Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 264 Ding Zhaqiao and Li Kaipao unleash their power together! (Seeking 10,000 daily votes and monthly passes)

Inside the Volunteer Army Command

A large battle map is laid out in the center, marking the intertwined battle lines of both sides.

The CEO stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze intently scrutinizing the directions of Incheon and Seoul on the map.

"Reporting...reporting to the commanders!"

"A great victory at Incheon!"

The staff officer of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army strode in, his voice trembling with barely suppressed excitement, and presented the telegram with both hands.

In an instant, the command post fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on the telegram in the staff officer's hand.

Ding Wei, who was nearby, quickly took it and scanned it rapidly.

His expression shifted from confusion to shock, then to unbelievable ecstasy, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Read it! Read it quickly!"

The boss gave the order in a deep voice, but Chief Chen had already stood up and walked over to Ding Wei to look at him.

"Our troops fought tenaciously in the Incheon area, relying on pre-established positions and proactive tactics, and successfully thwarted multiple attacks by the enemy's 1st Army Division!"

"Preliminary statistics of the results are as follows: More than 10,000 US Army 1st Division infantrymen were annihilated! More than 40 heavy tanks were destroyed, and nearly 100 enemy ships of various sizes were sunk or severely damaged!"

"Our main force has completed its core blocking mission and is now transferring in an orderly manner, providing alternating cover as planned!"

"Currently, Chun Doo-kwang and Lim Jung-soon are leading the remnants of the New Eighth Army and the 9th Division of the Korean People's Army to Seoul to assist in the defense."

"Wu Wanli led the remaining troops of the 7th Steel Regiment toward Incheon Port, preparing for a follow-up plan to blitz the port and seize the aircraft carrier and battleship."

"We hope that the Soviet forces will be ready as soon as possible, so that Seoul can hold back the US military for a longer period of time."

Ding Wei took a deep breath, trying his best to suppress the trembling in his voice, and read aloud.

"More than 10,000 American troops! More than 10,000 American troops were annihilated?!"

"It's only been a few days?!"

"The US Army's 1st Division lost more than half its strength to Wu Wanli! And he also destroyed so many tanks and ships?!"

Commander An Changsen suddenly stood up, his voice changed, and his eyes were full of shock.

"Good boy!

"He really withstood the full-scale attack of the main US forces after their landing at Incheon, and even managed to take a huge chunk of the US military's territory!"

Chief Chen couldn't help but applaud.

"Comrades! This...this is simply unbelievable!"

“They really did it!”

"With over 5,000 elite Chinese officers and non-commissioned officers, and North Korean soldiers as auxiliary and cooperating troops, they directly confronted and killed nearly 10,000 elite American soldiers?"

"My God!"

"Was that young Chinese commander named Wu Wanli the reincarnation of the god of war? (ОнпростоБогвойны!)"

Advisor Ivan nearly dropped his pipe. He put it down, strode to the map, pointed to Incheon, and exclaimed in slightly accented Russian mixed with broken Chinese.

"Hahahahahaha..."

"Great! Well done!"

"Show the might of the Chinese soldiers! Show the backbone of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea!"

He walked to the map and slapped the location of Incheon on it.

"I always said that Wu Wanli was a natural-born warrior!"

"We sent him to Incheon to defend this 'deadly place,' and he really did manage to defend it for us, winning a brilliant victory!"

"What elite American troops? They'll still be battered and bruised in front of our Chinese soldiers! How satisfying!"

The wrinkles on the boss's face smoothed out, and his hearty laughter echoed throughout the command center.

"Commander, old brigade commander, Wu Wanli may be young, but he is a born general!"

"He can not only defend, but also dare to counterattack and wipe out the enemy!"

"Look at this battle report! Not only did they hold their ground, but they also launched proactive attacks, with coordinated land and air operations!"

"They also adjusted their defensive deployment in a timely manner, and the main force safely withdrew after completing the blocking action!"

