Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 313 Annihilation of the US Fleet! General Offensive on Pyeongtaek!

Outside Pingze, in a slightly elevated and secluded spot, was the temporary command post of the Seventh Steel Brigade.

A huge hand-drawn sketch of the Pyeongtaek port area and its fortifications was laid out on a makeshift table made of ammunition boxes.

The port's outline is clearly visible, and the core of the ring defense is a fortress composed of several large, sturdy warehouses, marked by a striking red circle.

Several arrows point from the surrounding area toward the fortress, representing the reconnaissance results of the various detachments' infiltration over the past hour.

"Based on all reconnaissance intelligence, the U.S. military's defenses in the warehouse area are stronger than expected."

The existing walls on the east and south sides were reinforced and heightened, and multiple layers of crisscrossing barbed wire were added to the outer perimeter, with signs of minefields.

The walls are thickened, and the interior has clearly defined layers of firing points, forming a three-dimensional support fire network.

Although the western side, which faces the sea, is relatively weak, it is also blocked by multiple fortified firing points and is directly threatened by naval guns.

The defending forces, numbering around a thousand American troops, huddled together here, relying on semi-permanent fortifications to hold out to the death.

Its firepower is sufficient to cover almost all access routes from inland areas.

Pinghe pointed to the battle map and said.

"For such tough nuts to crack, conventional mountain guns and mortars have limited effectiveness."

Even if our shells manage to hit the structure, they are unlikely to cause fatal damage to reinforced concrete.

A direct assault would inevitably require the blood and flesh of our soldiers.

Gao Daxing frowned and said with a hint of difficulty.

"There's no way around it!"
Apart from this warehouse area, the rest of the port area consists of open spaces or simple docks, where the US military does not reside.

What they want is for us to bite off this tough nut and drag it out until reinforcements arrive!

But we can't just ignore them; after all, the landing force was so dense, if we don't take them out first, a large number of us will definitely be wiped out by their firepower!

Yu Congrong sighed and said.

"So the key is how to break through this hard shell in the shortest time and at the lowest cost."

Several options were discussed: First, Lei Gong would concentrate all his artillery to bombard a single point at close range, forcibly creating a breach.

The problem is that the warehouse walls are thick; how many shells would be needed to collapse them in a short time? And how long would it take?

Moreover, exposed gun positions would attract US artillery fire and even air strikes.

Second, while Gao Daxing directed the artillery regiment to suppress the enemy, Yu Congrong and Pinghe organized elite assault teams to infiltrate and launch powerful attacks from multiple directions.

The advantage is that it's fast.

The disadvantage is that the warehouse area has a complex structure and densely packed firing points, making it easy for assault teams to get caught in a meat grinder and suffer huge casualties.

Third, Gao Daxing suggested a combination of feints and strong attacks at night.

Under the cover of night, create disturbances in multiple locations to draw fire, and concentrate the main force to break through a weak point.

This requires extremely realistic feint attacks and a very fast main force to break through key points.

But our men are exhausted, and our ammunition is running low. If this feint attack turns into a war of attrition, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Liu Hanqing thought for a moment and then analyzed.

"Warehouse No. 1 is a relatively weak point in the warehouse area's defenses, and it's easy for us to attack it."

I led a large team, organized a suicide squad, and went all out, using explosives and flamethrowers to take it down!
If we can break through this point, we can penetrate and disrupt his entire defense system!

Losses are inevitable, but we must show this resolve before the main American forces return!

Yu Congrong waved his hand, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, and said.

"Old Yu, there are no cowards in our Volunteer Army."

But this isn't a firefight with US infantry in the open; this is a fortified fortress complex!
Inside, there are machine guns, rocket launchers, and possibly even recoilless rifles waiting for our men to rush in.

One firing point can block an entire attack direction!
My artillery regiment provided full support, but the suppression effect was very limited.

"With this strategy, even if they ultimately win, how many players will be left?"

Gao Daxing shook his head in opposition.

