-offensive against the numerically superior American forces!

The clanging of bayonets was deafening, accompanied by shouts and curses.

A young volunteer soldier was attacked from both sides by two American soldiers and his shoulder was pierced.

He clenched his teeth, ignoring the excruciating pain, and thrust forward with precision, piercing the throat of an American soldier.

In an instant, blood spurted out, but he himself collapsed from exhaustion.

The veteran sergeant of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was like a tiger among sheep. He parried a thrust, then with a backhand stroke, he ripped open the jaw of another American soldier, and the bayonet plunged into the chest of a third American soldier who charged forward.

The veteran sergeant took down several American soldiers like a tiger descending a mountain, only to find that the number of men behind him was dwindling until he was left alone.

At this point, seven or eight American soldiers had surrounded him from all sides.

"I'll repeat myself: put down your weapons, and I'll guarantee you won't die and you'll have plenty to eat every day."

A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the U.S. Army major, but he still refused to give up and said...

"I'll say it again, screw you!!!"

"what!!!"

The veteran sergeant of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army roared, raised his bayonet, and fiercely stabbed down another American soldier.

The next second, his body was stabbed by several bayonets from different directions.

"Grandpa took so many people down with him before he died, it was all worth it..."

The veteran sergeant of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army smiled with relief, then collapsed heavily to the ground.

The fierce hand-to-hand combat lasted only a few minutes, and almost all the soldiers covering the rear were killed, leaving the alleyway littered with severed limbs.

But this desperate struggle held back the vanguard, buying the main force precious seconds.

The sounds of gunfire grew closer and closer, becoming so clear they seemed to explode right next to their ears.

The rearguard retreated to the core area where the Incheon command post was located.

This area was once relatively intact, but now it is in ruins.

"Yu Congrong! This way!"

Liu Hanqing waved anxiously at the entrance of the command center.

Upon seeing this, Yu Congrong quickly led the remaining rearguard troops to regroup.

Xu Mumu's face was still bleeding from the shrapnel wounds on one side, and another soldier was carrying the heavy machine gun.

The North Korean troops under Cheng Gong's command at this moment also suffered heavy losses, with almost all of their heavy weapons gone.

At this moment, the last line of defense for the rearguard was located in the small square in front of the command post.

Yu Congrong was leading the last batch of reserve soldiers, relying on sandbag fortifications and the wreckage of broken armored vehicles, desperately resisting the surging American troops with submachine guns and grenades.

"Da da da da da..."

Yu Congrong personally carried an M1919A4 machine gun captured from the US military, its barrel glowing red-hot.

The figures of American soldiers were faintly visible in the smoke at the edge of the square.

Zou Xixiang immediately found a sniping position, and the springfield sniper rifle sounded again, accurately targeting the American officers and machine gunners who showed their faces.

The successful mortar fired a final barrage within its limited firing range, and the shells landed at the entrance to the square.

Xu Mumu's heavy machine gun roared again from the window of a two-story building next to the square, suppressing the momentum of the US infantry group's charge.

Amidst the hail of bullets, Wu Wanli strode out of the command post.

He wore a simple military green woolen overcoat and a cotton hat like an ordinary soldier. His gaze was calm and serene, as if the surrounding hail of bullets had nothing to do with him.

He subconsciously pressed the spot on his chest pocket, where a faded amulet and a thin stack of scriptures were kept close to his body.

"Wanli! It's time to go!"

"The main forces of all units have basically withdrawn and are assembling at their designated locations!"

Liu Hanqing shouted loudly.

Wu Wanli surveyed the final battlefield, his gaze sweeping over every soldier still fighting, finally settling on the approaching American figures at the entrance to the square.

"Attention all personnel! Abandon the position! Retreat under alternating cover!"

Wu Wanli's voice was not loud, but it pierced through the battlefield noise with exceptional clarity.