"This battlefield control ability, this fighting spirit..."

"Given time, they will surely become leading role models for the younger generation of our army!"

Ding Wei's face flushed with excitement as he exclaimed.

"The significance goes beyond that!"

"The annihilation of over 10,000 enemy troops and the destruction of a large amount of heavy equipment was not only a defensive victory, but also a heavy blow to the arrogance of the US military!"

"This battle demonstrated our national power and military might, and gave us the confidence to stand at the negotiating table in the future!"

"Comrade Ivan, do you see that?"

"With such young generals and such fearless warriors, we can not only hold our ground, but also launch a deadly counterattack against the enemy!"

"The aid that China needs will ultimately be transformed into a powerful force for the entire socialist camp to confront imperialism."

With a look of wisdom and satisfaction in his eyes, Chief Chen looked at Advisor Ivan and said in a meaningful tone.

"Yes, Comrade Wu Wanli's courage and command skills are amazing."

"This victory will surely strengthen our resolve within the Soviet Union!"

"Such a brilliant record is enough to prove the determination and capability of our Chinese comrades!"

"Comrade General, please convey our highest respect to General Wu Wanli and all the officers and soldiers in Incheon on our behalf!"

"They created a miracle!"

"After all, the number of American casualties in the famous Battle of Iwo Jima was only a little over 20,000."

"The Battle of Inchon caused incalculable losses to the U.S. military, far exceeding the devastation they suffered in the Pacific theater!"

Advisor Ivan also adopted a solemn and respectful expression, nodding deeply.

"However, while the results are encouraging, there is something I must remind you of."

"The condition for the MiG fighter jet production line to be provided free of charge was the complete annihilation of the US Army's 1st Division."

"If the agreement cannot be reached in the end, China will have to pay the Soviet Union for the agreed amount of grain and minerals for ten consecutive years to purchase them."

After expressing his admiration, Ivan changed the subject and said...

"China has always been a country that keeps its word, so there's no need to worry about that."

"The U.S. Army's 1st Division is now rushing towards Seoul."

"We have the 12th Army and the withdrawn 8th Army's 9th Division defending together, which will ensure that the US Army's 1st Division will be utterly defeated."

"The battle in Seoul will be the perfect opportunity for Wu Wanli to lead the elite 7th Steel Regiment in a lightning strike on Incheon Port!"

"I wonder if the various forces in your country that agreed to cooperate in the attack are ready?"

Upon hearing this, the boss asked.

"Don't worry, Comrade, our Soviet agents are ready and waiting, and the support from the sea and air is on its way as planned."

"However, I have some concerns. Does the heavily damaged 7th Steel Regiment really have enough strength to take Incheon Port?"

"As far as I know, more than 3,000 elite US troops are still stationed in Incheon."

"Defending Incheon based on the terrain and launching a surprise attack to quickly capture Incheon are two different kinds of difficulties."

Ivan smiled and said.

"I believe that Comrade Wu Wanli and all the soldiers of the Seventh Steel Regiment are far more capable than ordinary troops."

"But Comrade Ivan, you just mentioned naval and air support?"

"The air force's support is not unexpected, but the navy's..."

"Does this mean your Soviet fleet is going to sail to the waters off Incheon for joint operations?"

Chief Chen adjusted his glasses and asked with some surprise.

"No no no!"

"It would be extremely dangerous for the Soviet navy to directly participate in the Korean War."

"But we have prepared a large number of naval pilots who have already flown here in fighter jets with the MiG fighter squadron."

"When you actually seize the US aircraft carriers and battleships, we will help you sail them back to China."

"But I must emphasize that these valuable sailors do not participate in combat; they are only responsible for subsequent navigation."

Soviet advisor Ivan quickly waved his hand and explained.

"That's understandable, after all, none of us want to see the war escalate."

"After seizing the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier and the USS Missouri battleship, a large number of crew members were indeed needed."