"I agree with Lao Gao's concerns about casualties."

According to reconnaissance, the US military's fire positions in the warehouse area were arranged in a rather cunning manner, making full use of the high ground and the firing range of various angles to form a pincer movement.

Once the assault team is inside, they need to fight for each house and eliminate each point one by one, and at every step they may be caught in crossfire.

Our number of flamethrowers is limited, and their effectiveness against such a robust structure is uncertain.

"Could we use the American equipment we captured earlier to disguise a small team and pick up ******* River?" He thought for a moment and asked.

"Disguise is risky; once exposed, you become a sitting duck."

As for close-range artillery fire, there aren't many shells left.

To blast a hole in a warehouse of that size, it would require at least five minutes of intensive bombardment of the same weak point.

The US military won't give us that time; their artillery observation posts aren't blind.

Once they spotted our gun position, their firepower covered us within a minute.

"By then, the cannons will be gone, and so will the people."

Lei Gong took a puff of his pipe and said in a low voice.

Meanwhile, the argument continued inside the small tent.

One solution after another was proposed, its advantages were explained, but its fatal flaws were also analyzed.

"Wanli, what's your opinion?"
In the past, you would often directly propose solutions, but lately you haven't been speaking up immediately.

Liu Hanqing looked at Wu Wanli, who had been silent for a long time next to the map, and asked.

"Hahaha... Let's argue for a while."

Back when it was the Steel Seventh Company and Steel Seventh Battalion, I had no problem making decisions directly.

But after you arrive at the Seventh Steel Regiment and the Seventh Steel Brigade, you will have more soldiers under your command, and it will be time to give you opportunities to train.

"Hanqing, how long will it take for our Chinese naval fleet to arrive near Pyeongtaek to provide support?"

After explaining the reason, Wu Wanli asked.

"We have just received an encrypted message that the naval fleet has exceeded its speed limit and is sprinting at full speed."

According to Chief Xiao Zhenhua's final estimate, they would arrive at our designated reception area in as little as fifteen minutes.

However, the US Navy's vanguard fleet, consisting of two destroyers and two cruisers, was docked outside the port.

Although we are confident that we can defeat them, it will take time.

In addition, MacArthur's newly formed task force is far stronger than this vanguard fleet and is heading straight for Pyeongsawa.

Once they arrive, our navy may not be able to win; this is a risk that Chief Xiao specifically warned us about.

Liu Hanqing was taken aback at first, and this was the first question he asked. He then quickly took out the telegram from his pocket and answered.

time!

risk!

US warships blocked the port!
The threat of MacArthur's main fleet!
Every word struck like a hammer blow to everyone's hearts.

Even if the navy arrives quickly, it will still take fifteen minutes, and they will first have to take down the American fleet blocking their way.

Even more critically, a more powerful US fleet was closing in from behind.

"Fifteen minutes until a naval battle, and most importantly, the pressure of the arrival of the main US fleet. This is a difficult situation..."

Pinghe frowned upon hearing this.

"It's not just the pressure at sea; once Ridgway and his men realize they've been tricked, they'll definitely mobilize the main UN forces on land to attack."

Putting aside the other main forces, the mechanized Third Division won't be long before they return.

Liu Hanqing nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing, Pinghe, and Lei Gong all looked serious.

Time, still time.

With everything uncertain, they had no choice but to launch a full-scale attack.

After all, they don't have a god's-eye view and can't see the whole situation, so they can only try to buy time to fight as safely as possible.

However, Wu Wanli listened to Liu Hanqing's report without any change in his expression.

He lowered his head slightly, activating the celestial map deep within his mind!

After looking at the map on the Sky Eye, Wu Wanli found that the distance between the Third Division and the US fleet was not that close, at least there was no need to launch a strong attack on the fortress complex now.

"Don't worry about those few American ships outside the harbor. Just tell Chief Xiao to have them come over as soon as possible."