He snatched the submachine gun from the guard next to him and fired precise bursts at the few American soldiers charging at the front, one of whom fell down clutching his chest.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers provided alternating, powerful firepower to cover each other, and eventually withdrew from Incheon in an orderly manner.

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

Incheon Garrison Command

"Sir, we have captured Incheon city and Songaksan Mountain. We have finally won."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army 1st Division said as he followed Thomas in.

"Yes, we've finally won..."

"But our casualties are at least half, aren't they?"

Lieutenant General Thomas sighed and remarked with emotion.

"Sir, the casualties of the Chinese and North Korean armies must also be around 70%."

"Moreover, they didn't have time to take their heavy artillery with them; they destroyed it all on the spot. They only took the medium and small artillery pieces."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division said.

"Sir, we found a piece of clothing in the command post's lounge; it appears to have been left behind by a Chinese person!"

At that moment, a U.S. military guard walked over and said.

"clothing?"

"Did they flee in such a hurry that they didn't have time to take it with them?"

Upon hearing this, the Chief of Staff of the 1st Division of the U.S. Army immediately smiled and said.

"This outfit doesn't look like their commander's; it looks more like a woman's dress."

"There's another note on it that I haven't read yet. You two officers can take a look for yourselves."

The American guard handed the note to the chief of staff and said...

"Read!"

Thomas frowned slightly and said.

"Yes, sir!"

"General Thomas, you are nothing but a cowardly dog, just like a woman."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division picked up the note and blurted it out instinctively.

"Um!!?"

"What did you say!?"

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant General Thomas's eyes widened, and he angrily grabbed the chief of staff by the collar and asked.

"Sir, this is a note left by a Chinese person. Why don't you tear off two hundred pieces?"

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division immediately explained.

"Keep reading!"

"I'd like to see what the Chinese have to say!"

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant General Thomas snorted coldly and waved his hand.

"You lost more than half your troops after capturing Incheon, so your military strength is insufficient, isn't it?"

"If you're so capable, let's meet again in Seoul. I'll capture you and then let you..."

"How about I have you put on your clothes and crawl... barking like a dog?"

"The newspapers haven't even featured what a 'general dog' looks like on their front pages yet..."

"The chief of staff of the 1st Division of the U.S. Army said in a low voice."

"FUCK!"

"That damned Chinese man, he's the dog!"

"Where have the Chinese and North Korean troops broken out to now? Are you sure it's Seoul?!"

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant General Thomas roared angrily.

"Sir, according to our reconnaissance, their main force is indeed fleeing towards Seoul, probably intending to hold Seoul and continue fighting us."

"However, the anti-aircraft guns and heavy artillery on Songgak Mountain should be most of their assets."

"Given the amount of ammunition they've lost on the Incheon battlefield, they're probably just running out of ammunition."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division said.

"Leave Miller's Fourth Brigade to garrison Incheon, and the remaining Fifth and Sixth Brigades will follow me straight to Seoul!"

"Cut off the retreat route of hundreds of thousands of main Chinese and North Korean troops, and fight this battle!"

Lieutenant General Thomas took a deep breath and said with a resolute look in his eyes.

“Sir, Miller’s brigade now only has a little over three thousand soldiers left, and some of them are wounded.”

"Wouldn't it be risky to only have them defend Incheon?"

"The chief of staff of the 1st Division of the U.S. Army asked."

He hadn't expected Wu Wanli to launch a counterattack, but he felt it would be very dangerous if Hanjiangnan were to send troops back.

"No need to worry, the Chinese army has no spare mobile forces."

"Moreover, our aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and other warships are all near Incheon Port."

"With such massive firepower support, barring any major unforeseen circumstances, the Chinese army has no chance of taking Incheon."

"But also tell Miller to take his brigade and focus on defending against the Chinese army in the south."

"If the Chinese troops south of the Han River were to return at all costs, we would indeed be at risk."

"Other units, follow me to Seoul and completely cut off the retreat of the Chinese and North Korean armies!"