"Comrade Ivan, thank you for providing much-needed assistance to our plan to seize the warship."

Upon hearing this, the boss nodded in understanding and thanked him.

If the Soviet Union had actually sent its naval fleet over, it wouldn't have been a Korean War.

It's already quite good that they were able to send a group of MiG fighters and naval pilots to help.

"It doesn't matter!"

"China and the Soviet Union are now close allies, and we have a common enemy: capitalist America."

"Once your 7th Steel Regiment reaches the designated concealed location outside Incheon, I will have the Navy personnel rendezvous with them."

"As for the specific timing of the attack, that's up to your Chinese army to decide based on the battle situation."

"I will first send a telegram back home with news of the Incheon victory. You can discuss the Seoul defense matters yourselves."

Ivan shook the boss's hand, then turned and left.

"report!"

"Commanders Chun Doo-kwang and Lim Jung-soon have led their troops back to the Seoul defense zone!"

"As soon as they got back, they asked Shiji what the next phase of the defense would be."

A staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army quickly came over to report.

"Hahahahaha..."

"I worked under Wanli for a while, and he's got a really high level of awareness!"

"They worked hard in Incheon, now they can take on the logistics and security work in Seoul."

"As for the main garrison duties, I'll leave them to you, Ding Wei."

"Comrade Ding Wei, you will be fully responsible for the defense of Seoul from now on."

"Try to hold back and tie down the forces of the U.S. Army's 1st Division to buy time for Wu Wanli to seize the aircraft carrier and battleship."

"On this basis, annihilate more of the US military's manpower!"

The boss looked at Ding Wei and said.

"Yes!"

"I've deployed many elite infiltration units on the perimeter!"

"Once the main force of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division arrives, I will immediately blow up all the bridges behind them!"

"Firstly, it can damage their logistics lines, making it difficult for them to transport supplies."

"Secondly, when Wu Wanli led his troops in a blitzkrieg at Incheon Port, the speed of the US Army's 1st Division's return to reinforce would be slower."

"Thirdly, we will force them to station troops at various bridge nodes to protect their supply lines, thus tying down their forces and weakening their ability to attack Seoul!"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wei immediately smiled and said.

"That bridge was well blown up!"

"You used this tactic when Li Yunlong attacked Ping'an City. I remember it vividly."

"I never expected that you could apply what you've learned so well on the Korean battlefield, hahaha..."

Upon hearing this, the boss immediately praised him.

"Speaking of Li Yunlong, he's been spending money like water lately while blocking the American forces south of the Han River."

"The captured American artillery was firing every day, bombarding everything indiscriminately."

"When the 38th and 50th Armies were defending, they didn't have the same conditions as him!"

Commander Chen handed a battle report to the commander-in-chief and said with a smile.

"Fire and bombard every day!?"

"Where did Li Yunlong get so many cannons and ammunition?!"

Upon hearing this, the boss asked with some curiosity.

"Commander, most of the weapons and ammunition used to annihilate the US 5th Division were captured by Zhang Dabiao and his 80th Division of the 27th Army."

"Not to mention that Li Yunlong, the army commander, led the charge, breaking through three lines of defense of the US 1st Cavalry Division and capturing quite a lot."

"However, given his extravagant fighting style, he probably won't last long, and after completing the blocking action, there won't be much left."

"Boss, should I go and congratulate him on his good fortune again, and ask him to keep a larger portion in advance to prepare for handing it over?"

Chief Chen adjusted his glasses and smiled.

"never mind!"

"The 27th Army has had a tough time too, so let's just let that kid Li Yunlong have some fun."

"Compared to the lives of our soldiers, those cannons and shells are nothing."

"Moreover, after we seize the aircraft carrier and battleship, we will eventually have to retreat."

"The pressure on our logistics line is too great; we simply can't hold on any longer."

"If we keep fighting like this, we won't even have enough food, let alone ammunition."

"Moreover, things are difficult in China. Ten kilograms of grain are transported over, but only one kilogram reaches us, which is a huge waste."