First, based on all available intelligence, I speculate that MacArthur's main fleet will not arrive for at least four to six hours, and there is still a time lag.

Second, the U.S. Army's elite 3rd Division has been outmaneuvered by us, and it will take them at least four hours to circle back.

The enemy forces on the other side of Suanam City are too busy to deal with their own problems, and the small groups of troops hastily sent from other strongholds and Seoul do not pose a real threat to us.

The troops guarding the warehouse district in Pyeongtaek are the only remaining force that the U.S. military can currently muster, capable of holding us back and threatening the Navy.

Third, and most importantly.

Your analysis is correct. This fortification is a tough nut to crack, and it would be too costly to force it through with combined infantry and artillery on land.

The Seventh Steel Brigade fought its way here from the west bank of the Han River, suffering more than half of its personnel casualties and heavy losses of its core members.

We can no longer let our soldiers use their flesh and blood to fight against reinforced concrete; we must leave some seeds to take back with us.

This team was won with the lives of countless comrades, and it will become the spark that protects the motherland in the future.

Fourth, our greatest asset is the navy's naval guns!

The small boats of the US vanguard fleet were no match for the massive 406mm guns on our battleships and the carrier-based bombers.

Once those problems are solved, the long-range and powerful main guns of Commander Xiao's fleet are the most effective means to break through this turtle shell!

Only by using naval gunfire to suppress and destroy the fortified positions surrounding the warehouse area, creating a breach, can our ground infantry assault be twice as effective and minimize losses!

Wu Wanli tapped the battle map and said with a confident expression.

Yu Congrong opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but looking at Wu Wanli's unquestionable gaze and the mention of "leaving some seeds," he finally nodded.

"Using naval guns to breach the port defenses is indeed the best option, as long as they can get in!"

Gao Daxing's tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he nodded in agreement.

"The chief commander has calculated the time difference, and his judgment has never been wrong."

Waiting to exchange for naval artillery support seems like a worthwhile trade. I agree.

This is a good time for the comrades to rest, and at the same time, to clarify the final attack route and coordination details.

Pinghe looked at Wu Wanli with complete trust and said.

"With the cover of naval guns, we can crack this tough nut."

Our artillery regiment isn't idle either; we act as the eyes of the naval guns, providing fire correction and striving to maximize firepower!

Lei Gong said.

"Understood!

I immediately called Chief Xiao back to confirm the change in our action plan.

After its fleet arrives and destroys the enemy vanguard fleet, it will launch a general offensive against the warehouse area, depending on the enemy's naval gun readiness!

At the same time, it was requested that they suppress the fortifications in the warehouse area facing the sea, cutting off possible sea support routes for the US military.

Liu Hanqing took a deep breath, his spirits lifted.

"Let's do it this way!"
Lei Gong, immediately organize your best artillery observation team to advance and conceal themselves in a safe area near the outskirts of the warehouse area!
At the same time, radio communications must be established to ensure smooth fire coordination with the naval fleet!
Tell them the precise coordinates of the warehouse area and the location of the key targets!

The remaining artillery pieces of the artillery regiment are concealed and awaiting orders to coordinate with naval gunfire!

Wu Wanli gave the order.

"Yes, sir! I guarantee the naval guns will hit their targets!"

Lei Gong immediately agreed.

"Yu Congrong, Pinghe, Gao Daxing! Order your comrades to take cover and rest in place!"

Replenish food and water supplies, and inspect firearms and ammunition, especially demolition charges and flamethrowers used for assault operations!

Bring out all the American canned food so everyone can have a bite while we wait for the order to attack!
Tell them that the toughest times are about to pass, and that our naval brothers will soon be able to use cannons to help us break down the barriers in front of us!
"Conserve your energy and prepare for the final, most crucial strike!"

Wu Wanli continued to issue orders.

"clear!!!"

Yu Congrong, Ping He, and Gao Daxing straightened up at the same time and said in unison.

Before long, the soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade sprang into action under the orders of their respective brigade commanders.