Lieutenant General Thomas thought for a moment and then gave the order.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the Chief of Staff of the 1st Division of the U.S. Army immediately agreed.

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

Northeast of Incheon, on a secluded hillside

"Wanli, the remaining four thousand-plus soldiers of the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Division of the Republic of Korea headed towards Seoul."

"The U.S. military reconnaissance forces have located them, and everything is proceeding normally according to our plan."

"Once the US 1st Infantry Division rushes to Seoul, we can launch a blitzkrieg on Incheon Port."

Liu Hanqing said.

"How many casualties? How many are left?"

Wu Wanli nodded, took a deep breath, and asked.

"Including the wounded, the regiment has about 2,700 soldiers left."

"This is the list of officers of company rank and above who were killed in action."

After a two-second silence, Liu Hanqing handed the list to Wu Wanli and said.

"In order to annihilate half of the US Army's 1st Division, we wiped out 70-80% of the New 8th Army and the 9th Division of the Korean Army, and also wiped out half of the Steel 7th Regiment..."

"Tell the officers below to cross out the names from the rosters they were asked to memorize, as usual."

"After the war is over, those who haven't been crossed off the list should be taken care of by the families of the martyrs."

Wu Wanli took out a small notebook, compared it with the list, and crossed out one name after another with slightly trembling hands.

Back when we were the 7th Infiltration Company, this was where the names of every soldier were recorded.

Later, when the Seventh Steel Battalion was expanded, the task became recording the names of each platoon leader.

Now that it's the Seventh Steel Regiment, Wu Wanli has started to be specifically responsible for remembering the company commanders' names.

Each company commander in the regiment has a roster containing the names of the soldiers in each company.

Throughout his journey, Wu Wanli has never forgotten this tradition.

Even if he is promoted and the workforce expands to 10,000 or 100,000 people in the future, he will continue this tradition.

"Commander, there was a comrade in my battalion named Wang Ergou who also died in the Battle of Incheon."

"He had two regrets before he died. One was that he couldn't take care of his blind mother. We, his comrades, will definitely help him with that."

"Another thing is that I've heard you say that we might be seizing more than just aircraft carriers fully loaded with missiles..."

"And those battleships with giant cannons, I heard that the muzzles of those cannons are huge, maybe several hundred millimeters."

"It's a pity...they can't see it or touch it anymore."

Lei Gong sighed and said.

“Wanli, speaking of this… the Soviet Union provided intelligence to the headquarters of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army.”

"In addition to the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, the U.S. military also has the USS Missouri battleship."

"Back in 45, the Japanese surrendered to us on this very American battleship. It was of great significance!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing immediately spoke up.

[PS: On September 2, 1945, General Xu Yongchang signed the surrender document at the Japanese surrender ceremony on the USS Missouri.]

"The battleship USS Missouri is also on a mixed fleet outside Incheon Harbor!?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli immediately stood up and asked in surprise.

He really didn't know about this. He thought that seizing an aircraft carrier was the most he could do. He never expected that there was such a significant battleship that he could seize.

"Yes, and the Soviet Union also had agents on this battleship."

"At that time, we can bomb them at the same time as the Enterprise aircraft carrier, forcing them to rush to Incheon Port for emergency repairs."

"However, the Soviet Union said that only these two ships could cooperate, and the others really couldn't do it."

Liu Hanqing handed a telegram to Wu Wanli and said.

"enough!"

"This is the battleship where the Japanese devils signed their surrender 45 years ago!"

"Sailing back to China with an aircraft carrier will surely cause nationwide excitement!!!"

"As for the power plant in Seoul, have Commander Ding Wei fight harder and tie down the main force of the US Army's 1st Division for a longer period of time."

"Order the entire regiment to slowly advance towards their concealed positions outside Incheon Port, preparing to cooperate with the Soviet side to capture these two warships!"

"I want the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, and I want the USS Missouri battleship too!!!"

A hint of excitement flashed in Wu Wanli's eyes, and he immediately gave the order.

(End of this chapter)