"After this battle, we need to pull the front lines back a bit..."

The boss sighed and said.

"It was also a way for me to catch the last shot of the battle, to blow up the bridge and fight the US 1st Infantry Division."

"If we arrive late, Li Yunlong and Kong Jie might tease us."

Ding Wei smiled and said.

"Teasing?"

“I just remembered that Wu Wanli gave the three of you some really cool nicknames.”

"Chief Chen said."

"A well-known nickname?"

"What nickname?"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wei asked curiously.

"Li fires the cannon, Ding blows up the bridge, Kong has a blast!"

Chief Chen said with a slight smile on his lips.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha……"

"That's damn apt!"

"Li Yunlong has been fond of firing cannons to support the defense lately."

"Not to mention the Italian cannon he used to fire at Ping'an County, he treasured it like it was his wife!"

"And that Kong Jie, he always gets a blast fighting big battles!"

"Wu Wanli has won another great victory at Incheon this time. Kong Jie is probably shouting with glee over there again!"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wei immediately burst into laughter.

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

Hanjiang South Defense Line Command
"It's so enjoyable, so enjoyable!"

"This battle is getting bigger and bigger!"

"Even half of the American devils from the 1st Army Division were wiped out by Wu Wanli!"

"I can't even imagine how furious the American devils will be if Wu Wanli really launches a surprise attack on Incheon Port and seizes the aircraft carrier and battleship!"

"Hahahahahahahaha..."

Kong Jie handed the battle report to Li Yunlong and said with a big laugh.

When Li Yunlong received the battle report from Incheon, he was staring at the map of the Han River defense line.

Upon hearing that Wu Wanli had annihilated over 6,000 enemy soldiers with only a thousand casualties, he slammed his hand on the table, causing the enamel mug to clang loudly.

"Commanding over 20,000 troops, and they wiped out over 10,000 American devils!?"

"Wow, that Wu Wanli kid is a fucking genius!"

"A regiment of elite veterans, leading a bunch of greenhorns from the New Eighth Army and the 9th Division of the Korean Army, dared to take on the US 1st Army Division head-on at Incheon!"

"The artillery barrage used at Songyue Mountain is even more extravagant than when I attacked Ping'an County back in the day!"

Li Yunlong stared in shock at the battle report for several seconds before praising it.

"Wu Wanli fought a brilliant battle, but it would be an exaggeration to say that the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Division were greenhorns."

"Leaving aside the distant Battle of Seoul, the New Eighth Army contributed significantly to the encirclement and annihilation of the US Fifth Division more recently."

"It is truly a miracle that Comrade Wu Wanli was able to command more than 20,000 Chinese and North Korean troops to fight like this."

Zhao Gang said.

"That's nothing!"

"Many of our volunteer soldiers were veterans who had fought their way through eight years of the War of Resistance against Japan and the subsequent major battles. These are the real elite veterans!"

"However, the New Eighth Army can be considered a semi-veteran unit, but the soldiers of the Ninth Division are infuriating!"

"Let them retreat while they rush to loot supplies. What kind of veterans are these damned North Korean soldiers?"

"Wu Wanli made him hand over power to Yu Congrong, and accepting Han Qing's punishment was considered lenient!"

"If this were in my army, Lin Zhengshun would be whipped on the spot!"

“When I get back, I’ll have to get Sun…Sun Desheng to beat him up.”

"Eh…………"

Li Yunlong was halfway through his sentence when his heart sank, a flood of memories washed over him, and he finally sighed.

"Don't be too sad, Lao Li. In war, there are always sacrifices."

"Here, have some sweet potato fritters that we brought from China."

Seeing this, Kong Jie felt a pang of sympathy and offered words of comfort.

"Kong Erlengzi, if you don't know how to comfort people, then don't try to comfort them!"

Looking at the sweet potato cakes handed to him, Li Yunlong felt even worse and cursed, feeling both angry and amused.