Apart from the sentries, the vast majority of soldiers sat down on the spot and took out captured American beef cans and compressed biscuits, wolfing them down to replenish their strength.

The soft sounds of wiping guns and checking equipment rustled through the pine forest, a tranquility brought by the first rays of dawn amidst the tense atmosphere.

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

Seventeen minutes later, off the coast of Pyeongtaek Port

The seawater churned in the cold wind as the Chinese navy rapidly approached.

The massive silhouette of the Chinese Navy's flagship aircraft carrier "Wanli" cleaved through the waves, with the roar of engines echoing across the flight deck.

The ground crew, like precision parts, raced across the slippery deck.

The ammunition vehicle was quickly reloaded with 500 pounds of general-purpose bombs and 12.7mm machine gun ammunition belts, and the refueling hose was quickly connected.

The bow rose and fell heavily, and every movement on the deck had to counteract the ship's violent pitching and rolling.

Damage control team members, armed with firefighting equipment, stood ready outside the island superstructure and key compartments.

Behind the aircraft carrier "Wanli", the battleship "Dongfanghong" was even more imposing.

The three triple 406mm main gun turrets rotated heavily, their thick gun barrels pointing forward.

Inside the turret, the gunner kept a close eye on the enemy ship's position parameters, which were constantly being updated via data link from the ship's radar system, through a stabilized sight.

On the secondary gun and anti-aircraft gun positions, the gunners gripped the firing devices tightly, their eyes scanning the airspace and water surface where threats could arise at any moment.

On the left flank of the fleet, a cruiser that had only recently been acquired maintained its guard position; its hull was relatively slender, but its main guns were powerful.

The triple 152mm main guns were also pointed towards the enemy ship, and the fire control system quickly calculated the firing data.

The four Soviet-made destroyers that were received cut through the white waves with their bows, and were scattered in front of the Wanli and Dongfanghong, forming a barrier against torpedoes and air defense. Anti-submarine missiles were already mounted on the depth charge launch rails.

Below the waterline, six newly acquired submarines silently navigated the deep waters, using sonar to monitor the noise from the surface and the dangers lurking in the complex underwater acoustic environment.

Their adversary was the US Navy's vanguard fleet, which consisted of the heavy cruiser USS Chicago as its core, the Cleveland-class light cruiser USS Manchester, and the destroyers USS Sampson and USS Rowan.

This small but experienced fleet had already deployed its defensive positions in Pyeongtaek Port and kept its speed at around 20 knots.

Their intention was to rely on land-based radar guidance and the complex waters surrounding the port for defensive operations, delaying the arrival of MacArthur's main fleet.

The 203mm guns of the USS Chicago and the 152mm guns of the USS Manchester are both pointed at the direction in which the Chinese fleet may appear on the sea surface.

The torpedo tube covers on the US destroyer were all open, ready to launch a torpedo attack at any time.

All their 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns were pointed high, their muzzles pointing alertly at the sky.

Inside the island superstructure of the aircraft carrier Wanli
Commander Xiao Zhenhua stood beside a huge tactical situation map, his eyes scanning the markings representing the enemy's and our own positions.

"Reporting, sir: The enemy fleet is at bearing 330, heading 135, and speed 18 knots!"

A naval adjutant quickly reported.

"They want to wait for us to tire themselves out, and rely on the port and land-based cover to fight a defensive and delaying war against us."

We can't let them have their way. Is the carrier strike group ready?

Xiao Zhenhua frowned and asked into the radio.

"Reporting to the commander, the first wave of MiG fighters has completed warm-up with 500-pound bombs and is ready to take off at any time!"

The flight deck controller's hoarse voice came through the radio.

"Take off immediately!"
Target—Enemy cruiser!
"Order Dongfanghong to extend its main gun fire for suppressive fire!"

Upon hearing this, Commander Xiao Zhenhua immediately gave the order: "Yes! Take off immediately!"

A response came through the radio.