"what?"

What's wrong with sweet potato fritters?

Kong Jie was slightly taken aback, and for a moment he didn't react.

"Wang Chengzhu, who killed Sakata at Cangyunling, was promised half a catty of sweet potato liquor by Lao Li before his sacrifice."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang whispered a reminder.

"Reporting, Commander!" "The scouts report that the US military has once again amassed a large number of elite troops and seems to be preparing for another fierce attack."

At this moment, Duan Peng walked in and reported.

"Then get ready, give me a good beating!"

"It's rare to capture so many artillery pieces and ammunition at once, so I'll just be a landlord for once!"

"Tell the artillery regiment to bombard them hard once the American troops advance!"

"After the bombardment, let Zhang Dabiao take advantage of this wave of artillery fire and lead his elite 80th Division to launch a counterattack against the American devils!"

"I was just looking for a way to vent my anger, and these American devils delivered themselves right to my doorstep!"

Li Yunlong snorted coldly and cursed.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Peng immediately agreed.

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

United Nations Command

“Van Fleet, I can already imagine the moment after the victory at Incheon, when we begin to encircle and annihilate the main force of the Chinese and North Korean forces and become American heroes.”

Ridgway stood in front of the huge battle map, tapping his fingertips heavily on the location of Incheon Port, a cold smile curving his lips.

“Sir, that Wu Wanli is not easy to deal with. I’m always worried that the battle won’t go as smoothly as we think.”

"However, judging by the time, the latest battle report should be arriving soon."

Chief of Staff Van Fleet said with a hint of concern.

"Report! Lieutenant General Thomas is calling!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer strode into the command post and shouted loudly.

"coming!"

"Read!"

Upon hearing this, Li Qiwei's eyes flashed with anticipation, and he waved his hand and said.

"The U.S. Army's 1st Division captured Incheon after a bloody battle, while the remnants of the Chinese and North Korean forces retreated to Seoul!"

"The 1st Army Division has cleared the remaining enemy forces from the city and is currently advancing towards Seoul!"

The staff officer read the telegram aloud.

“Tell Thomas that his 1st Army Division has lived up to its title of ‘Ace Division’!”

"Order the war correspondents to immediately publish their reports—the great victory at Incheon!"

Ridgway turned around, grabbed his coffee cup, and a hint of barely perceptible smugness flashed in his eyes.

Thomas played a trick, only reporting the great victory of capturing Incheon, without reporting the specific casualties.

"and many more!"

"Let's verify the casualties before releasing the report. I have a bad feeling about this."

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Van Fleet quickly stopped him.

"No matter how capable that Chinese man named Wu Wanli is, he couldn't possibly lead a force that is mostly composed of Korean soldiers to kill many of our men."

"But verification is fine too, it will allow our glorious victory to be reported in more detail."

Upon hearing this, Li Qiwei nodded nonchalantly.

After a while
The head of the intelligence department rushed into the command post, his face ashen, the folder in his hand trembling violently.

"Sir... Battlefield verification report... Actual casualties in the Battle of Incheon..."

The head of the military intelligence department couldn't continue speaking halfway through his story.

"Bring it!"

Ridgway snatched the file, his pupils suddenly contracting.

"Damn Thomas, he actually managed to lose half his troops!!!"

"This is not a glorious victory, it is a disgrace, a brutal strangulation!"

Ridgway roared angrily.

"Sir, in this situation, we must press on and finish this quickly."

"The 1st Division of the Army is no longer strong enough to slowly wear down Seoul."

"If this drags on, the main force of the Chinese army will probably have to retreat and then attack the weakened 1st Division of the Army from both sides."

"Then the 1st Army Division was annihilated, and the Chinese army also suffered heavy losses due to insufficient supplies."

"In the end, this battle turned into... a lose-lose situation."

"But this kind of double casualty is too disadvantageous for us, after all, it means that we will have two divisions completely wiped out in this battle."