Soon, the aircraft carrier adjusted its bow to face the headwind.

The signalman waved a small green flag, and the first MiG fighter roared into the air from the end of the deck, followed by the second, the third...

They quickly assembled into formation above the fleet, their engines emitting a continuous, high-pitched roar, rapidly climbing the altitude and heading towards the target airspace.

"Bang--------!"

Almost at the same time the fighter jets took off, the three 406mm guns on the starboard side of the Dongfanghong battleship roared with deafening thunder!

The cannons spewed out huge orange-red fireballs that were tens of meters long, and thick smoke instantly enveloped most of the bow of the ship.

The heavy cannon barrel recoiled violently and returned to its original position under the force of recoil.

Three armor-piercing high-explosive shells, each weighing over a ton, tore through the air and crashed into the US fleet 27 kilometers away with a devastating whistle.

Moments later, a huge column of water shot into the sky about 800 meters behind the side of the heavy cruiser USS Chicago, like a giant white wall of water.

"Bullet deflected 800 meters to the right! Straddle firing! Correct firing parameters!"
Turrets B and C join the firing!

Inside the fire control center of the Dongfanghong, a Chinese naval officer spoke with a barely perceptible hint of excitement.

"Waaaaah————————————"

On the bridge of the USS Chicago, the flagship of the US fleet, alarms blared mournfully.

"Chinese naval battleships have opened fire! The ballistics are high, take evasive action!"

"All ships accelerate to 27 knots! S-shaped evasive maneuver! Destroyers spread out! Anti-aircraft gun crews! Prepare to engage enemy aircraft!"

The US Navy captain gripped the handrail tightly, feeling the chilling shockwave in the distance as he shouted.

The USS Manchester cruiser and two destroyers began performing dramatic zigzag maneuvers while firing smoke bombs at the Chinese fleet.

A white-gray smoke billowed rapidly behind them, attempting to obstruct their vision and aim.

All anti-aircraft gun groups, especially the rapid-fire guns on the destroyers, began to fire intensely at the pre-aimed area in the air, with tracer rounds leaving trails of dark red light.

While the American ships were distracted by the long-range bombardment of their massive guns and the approaching carrier-based aircraft, the Chinese cruiser and four destroyers, under the cover of the battleship Dongfanghong, accelerated and made a large-scale maneuver toward the northeast.

Using the slightly chaotic sea surface as cover, they attempted to seize advantageous torpedo launching positions on the flanks or the head of a T-shaped formation of the fleet.

With its speed increased to 33 knots, the bow of the destroyer was almost completely submerged in the waves, and seawater washed over the gun emplacements on the foredeck.

They maintained a distance of about 1000 meters between them, ensuring mutual fire support while avoiding multiple ships being hit by a single shell.

In the sky, the Chinese Navy's carrier-based aircraft group has arrived over the US fleet.

"Thump thump thump thump thump..."

The U.S. military’s fierce and indiscriminate air defense fire weaves a dense but inefficient barrage around them.

"As planned, squadron one will attack the heavy cruisers, squadron two will attack the light cruisers, and the destroyers will be handed over to machine gun fire after diving! Dive angle 60 degrees! Kill!"

The Chinese captain leading the team shouted into the radio.

Soon, all engines engaged, and the Chinese fighter jets emitted a piercing whistle.

Two squadrons of MiG fighters swooped down on the USS Chicago and the USS Manchester respectively, with the 500-pound bomb guide rings clearly visible under their wings.

The moment they entered their dive angle, they became the most obvious targets for anti-aircraft fire.

20mm and 40mm anti-aircraft shells chased after them relentlessly.

A MiG fighter jet in a dive was hit in the root of its right wing and engine by a burst of 40mm shells, and instantly lost control and rolled over.

The fighter jet plunged into the icy sea, trailing thick smoke and flames. The Chinese pilot inside failed to eject and tragically perished.

The remaining Chinese fighter jets, undeterred, completed their dive-bombing runs despite the gunfire!
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

In an instant, a large number of bombs fell almost simultaneously.

The massive hull of the USS Chicago shuddered violently as two bombs exploded on its starboard side.

The immense water pressure tore apart part of the hull structure beneath the side armor belt, and a boiler room and two secondary gun ammunition magazines were filled with seawater.

In this situation, the USS Chicago's speed dropped sharply, and the ship listed 10 degrees to starboard.

The explosion sent up a water column tens of meters high, soaking the bridge.

The cruiser Manchester was slightly luckier; the bombs it dropped during its dive exploded 50 meters ahead of its bow.

The powerful shockwave severely deformed the bow of the ship, completely destroyed the anchor equipment, and killed or injured several U.S. Navy sailors.

Some of the Chinese fighter jets that attacked it successfully dove down and dropped their bombs, but the bombs missed their target by more than 100 meters and exploded in the water.

Another Chinese fighter jet, after dropping bombs on a destroyer, was hit by a dense barrage of close-in weaponry from a Fletcher-class destroyer and caught fire, only managing to struggle away from the battlefield.

At the same time, the Dongfanghong battleship roared in with its second full salvo after calibration!

This revision is much more accurate!
A massive column of water completely engulfed a US destroyer!

The shockwave instantly twisted and tore apart the fragile hull.

A near miss exploded a few meters from the port bow, and the resulting wall of water crushed the forward section of the hull.

Immediately afterwards, a muffled loud bang followed, "Pfft... Boom!"

It turned out that a shell from the main gun of the "Dongfanghong" directly hit the junction of the smokestack and engine room at the rear of the bridge of the US destroyer!

A dazzling, enormous fireball shot into the sky, and scorching metal fragments swept across the deck.

Thick smoke and flames instantly engulfed the mid-to-rear structure of the destroyer.

With a violent internal explosion of ammunition, the US destroyer began to sink rapidly from the stern within a minute, its bow rising high as it disappeared into the rolling waves with most of its crew.

Of the more than two hundred American officers and soldiers on board, very few survived.

"A US destroyer has sunk!"

The main heavy cruiser has been severely damaged!
The US Navy fleet formation is in disarray!

At this moment, the fire control center of the Dongfanghong battleship reported to Xiao Zhenhua.

The command center of the aircraft carrier Wanli
"Well done!"

"Let the cruisers and destroyers launch the attack; it's time for the torpedoes too!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhenhua shouted into the radio.

At this moment, the US fleet was briefly thrown into chaos by the instantaneous destruction of a destroyer and severe damage to its flagship.

The smoke screen became distorted and fragmented due to the evasive maneuvers.

At this moment, the Chinese cruiser and two destroyers, which were performing flank maneuvers, had quietly approached the optimal range for torpedo attacks!
The other two destroyers provided air defense cover and anti-submarine surveillance at a slightly further distance.

"Target struck by lightning!"
Location: XXX, Distance: 1800!

Set depth 4 meters!
Launch tubes 1 to 5, fire simultaneously!

The captain of the Chinese cruiser decisively gave the order!

The cruiser's five-tube 533mm torpedo launcher on its side suddenly spewed out high-pressure gas!
Five sturdy torpedoes entered the water one after another, and the propellers at their tails began to spin at high speed after entering the water.

These torpedoes, trailing white plumes, hurtled toward the heavy cruiser USS Chicago, which was turning right to avoid gunfire, at a deadly speed of over 40 knots!
"Torpedoes spotted! Port side! Numerous torpedoes approaching! Distance 1500!"

The desperate alarms of the Chicago were drowned out by the alarms in the engine room.

"Hard to port! Emergency reverse! All port secondary guns fire torpedoes!"

However, the giant ship, listing to starboard and with its speed suddenly reduced, was as clumsy as a wounded beast.

Despite the secondary guns frantically strafing the sea, creating countless water columns in an attempt to detonate the torpedoes or interfere with the operation.