"Although the Chinese army also suffered heavy casualties, at least it maintained its organizational structure and can be gradually replenished in the future."

"Chief of Staff Van Fleet said."

"damn it!"

"I have information about Thomas from the 1st Infantry Division regarding his situation in Incheon!"

"Tell him to speed up the offensive, capture Seoul as soon as possible, and cut off the retreat of the Chinese and North Korean armies!"

"Otherwise, you'll be facing a military court!"

Li Qiwei snorted coldly and cursed unhappily.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Van Fleet immediately went to relay the order.

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

Far outside Seoul, the headquarters of the U.S. Army's 1st Division.
"Sir, General Ridgway is calling."

"He told us to speed up the attack and take Seoul, or else... he would send you to a military court."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division paused for a moment before speaking.

"Damn it, I clearly won the battle, so what if the casualties were a bit high?!"

"If he's so capable, let Ridgway fight. His 5th Division was completely wiped out because of that Wu Wanli, and he's still criticizing me!?"

"Once I take Seoul, cut off the retreat of the Sino-Korean allied forces, and complete the encirclement and annihilation, I will take his place!"

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant General Thomas angrily tore the telegram to shreds and shouted curses.

"Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"The Chinese army has a large number of elite small units hidden behind our rear!"

"They destroyed a large number of bridges behind our lines while we were advancing into the heart of the Seoul war zone!"

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

"What!?"

"Sir, this will threaten our supply lines and retreat routes. Let's split up our forces to protect them!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the U.S. Army 1st Division immediately offered his suggestion.

"Splitting forces to protect them!?"

"We have already divided our forces to garrison Incheon. If we divide our forces to protect the bridges, it will be too difficult to take Seoul."

"How about this, send a battalion with weapons to recruit North Koreans to join the South Korean army!"

"If the Chinese army can use North Korean soldiers, so can we!"

"After recruiting them, immediately have them stationed at the most important bridges."

Lieutenant General Thomas thought for a moment and then spoke.

“Sir, a battalion only has a little over a thousand soldiers, scattered across several bridges, which is just a few companies.”

"They might be okay during the day with air suppression, but I'm worried... they won't be able to withstand the Chinese army's attacks at night."

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

"If we can't hold the line at night, we'll retreat and repair it during the day!"

"As long as the land-based logistics line isn't completely cut off, that's fine!"

"If we can take Seoul quickly, we might not even run out of ammunition."

"Even in the worst-case scenario where we are defeated, that small Chinese force cannot stop us."

"It's impossible for a large elite force of Chinese troops to suddenly appear behind us, is it?"

"Furthermore, pass on my order that Carter lead the Fifth Brigade in a fierce attack on the outer defenses of Seoul!"

"We need to take this damn Seoul as soon as possible!"

Lieutenant General Thomas sighed and gave the order.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the U.S. Army 1st Division had no choice but to agree.

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

Soon, Carter led the 5th Brigade of the 1st Division of the U.S. Army to launch a fierce attack on the outskirts of Seoul!

Outside Seoul
The six thousand figures of the Fifth Brigade spread out like a swarm of steel ants across the frozen Han River plain.

Behind them, the silent artillery bared its menacing fangs.

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

In an instant, shells rained down on the Volunteer Army's positions, like an angry god wielding a giant hammer, furiously pounding the earth.

Fireballs exploded one after another, and smoke, carrying mud, sand, and deadly shrapnel, swept across every inch of the land.

Soil, shattered logs, gravel, and icy clods of frozen earth were violently hurled high into the air by the shockwave, only to plummet back down. The choking smoke and suffocating gases gripped people's throats like invisible claws.

A young soldier, half-buried by a sudden collapse of the earth, was left with only a charred and deformed hand reaching painfully towards the solidified leaden sky.

Before the roar of artillery fire had completely subsided, another, sharper and more terrifying howl tore through the sky.

A large number of US warplanes swooped down, dropping napalm bombs that trailed bright flames.

The flames engulfed the position, distorting the air above and turning the entire valley a blood red.

Under the licking flames, everything sizzled and crackled, billowing smoke rose, and a strong, nauseating smell of burning filled the air.

The pungent smell of burning was mixed with a faint, nauseating stench of burning proteins that caused stomach cramps.

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

12th Army Headquarters

"Old Ding! The 7th Company of the 3rd Regiment reports from its defense zone... Ground fortifications are almost completely destroyed, and casualties are heavy!"

"The Second Regiment's forward command requests a relocation... The position is covered by napalm and cannot be held!"

An Changsen reported.

"Transfer?"

"The position is our life."

"Tell all troops! Hold your positions in the trenches!"

"Without orders, we die! We die on the battlefield!"

"We must fight hard and engage the US military on all fronts to buy Wanli a chance!"

Ding Wei glanced in the direction of Incheon and said through gritted teeth.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, An Changsen remained silent for a few seconds before stamping his foot and agreeing.

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

After an unknown amount of time, a brief lull finally appeared in the artillery fire and air strikes.

"Clang... Clang... Clang..."

At the end of the smoke, a new, more subdued, and rhythmically distinct sound emerged.

Through the smoke, tall, angular steel silhouettes gradually emerged.

M26 Pershing heavy tanks and more agile M4 Sherman medium tanks were arranged in a wedge-shaped assault formation.

Tank tracks rolled over scorched earth and broken bunkers and logs, making a teeth-grinding sound, as they pressed toward the position.

Behind the mobile steel bunker provided by the massive tanks followed American infantrymen clad in winter combat uniforms.

They advanced using the tanks as cover, their movements practiced and efficient.

The smoke of battle had not yet dissipated, and the smell of burnt blood mixed with the pungent fumes permeated the battlefield.

…………

12th Army Headquarters

"Tanks! The American tanks are pressing in again!"

"Old Ding, the fortifications ahead have been basically flattened by their artillery fire. The Second Regiment reports that they have very few anti-tank weapons left..."

An Changsen's voice was slightly hoarse as he quickly walked to Ding Wei's side and said urgently.

"Even if we don't have it, we have to find a way!"

"Tell all regiments and battalions to bring out every anti-tank weapon they have!"

"Organize a suicide squad! Especially those captured bazookas, send them all to the front!"

"No matter what, I'll knock this iron-clad vanguard wedge off!"

Ding Wei's voice was firm and unwavering, and the order was quickly relayed.

Soon, behind the dilapidated bunkers, in the scorched earth pits where the fire had not yet completely burned, figures crawled forward.

Their bodies were covered in mud and soot, and they clutched heavy bazookas and the few remaining rockets in their hands.

They were suicide squad members selected from various companies.

Looking at those massive, rumbling machines hurtling towards them, everyone understood that this was a fight to the death!
"on!"

With a low growl, several soldiers leaped out from behind their cover.

Ignoring the strafing fire from US warplanes circling overhead and the intense infantry fire, they charged at an extremely fast pace, attempting to close the distance to the tanks.

The bazooka's effective range is too short; they have to get close to fire!

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

American infantry bullets rained down, and instantly two soldiers charging ahead froze, falling to the ground, their bazookas flying far away.

One of the munitionsmen, who was carrying a rocket, staggered, his chest bursting with blood, and he collapsed onto the scorched earth.

Another volunteer soldier used a huge shell crater as cover and knelt down to carry the bazooka.

He took a deep breath and aimed at the side of the track of the leading M26 Pershing tank.

"Swoosh—Boom!"

The rocket, trailing a plume of flame, struck the junction of the tank's side armor and tracks with pinpoint accuracy!
A huge explosion erupted in a flash!
The thick smoke was quickly dispersed by the cold wind, and the tracks of the behemoth suddenly snapped, causing it to collapse with a loud crash!
The tank's massive body shook violently and then came to a stop!