However, three heavy torpedoes still slammed into the port side of the USS Chicago, between the midships and the stern!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!!"

Three deafening roars, like the end of the world, followed one after another.

The massive explosion tore three horrific holes in the waterline!

Seawater poured into the engine room, ammunition depot, and fuel tanks at an unimaginable speed... and a massacre occurred!
Huge fireballs rose continuously from inside the damaged hull, tearing apart the superstructure.

Thick smoke and flames instantly engulfed the entire rear of the ship.

The USS Chicago emitted a series of cracking and splintering sounds as it began to list sharply to port at a visible speed.

Five minutes later, the more than 10,000-ton US heavy cruiser, with its desperate captain and flag, capsized and sank into the deep sea, leaving only a huge whirlpool and struggling survivors on the surface.

Some of the surviving U.S. sailors were rescued by small boats launched by their own destroyers that arrived later, but most of them sank with their ships.

Meanwhile, two other destroyers also locked onto another US light cruiser, the USS Manchester.

It was desperately turning to try and evade, but damage to the bow limited its maneuverability.

"Target locked! Bearing XXX! Depth set at 3.5 meters! Fire all three tubes simultaneously!"

The captain of a Chinese destroyer had a hoarse voice.

"Fire from pipes two through five, all at once!"

Another Chinese destroyer followed closely behind.

Four white death trails detached from their respective ships and headed straight for the cruiser HMS Manchester.

In a panic, the Manchester made a successful evasive maneuver!

Most of the torpedoes grazed its bow and stern as they passed by.

"Boom!"

A torpedo launched at its maximum range struck the Manchester cruiser squarely below the starboard bow!

The violent explosion nearly tore the bow off the ship!

Seawater rushed in, and the ship sank instantly, with its heavy bow almost plunging into the sea.

The light cruiser lost all power and spun helplessly in place, becoming a steel coffin and a sitting duck floating on the sea.

Although the ship's guns are still firing indiscriminately, they are no longer able to pose an effective threat.

At this moment, the US fleet had only one destroyer left that retained full combat capability, while another had been sunk by the main guns of the Dongfanghong battleship.

It witnessed the horrific scene of the main force being instantly annihilated, and the captain realized in despair that the mission had completely failed.

"Full speed! Full rudder! Z-shaped maneuver! Target: Pyeongtaek Port entrance! Release smoke! Emergency call for port garrison cover!"

The US Navy captain gave the order in a panic.

The last destroyer immediately went full throttle, turning its smoke generators to maximum power, and frantically maneuvered, attempting to use its speed advantage to escape back to the harbor for protection.

The ship's guns continued to fire stubbornly at the approaching Chinese vessels, providing fire suppression.

One of the 127mm shells hit a 20mm anti-aircraft gun position on the left front of the bridge of a Chinese destroyer, causing a small explosion that killed and injured several gun crew members.

Another shell exploded near the side of the Chinese cruiser, causing minor flooding and damage to some upper deck equipment.

"Damn it, I was thinking of letting them go after being taken prisoner, but they won't listen to reason and are now being forced to drink the penalty cup."

Don't let it get away! Full power! Torpedo tubes, prepare for second round!!!

Upon seeing this, the cruiser captain immediately roared in anger.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The cruiser's main and secondary guns opened fire fiercely on the retreating silhouette of the last American destroyer, with shells constantly falling around the ship.

Other destroyers followed closely, firing their 127mm main guns repeatedly.

At this moment, a deadly threat silently descends from the water!

The three submarines, which were ordered to set up ambush positions near the entrance of the main channel of Pyeongtaek Port, had been hiding for a long time, taking advantage of the complex underwater acoustic environment.

Target confirmed!
Location: XXX, Distance: 3500 meters, Heading towards port entrance!

Speed ​​28 knots! Stable flight path!

Pipes one through four, get ready!

Set depth 3 meters!
Torpedoes have high speeds!
Launch sector angle set! Launch!

Soon, the submarine captain gave a loud order.