"You hit it! Well done!"

An uncontrollable cheer erupted from the position!

"careful!"

Before the cheers had even subsided, the turret of another Sherman tank nearby suddenly turned, and machine gun and artillery fire instantly enveloped the position of the soldier who had just distinguished himself...

After the explosion, all that remained was a deep crater and charred remains.

But even more daredevils followed suit!

Using the burning tank wreckage and huge shell craters as cover, they charged forward recklessly through the dense barrage of fire.

Accompanied by the sounds of rockets being launched with a series of "whoosh-boom!" followed by violent explosions.

American tanks were repeatedly blown off, their tracks were blown off, their road wheels were blown off, and one Sherman ammunition rack was even blown up, instantly turning into a huge fireball!

Almost every tank destroyed was accompanied by the sacrifice of several suicide squad members.

The flash and exhaust of a bazooka's firing reveal the shooter's position, making it a prime target for US tank guns, machine guns, and infantry.

Blood stained the scorched earth, and rocket launcher soldiers and ammunition handlers fell one after another...

Ding Wei clenched his fists tightly inside the command post, his knuckles turning white.

Through the telescope, he clearly saw the ferocity of the battle ahead and the sacrifices of the warriors.

When he saw that at least five vanguard tanks had been destroyed and were burning in front of the position, forming a significant blockage and greatly disrupting the attack formation and rhythm of the subsequent tanks, a resolute light suddenly flashed in his eyes!
"It's now!"

"Bugler! Sound the charge! All lines, counter-charge!!!"

Ding Wei roared, his voice still penetrating amidst the booming cannon fire.

"Drip drip drip drip—!"

The loud and urgent bugle call, like lightning piercing the night sky, suddenly resounded throughout the entire battlefield!

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers on the position were like tigers released from their cages, roaring and leaping out from the trenches and bunkers that had been blown to pieces!

"kill--!"

"Come on—!"

Explosions, machine gun fire, shouts of battle, clanging metal... countless sounds instantly merged into a boiling symphony of death.

Using their agility and fearless spirit, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers quickly charged toward the stalled American infantry.

They threw rows of grenades that exploded among the American soldiers, then brandished their cold bayonets and fought fiercely with the American soldiers who were stunned by the sudden change in tanks and the counterattack!
Close-quarters melee combat erupted!
The dull thud of a bayonet piercing a body, the screeching sound of an entrenching tool striking a steel helmet, the screams of the wounded…

The smell of blood in the air instantly intensified several times over.

Faced with Chinese soldiers who pounced like mad tigers, showing no regard for their own lives, the morale of the American soldiers wavered instantly, especially after losing their tank shield and fire support.

"Fall back! Fall back!"

(Retreat! Retreat!)
Panic shouts rang out from the American troops.

Deprived of tank cover and the momentum of their assault, the vanguard forces quickly collapsed under the relentless counterattacks of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

The infantry began to retreat in disarray, ignoring the officers' reprimands and only wanting to escape this scorched earth shrouded in death.

The tanks that were still operational also witnessed the infantry's rout and the Chinese soldiers rushing towards them at close range.

To avoid being destroyed at close range by Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers using cluster grenades or Molotov cocktails.

They also reversed, turned their guns around, and fired wildly at the crowd, trying to cover their retreat. At the same time, they collided and dodged each other in the chaos, leaving the scene in complete disarray.

Inside the headquarters
"Old Ding, the American devils' attack has been repelled!"

An Changsen said with a hint of excitement.

"It's still early; the American devils will definitely continue their attack."

"It's alright, we'll handle it!"

"Judging by the time, that kid Wu Wanli should be arriving at his hiding place in Incheon Port soon."

"Hopefully he can successfully seize the aircraft carrier and battleship."

"Those things are extremely important to our Chinese navy."

"With such a long coastline, we can't be without a capable navy, can we?"

Ding Wei looked in the direction of Incheon and said expectantly.

(End of this chapter)