In an instant, four torpedoes detached from the submarine's forward launch tubes, silently tracing deadly arcs through the water and precisely intercepting the high-speed course of the US destroyer.

The sailors on the US destroyer were in a state of panic, frantically searching for their pursuers, and reacted fatally two beats slower to the silent, electrically powered torpedo!
"Starboard! Torpedo! Emergency evasive action!!"

The terrified screams from the bridge of the US destroyer had barely begun when they were completely swallowed up by the massive explosions that followed!
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

In an instant, three torpedoes hit!

A missile exploded violently amidships, instantly destroying the steering gear and the aft engine.

Another shell exploded below the main gun magazine at the bow, causing a massive secondary explosion that shattered the entire bow into pieces.

The third missile hit the stern, blowing the propeller away.

The US destroyer, like a piece of rotten wood that had been set ablaze, began to break apart and sink amidst the violent explosions and raging fire, at a breathtaking speed.

The American sailors on board had almost no time to escape.

In less than a minute, all that remained on the sea surface was boiling oil fire, twisted steel fragments, and a few survivors struggling desperately and calling for help on the burning sea.

Under the calm orders of their respective captains to "dive rapidly and evade counterattack," the Chinese submarine group quickly submerged and disappeared into the murky, icy seawater.

At this point, the entire surface fleet of the US vanguard had been annihilated.

All that remains floating on the sea are the burning wreckage of the "Manchester" and a few struggling passengers.

The Chinese destroyer fleet began to calmly and efficiently carry out its sweeping mission.

The artillery continued to bombard the defenseless wreckage of the Manchester until it was completely sunk, eliminating any future threat.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy began attempting to approach and collect captured U.S. military personnel who had fallen into the water and to rescue any pilots who might have parachuted out.

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

At this moment, inside the Wanli aircraft carrier

"Damn it! That was great! Well done, naval gunners! And good job, pilots!"

Captain Li Hongbo said excitedly.

"Report! Final confirmation! All US warships are confirmed sunk! All enemy surface targets have been cleared! Comrades are clearing the battlefield and rescuing people..."

A naval staff officer looked up excitedly, his glasses almost slipping off his nose, and said.

"Commander! Captain Li! We...we've created a miracle!"

The US vanguard fleet was annihilated in half an hour!

Another young operations staff officer rushed to the nautical chart, his voice rising with excitement.

Inside the command center, a surge of pent-up emotions, suppressed for far too long, was about to burst through the iron walls.

Several young naval officers couldn't help but high-five each other, their faces flushed red with intense excitement and the lingering smell of gunpowder.

The dizzying feeling of victory was so intense that it seemed to temporarily overwhelm everything.

Even the buzzing of electronic devices and the crackling of wireless currents in the air seemed to have taken on a jubilant rhythm.

"A miracle? MacArthur's main fleet is still behind!"
Ridgway's Third Division, with its steel wheels still on the move!
Inside the port, thousands of American soldiers were huddled in reinforced concrete fortifications!

The retreat route for the comrades of the Seventh Steel Brigade was right in front of them, but it was blocked by these American devils with their cannons!

They're still waiting!
"What are we waiting for? We're waiting for our naval guns to fire!"

Xiao Zhenhua sighed and said.

Upon hearing this, the blood that had been boiling just a second ago suddenly turned cold.

Captain Li Hongbo's straight back trembled almost imperceptibly as he said, "Understood, sir!"

"Immediately send a power generation team from the Seventh Steel Company to Wanli!"
The vanguard has been cleared of the enemy, and the waterway is now clear!
Fleet main guns are ready for suppression; coordinate receiving ports are now open!
Order the 7th Steel Squadron to launch a general assault on the port warehouse area, using naval gunfire as the signal! Cover troops to quickly cross the open area and board the ships!
The fleet has moved forward to provide support and is preparing to evacuate!

Xiao Zhenhua waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the naval communications officer responded loudly.

(End of this chapter)